This blog post is written by contributing writer Christian Maxwell. Learn more about our ‘Mom in Residence’ at the end of this article.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! The next few months can be exciting as you get to know your new baby. Before you enjoy that precious moment with your newborn, there are some essential items you'll need to secure to make your transition ULTRA smooth. Here, I'm sharing a few must-have items and tips for purchasing them.
Diapers
When it comes to diapers, it's important that their diaper fits well and doesn't cause discomfort. Newborns have VERY sensitive skin, and their freshly cut umbilical cord can be easily disturbed if you use a diaper with rough materials. When choosing a brand of diapers, look for one with quality materials like cotton and a breathable mesh lining so they don't irritate your baby's skin – this can cause rashes that aren't fun for anyone involved!
This is why I love PROUDLY Soft & Absorbent Diapers. They are constructed with 100% plant-based ingredients and have shea butter spun into a moisture layer in the diaper. As a fourth-time mom, I don't want a diaper that encourages prolonged changes. I want a diaper that will allow my baby to understand what damp feels like because potty training took forever with my previous three babies. I have to attribute some of this to diapers designed to prevent babies from noticing ANY wetness at all. As a baby reaches one year, you want them to know what moisture feels like so they feel motivated to move towards being potty trained! PROUDLY diapers are soft, gentle, and breathable and give me confidence as a mom that my baby is comfortable!
💡Diaper tip: You'll want to stock up on newborn-sized diapers, as most newborns need 5-10 diapers daily for the first few weeks. So, you'll need about 180-250 diapers, depending on how often you change your baby and how quickly they gain weight.
Blankets
A blanket is a must-have for any new parent as they keep your baby extra cozy and can be used for swaddling, burping, changing diapers, and as a nursing cover. Blankets are also great for stroller rides because they're light enough to carry around but still large enough to keep your little one wrapped and warm on those chilly days! Did you know swaddling mimics the feeling of being in the womb?
Gentle Baby Wipes
You may not realize how vital wet wipes are before having a baby, but they are incredibly important. Because they are used so often on your baby's skin, you need a gentle wipe free of all the extra chemicals. My favorite right now is the PROUDLY Gentle Touch Baby Wipes. They are so strong yet so soft. They don't drag against my baby's skin but are strong enough to clean messy diaper changes with just a few. These wet wipes are like washcloths, mommas! You will love them and quickly find yourself using them for yourself and your other kiddos!
This is an exciting time but it can also be a bit overwhelming. My advice is to start up simple and then add items as your routine becomes more established so you're not drowning in baby essentials you won't use. Happy nesting!
ABOUT CHRISTIAN MAXWELL
Christian Maxwell is a highly accomplished marketer and content strategist best known for her innovative and effective approaches to building brands and engaging audiences. With a career spanning over 15 years, Christian has worked with some of the industry's biggest names, helping them achieve their marketing and business goals through strategic content planning and execution.
Outside of work, Christian is a proud mother of four children and wife to Justin Maxwell, her business partner. She regularly dedicates her time and resources to supporting small business owners, causes, and organizations. She is also an avid foodie and garden enthusiast, always seeking new foods to grow or restaurants to try.
