One of the things I realized in the first week of being a mom was the importance of newborn feeding essentials and that you can never have too many Bibs, Burp Cloths and Napkins. Juggling between drools, spit ups and vomit, you’ll be surprised with the number of clothes a baby can go through in a single day. Not to mention the stains left behind by Iron drop medicine spit up or vomit. Napkins on the other hand never go to waste, I’ve used the newborn napkins till they’re completely worn out and then further used them to wipe down baby’s furniture.
If you’re Breastfeeding:
- Nipple Cream
- Nipple Wipes
- Nursing Cover
- Nursing Bra
- Disposable Breast Pads
If you’re Pumping:
- Breast Pump
- Breast Pump Wipes
- Nursing Pads
- Hot/Cold Pack
- Milk storage Bag
- Milk storage container
- Cold storage bag
- Microwave Steam Bag
- Sterilizer:
- I Used : Philips
- I Used : All Medela Products
If you’re Formula Feeding:
- Infant Formula
- I Used: Similac Advance
- Bottles (6-8)
- I Used: Dr. Brown
- Bottle Covers (4)
- Thermal Water Bottle
- Sterilizer
- I Used: Philips
- Bottle Warmer
- I Used: Philips
- Bottle Cleaner Wash
- I Used:MeeMee
- Bottle Cleaner Brush
- I Used: Dr. Brown
- Bottle drying rack
- Dishwasher Basket If Applicable
On-The-Go:
- 1 extra Bottle
- Insulated Bottle carrier
- Formula Dispenser
- Breast Pump Bag
- Milk Storage container
- Cold storage bag
- Post Pumping Zip lock
- Water
- Burp cloth
- Bib
Other Essentials:
- Bibs (6-8)
- Burp Cloths (6-8)
- Napkins (5-7)
- Dettol
- Nursing/ Feeding Pillow
- Rocking Chair
- Ottoman (this is optional but it’s great to be able to put your feet up when rocking)
Pro Tip 1: Traveling
Always carry an extra serving of baby formula in case you spill the bottle during preparation.
Pro Tip 2: Smelly Clothes
Formula feeding mothers will soon come to realize just how smelly the Bibs and burp cloths can get. I learnt this little trick from a friend of mine, submerge all the milk smelly clothes in a large pot of boiling water (absolutely boiling!) and add a tablespoon or two of Dettol liquid. Once the water cools down, wash clothes as usual.
Pro Tip 3: Stains
Newborn feeding can be quite messy. This was a little trick I saw my nanny use. To my horror I walked in one afternoon to find my daughter’s bibs spread out in my balcony! I immediately questioned my nanny who informed me that putting stained clothes in direct sunlight for a few hours will eliminate/lighten the stains. True to her word, one washing the bibs I found those horrid iron drop stains had disappeared!
PS: This works for Haldi/ Turmeric stained utensils too!
