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We know that the two things that aren’t cancelled right now are pregnancy and parenthood. While so much has changed, we know that one thing has not: BCB is here for you. One of the most common comments we have received from expectant parents is that their baby showers are cancelled. BCB came up with a list of Ten Essentials for Bringing Baby Home as you prepare for parenthood. We’re here for you, we’ve got you covered.
You won’t be able to transport your baby home from the hospital without a car seat. You’re also going to want to make sure it is installed safety. Some of our favorite infant car seats include: Britax B-Safe, Chicco KeyFit30, Clek Liing and Nuna Pipa. You can check out some resources on our website about car seat safety. Safekids.org is also a great place to turn for reliable car seat information.
It’s completely up to you whether you choose to have baby in your room or theirs from the start. But wherever baby is, you have to make sure that they are in a crib or bassinet that is designed and certified for sleeping. When it comes time to putting baby to sleep you want to make sure they are on their back with nothing in the crib besides them and what they are wearing (and a swaddle blanket or wearable blanket if you choose.) This means NO pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals. NOTHING else.
Some of our favorite bassinets include: Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bassinet, Halo Bassinest
Some of our favorite cribs include: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Crib
Some of our favorite crib mattresses include: Newton Living Crib Mattress, Sealy Healthy Dream 2-Stage Crib Mattress
You’re going to change about 3,000 diapers in baby’s first year alone. It’s a good bet to put them in all sizes on your registry. This way, you’ll be prepared for the next size when you need it. Some of our favorite diaper and wipe brands include Seventh Generation and Huggies. Also, make sure you get a diaper pail—if you have more than one floor, then one for each level of your home. Two of our faves include: Diaper Dekor and Ubbi Diaper Pail
It’s safe to say that you’re going to want to take a shower and go to the bathroom, right? Baby is always safe in their crib with nothing else in it. If you choose another piece of gear for baby, make sure that you can buckle them in when you leave the room. Options include swings and bouncers. Some of our favorites include: the Fisher Price Cradle N’ Swing, Babybjorn Bouncer, Nuna Leaf, 4moms mamaRoo
You may not know, but if you contact a DME (durable Medical Equipment provider), they will do all the legwork with your insurance company to get you your pump FOR FREE. Ashland Breast Pumps is one of our favorite DME’s and the one we at BCB has been working with for years. They make the process of getting a free pump so simple. Some of our favorite breast pumps covered by insurance include the Spectra S1 and Medela Freestyle Flex, both of which are closed systems.
Baby wearing is a great way to bond with baby, do vertical tummy time, and be hands free when you’re with your baby! There are soft structured carriers, wraps and slings. Some of our favorites include: Ergobaby 360, Sollybaby, Baby K’Tan, Lascal m1, and Contours Love Carrier.
The weather is warming up and the ONE thing many of us can still do right now is take a walk in our neighborhood. (Please note, we know that there are different parameters across the country, we are speaking in general terms.) Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, but there are three general options. Here they are and some of our favorites in each category:
Lightweight/Compact: These strollers are easy to fold and easy to travel with. Many are not car seat compatible. In this category there are tri-fold strollers and umbrella strollers. Some of our favorites include: Ergobaby Metro, Babyzen YoYo, UPPAbaby G-Luxe, GB Pockit, Summer Infant 3d Lite, Thule Spring
Modular: These strollers tend to be car seat compatible. They start at birth and grow with your child, and often with your family. Many options in this category allow for you to add a second seat or a ride along board. Some of our favorites include: UPPAbaby VISTA V2 and CRUZ V2, Thule Sleek, Evenflo Pivot
Jogging/All Terrain: BOB Revolution Flex and Thule Urban Glide 2
Don’t forget a few things to take care of baby AND yourself. Gift sets are a great way to get access to everything that you need—and they will go the distance taking you into the first few months of baby’s life. Some of our favorite personal care gift sets for baby include Mustela, Aveeno, Baby Dove, Noodle and Boo and Babyganics. If you’re looking for postpartum essentials for mom, check out Frida Mom.
Mulsin swaddles are the best multi-tasker. You can use them to swaddle (obviously!) and then also for so many other things. Playtime, a nursing cover, burp cloth, and more. Some of our favorites include: Angel Dear, Little Unicorn and Lou Lou Lollipop.
Whether you choose to breast or bottle feed, that is YOUR choice. But we want to recommend having a few things on hand to make it easier. In addition to the breast pump above, make sure you have a feeding pillow (these are great for all feeds AND for tummy time as well!). You’ll also want to have a couple of bottles in the house as well for when you are ready to introduce them.
Some of our favorite products include:
Bottles by Dr. Browns, Tommee Tippee, MAM
Feeding pillow: Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner
There isn’t much that you need in the house in terms of health and safety items when baby comes home. But the ONE thing that your pediatrician will likely recommend is a rectal thermometer. Once baby comes home, if you call the doctor they are going to ask you for the rectal temperature. While the fancy swipe and in the ear options are great for older kids, for baby, this is certainly the way to go.
If there is ONE toy that goes the distance for baby’s first year, it’s an AMAZING activity gym. They’re washable, can be used from birth and grow with your baby. There is ntohing better than when a toy or product grows with your baby! A few of our favorites: Skip Hop Activity Gym, The Play Gym by Lovevery, Fisher-Price Kick in Play Piano Gym.
For more resources and online events for expectant parents CLICK HERE.
Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook for more ideas as we navigate both COVID-19 AND parenthood together. Stay tuned for for more the Bump Club and Beyond Team. We’ll be providing you many ideas for things to do over the next few weeks when we’re home with our kids right here. We’ll be updating our ideas for you and your family daily.
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