5 essentials to make life easier for new parents

Written by Lindsay Jacques-Dubé

When we found out we were pregnant, my boyfriend and I agreed not to wait too long to prepare for every scenario, in case things didn’t go as planned.

Adapting your daily routine to the arrival of a first baby involves a lot of thinking about what to do and… what to buy.

We want what’s best for Baby, and it’s easy to sink into the “since we’re buying it syndrome” and spend a lot (too much) of money, which isn’t ideal a few months before parental leave, which will leave some marks on our finances.

That’s why my boyfriend and I wanted to make sure Baby has everything they needed, but we wanted to make smart purchases. So, even if I wanted certain things to be new, we didn’t hesitate to buy used when we had the opportunity. Also, we compared prices and looked for sales during Black Friday and Boxing Day for the most expensive items.

That said, knowing that a newborn will be challenging, we also didn’t hesitate to spend on what would make our life easier, and it’s something we were very proud of (especially between midnight and 6 am…). Haha!

BABYBREZZA: THE FACILITATING MACHINE

For example, even though I wanted to, I didn’t have the chance to enjoy breastfeeding very long. We, therefore, invested $100 on a used BabyBrezza machine. What is it? Essentially, it’s a bit like a coffee machine. You press a button and like magic, the milk flows at the right temperature in the bottle with the right powder/water ratio. So, we don’t have to heat the water, measure the quantities, mix it with our eyes still stuck… At night, when Baby is hungry, it’s REALLY easy.

BABYVAC: EFFICIENT FOR BABY’S STUFFY NOSE

Another magic purchase: the BabyVac. As Baby isn’t breathing from the mouth for the first five or six months, nasal secretions can really affect their breathing, especially during colds. We originally had the traditional nasal aspirator, but it doesn’t compare to the BabyVac, which plugs directly into the vacuum hose. Don’t worry, the pressure is adjusted plus it’s crazy efficient, I promise! A $30 that is frankly well invested!

BOUNCER SEATS, SWINGS AND CO.

Bouncer seats and swings are also a must. It frees your hands while you brush your teeth, make yourself a sandwich or empty the dishwasher. Also, when Baby has trouble sleeping, being in the swing in the living room while you sleep on the couch for 20 minutes is a gift from heaven! However, I suggest that you buy it used. Why? Because having the best swing on the market doesn’t mean that Baby is going to like it. So, paying $25 on Marketplace may be a better choice, in my opinion, and less risky than spending a hundred dollars for a swing they don’t want to stay in.

The famous jumpers when Baby is a little older, is also good when purchased used, for the same reasons.

WASHCLOTHS, BY DOZENS

Another must: washcloths, by dozens! Perfect for drool, reflux, vomit and everything in between! My boyfriend and I have a small bin on the counter with over fifty washcloths, always close at hand. Also, we don’t use flushable wipes (except when we go out). We use washcloths instead. It’s less irritating for the Baby’s bottom (so less zinc cream), and we produce less waste.

ANGEL NESTS AND SLEEP BAG

Finally, let’s talk about angel nests or sleep bag. It’s cool, at night, not to have to undress Baby completely for every diaper change and to fight with the legs of the pyjamas… We leave Baby in diaper with only a sweater in his sleeveless sleep bag. Zipper down, zipper up and Baby is dry and warm.

OTHER SMALL ESSENTIALS IN MY OPINION:

• Newborn clothing. Baby doesn’t wear them very often, so 2-3 pyjamas and as many bodysuits seem to be more than enough.
• Pacifiers and bottles, 12 of each… Baby will probably have their preference. We bought different pacifiers, each one cooler than the other. Batman, Superman, Bibs, pacifiers that light up in the dark… No. Baby chose the least original of all and only tolerates that one, to our great despair. We’re living dangerously; we have lived in fear of losing it somewhere and thus, causing the end of the world. In short, you might as well buy two or three pacifiers of each brand, then equip yourself according to Baby’s choice.
• Too many clothes. A friend told me to buy 8-10 bodysuits and pyjamas for each size. If you wash every two days (which may happen), six bodysuits and six pyjamas per size is more than enough.

Oh… a must for Mom… if your water breaks at home, having “adult diapers” is not so cute, but it’s practical! Your car seats will thank you!

This post was translated from French to English by: