I’ve decided that I’m going to break this up into multiple parts. Mostly for my sanity haha! I’m writing it between moments of quiet, which isn’t often!
Being a mom is a pretty stressful, thankless job. Being a new mom is even more stressful. There are no real-life lessons on how to keep your tiny humans alive. Once they place your baby in your arms, it’s time to hit the ground running.
I will say that most of it is pure instinct. After a couple of hours, you start to learn when they are hungry or tired. But there are moments when you question if you’re doing anything right, and I promise you mama, you’re doing amazing. You know exactly how to take care of you little baby.
I’m what they call a “seasoned mom.” I have a four year old and welcomed my second son into the world a month and a half ago. Even though I remember everything from my first born, every baby is different. What works for one, doesn’t work for another and that’s what I’m learning. There are also things that I did with my first son, that I’m doing differently with my second. I thought I would take the time and go through what has helped me survive that few weeks with a newborn and a four year old.
First, I’m going to start with the essentials and that includes feeding, diapering, and clothing. I will link everything that I have been using, as well.
With my first born he was strictly given formula. At the time I was unsure if I was going to be returning to my job as a sales associate for my current job. Though, I did breastfeed in the hospital, it just wasn’t for me at the time. This time however, I have been exclusively pumping while also supplementing with formula.
This has been a huge deal for me. This is something that I decided I would do, when I was still pregnant. I had extensive discussions with my husband, even though I knew it was ultimately my decision, that is just how our relationship works. I wanted his opinion. We both agreed that it would be better for my mental health if I pumped. That way my husband could feed the baby if I needed him to or if our oldest wanted to feed him.
I got my breast pump from a website called aeroflow. They have a wide variety of pumps available. You submit your insurance information and the tell you which ones are covered by your insurance. You pick the one you would like, and they ship it to you close to your due date. I got mine within a week, about a month before I was supposed to go in for my c-section.
I chose the Motif Luna Double Electric Pump. I did my research and looked at reviews. It was 100% covered by my insurance and so far, I have not had any issues! I also bought myself a Haaka Silicone Breast Pump that is great to have for clogged ducts and catching milk from the other breast if you breast feed. It’s a great thing to have!
As I mentioned before, I am also supplementing with formula. Now, this is going to be different for every baby and every budget. I also have done a TON of research! With my first born, he was given Gerber Good Start. This time, we have been using Similac Pro-Total Comfort. It’s what we were given in the hospital and it’s worked for his belly. I was given a few samples of Enfamil and Similac from his pediatrician and via the mail. We tried them with him and this one just seemed to keep him full and happy, that’s how we discovered that he has a sensitive tummy.
You can try to go for what’s best for your wallet, but in the end, if it agrees with your baby then don’t change it.
Ah, diapers. Diapers, Diapers, Diapers. This is kind of a big one for me. So many babies react differently to different brands of diapers. You will get diapers at your baby shower, I promise. People will give you different brands and it’s best to try them. My boys haven’t had any reactions to any brand of diaper, so far. My four year old used Target Up&Up. They were great, not just for his bottom, but for our wallet too. Having our newborn, I knew we would use them again and they have been tried and true. No leaks, no rashes, nothing.
Buuuut material isn’t the only thing you need to look for. Size is a big thing too. If your tiny human is anything like my boys are and were, they will grow out of diapers quicker than others. My boys only wore newborn diapers while we were in the hospital and as soon as we were home, they were peeing out of them constantly. Usually, when that happens, it’s time to move them up to the next size of diapers. So far, no leaks. I’m not sure if it’s the same concept for girls. I only have and will only have boys.
If your little one hasn’t shown any signs of a sensitivity to diapers, definitely look into buying the store brand of diapers. You can by the biggest box from Target (size 1 has 192!) for $22! Pampers (size 1 has 164) is $40! You get more for less money. And who doesn’t love Target?
Sleepers! Or PJs or Sleep and Plays. Whatever you call them. Zippers are the way to go! Who wants to be buttoning up a bunch of snaps in the middle of the night while you’re half asleep? Not me. Even if they are the cutest sleepers with snaps, don’t do it! Cloud Island, Just One You, and Old Navy have created sleepers that zip from the bottom up! So convenient! They didn’t have these when I had my oldest, so when I was gifted them at my baby shower from the baby, I was so excited! They connect at the top by the baby’s head and zip down to the feet! This is amazing to me. Having a newborn during the winter, means it’s freezing. Now I don’t have to completely uncover my baby to change his diaper. Now he’s not cold! Just amazing. Well done to whoever came up with that idea!
I also don’t recommend buying more than a few newborn outfits. They grow out of them so quick. I have newborn clothes that Orion hasn’t worn at all and never will. He’s such a chunk! He’s been wearing 0-3 months since he was officially a month old. I have plenty of onesies and pants. Socks are a must. Mittens however…..I could do without them. Most sleepers and onesies come with fold-over sleeves. You just flip them over and they completely cover the hands. The mittens are cute, but they aren’t worth the money. I have no problem keeping my baby’s nails short or covered.
I also, don’t base my baby’s clothing size off of his age. They can grow out of them quicker than they age. Even though, my youngest is almost two months old, he will be wearing 3 month clothing soon. His 0-3 months clothing is starting to get a little snug. He’s a chunky baby. Rolls everywhere! I love it, but that means that he has to wear bigger clothes, so they don’t cut off his circulation.
That’s it for this this part! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to know anything else pertaining to this part!
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