THAT NEWBORN LIFE

Newborns don't do much besides sleep and look cute, so that should make bringing one home a total breeze….right?

We wish!

It’s because they don't do much that often creates the challenge - they rely on you, the parent, for basically everything. 

You may have lofty goals of knocking out some computer work or speed cleaning your home during your newborn baby’s naps, but consider this your gentle reminder to remain realistic and flexible. Sometimes the only thing you’ve accomplished by 5pm is helping your baby get a couple of solid naps by rocking them - AND THAT'S OKAY. In fact, it's more than okay. It will feel like an accomplishment because it is.

HACKS HELP

Since the newborn phase can be a little tricky, we’ve compiled some smart and helpful hacks you can implement to make your life just a tiny bit easier -- so you can focus on your tiny human! 

1. Download a baby care app so you don’t have to keep track of everything in your postpartum brain or in a notebook. There are tons of options but Baby Tracker is a popular, easy to use choice!
2. Use LED mini string lights for middle of the night feeds: instant cozy + the perfect amount of light. Just hang them along your headboard & place the switch on your nightstand for easy access.
3. Pick out a podcast or an audiobook to binge during nursing sessions or when you are trapped on the sofa under a napping baby. 
4. Set up a few changing stations throughout your home.
5. If you have older children, set up play stations for them first thing in the morning so they can be occupied throughout the day while you’re occupied with the new baby. This doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated! Some suggestions: a reading corner (pillow on a blanket + stack of books); rice sensory bin; get out your bin of legos or magnet tiles; kinetic sand/slime/play-doh + tools in a designated area with a placemat; large cardboard box + stickers they can use to decorate. Check out busytoddler.com for more simple ideas!
6. Easy to grab cleaning supplies - especially stain remover for the poop stains you'll be encountering quite often. Ensure that all necessary cleaning supplies are stored in one convenient spot.
7. Arrange auto-ship/subscriptions for regularly-used household items and baby-specific needs. You can do this via various retailers like Amazon, Target, or Grove.co
8. Purchase a portable battery pack for your phone. Between the baby care app, taking zillions of photos, and texting your mom friends with questions, your phone will be working overtime.
9. Order some disposable chux pads; these will come in so handy! Keep a couple in the nursery, the diaper bag, the car, and definitely be sure to fold one up neatly and place it in the seat of the carseat (under baby's bottom) to catch any diaper leaks. Saves both your carseat and your sanity!
10. Create a snack box for you & another for any older children in your home so no one is getting "hangry" between meals. It's helpful to have one in the pantry as well as one in the fridge for cold foods.
11. Stock a mini-pharmacy at home so you don’t have to run to the store in a panic for ailments that will inevitably arise. Include things like gripe water/gas drops, probiotics, infant pain relief/fever reducer, diaper cream, saline drops, nose suction (you can shop the much-loved NoseFrida here!), vitamin D drops, etc.
12. Strategically placed wipes: one container per room! (Trust us. You’ll be using them for everything.) 
13. For outings prep, keep a "back-up bag" in the car fully stocked with extras of everything. When your primary diaper bag runs low, you'll always be set with these back ups. Keep this updated with baby’s current size clothing and diapers. Include extras of: diapers, burp cloths, swaddle blankets, pacifiers, bows for girls, chapstick for you, nursing cover/car seat cover, wipes, diaper cream, gas drops, disposable diaper sacks, bibs, a changing pad/mat, and maybe most importantly - include an extra shirt for yourself! 

Newborns are wonderful little creatures but they also make us very tired. Hopefully this list of hacks will ease the transition of adding a new little one to your family! 

If you found this post helpful, don't miss our blog about Optimizing Your Baby's Nursery!

In addition, if you're still in need of a breast pump, Wyatt's Maternity can take that off your to do list. Just fill out this online form, and we'll handle the rest! Consider that hack #14. (hashtag we've got your back)