My sister unwittingly created the tradition of the Newborn Survival Kit.
When I was pregnant with Bean, I got a package in the mail from my sister. With visions of frothy baby blankets and cute ironic onesies dancing in my head, I opened it. To find THE MOST PRACTICAL gift a pregnant woman has ever received. We’re talking a massive tub of diaper cream, Gerber cloth diaper folds, a few board books, and a subscription to Amazon Prime. Each item came with instructions.
If you’re a parent, you probably recognize this for what it was: the best gift ever.
So, now, continuing on the tradition of giving the most boring present a pregnant lady has ever gotten, I’ve been spreading my sister’s wisdom to every pregnant friend. Yes, complete with instructions.
My items are a little different, but each one was absolutely necessary.
Ready?
Maria’s Newborn Survival Kit
1. A Tub of Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash — When nothing else has worked, lather this on thick.
2. Medela Softshells for Sore Nipples — Yeah, things are getting real. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, wear under your bra from the start. I only needed them for a week or two, but they were NECESSARY. Lansinoh lotion did not help.
3. White Noise Machine (lots of options out there) — When you are desperate for baby to go to sleep, try this out. Also very useful for micro-nursery living, when you want to watch a movie while baby is asleep in the hallway nook.
4. Gerber Flatfold Cloth Diapers — NOT FOR USE AS A CLOTH DIAPER. This is what my sister got me. Basically use as: spit up rag, spit up blanket protector, wash cloth, burp cloth. They are super absorbent and awesome.
5. It’s Time To Sleep My Love by Nancy Tillman and Eric Metaxas (Board book) — Because sometimes you need a break from Goodnight Moon.
6. Art Cards For Baby — Ok, not absolutely necessary but otherwise this gift bag is just so SO practical. These cards are magic. We noticed Bean taking them in when she was only a few days old during diaper changes. It was amazing to see a baby so young notice something (there’s a person in there!). As she got closer to a couple weeks old, we could really see her eyes moving and studying the images. At first, position the cards 8-12 inches from baby — that’s the farthest they can see. We later put them in frames as artwork above her toy shelf.
(If I were being an honest lady, I’d also throw in Depends Underwear. But, I’ve learned people get squirrelly about such things. And no, it’s not for incontinence, jeez.)
I think that’s it. I’d love to hear from any of you — what were your absolutely necessary newborn items? I find it fascinating that this list can change from person to person (infant to infant).
