Top 10 Things You Need to Survive the First 6 Weeks With a Newborn
Of course, all you actually need is love and support, but according to the 101 mamas who contributed, these things will really help you get through the first 6 weeks with a newborn ❤
#1 Yoga Ball ($20)
While you may not be doing any crunches for the foreseeable future, a yoga ball (aka exercise ball) is an essential household item for new mamas. You will be so grateful to have that so you don’t have to be on your feet to bounce and shush your little one’s sleep rhythms get attuned with the outside world. It’s great for pregnancy too so buy early!
#2 Postpartum Doula (approx $35/hour + but prices vary)
A postpartum doula may sound like something exclusive to the elite, but more mamas than I can count swear it’s the best money they’ve ever spent. Having someone focused on taking care of you makes it a million times easier to take care of the baby, especially in the early days of this HUGE life transition. They help with nursing, soothing the baby, massaging, light house work and much more. Some offer food too! Check out the list below of local San Diego doulas who come highly recommended by 101 mamas:
Dara de Soto is both a postpartum doula and lactation specialist, with pricing starting at $175 for a 2 hour in-person lactation consult. She comes highly recommended by 2 veteran 101 mamas!
Stevie Rose is a caring postpartum doula who offers “services at an hourly rate with a minimum of 4 hours for daytime support, and 8 hours for overnight support.” Stevie’s rates start at $35/hour.
Eunique Deeann is an intuitive caretaker, doula, photographer, chef and much more. She just launched SlowBirth Collective and offers birthing doula, postpartum and meal prep + delivery services (!!!).
#3 Ollie Swaddle Wrap ($65)
Young babies love their swaddles and for many, the tighter they’re wrapped, the more comforted they feel. Tons of 101 mamas swear by the Ollie Wrap, but if the price tag is a deterrent, the runner up is the double zipped Sleepea Baby Swaddle ($28).
#4 Boppy Wrap Baby Carrier ($50)
This carrier is a perfect hybrid between the ErgoBaby (approx $150; great for 6 months+) and the Solly wrap ($65; local to SD, but drags on the sidewalk when trying to put on and off on the go and has less support). Mamas say the Boppy has the best support and can be much more easily adjusted to tightly fit the itty bitties.
#5 Sound Machine ($60)
A white noise sound machine is a top essential for little ones. It mimics the sound of the womb and helps them transition into the outside world and block distracting household noises. The Hatch Baby Sound Machine is most highly recommended because you can adjust the volume, night light and sound from your phone via Bluetooth.
BONUS TIP: For on the go, 101 mama Natasha swears by the Baby Shusher ($35)which does all the labor intensive shushing for you 😅.
#6 Snoo Smart Sleeper ($1395 or can rent for $129/month)
I haven’t personally tried it, but lots of mamas say it lives up to its reputation. It’s a smart sleeper that senses when to vibrate and rock your little one back to sleep. To rent, it’s best to do it through the Snoo website where it costs approx $129/mo. If you’re exclusively co-sleeping, lots of mamas recommend the Dock-a-Tot co-sleeper ($175).
#7 Nursing Pillow ($43)
The Brest Friend and Boppy Pillow ($40) just about tied amongst the mamas, but the Brest Friend wins by a fraction because it has a case for a water bottle, your phone and you can wear it around the house (may seem silly, but trust me, you’ll be grateful!. The Boppy gets points because it has more cushion and is more comfortable for your babe to lounge around in. That said, Boppy actually makes a lounger pillow ($32) without a gap in the middle, just for that! Lots of mamas agreed that every pic from the first few months of their baby’s life are in the Boppy lounger!
#8 Frida Windi Gas and Colic Reliever ($13)
One of the biggest hindrances to your baby’s comfort (and thus, mama + dada’s comfort) is gas. Veteran 101 mama Zeyna insisted the Windi be on the list. Other baby hygiene essentials include: Oogiebear nose and ear cleaner ($13), Nose Frida Snot Sucker ($20), Simba baby nail scissors ($6) — I personally liked the scissors more than the clippers because it’s less likely you’ll snip their skin (the first time you accidentally cut your baby’s finger is very traumatizing for you). Also, IMO, skip the baby nail file — I still haven’t used mine and my daughter is almost 2.
#9 WubbaNub Animal Pacifier ($14)
Originally, I hesitated on buying this because it’s 5x the price of a regular pacifier and IMO, pretty ugly, but there’s something about it that makes the babies OBSESSED. It’s also a lot easier to find and doesn’t fall out as easily because the animal acts as kind of a weight. Just be careful because jealous pups love to chew them up!
#10 Haakaa Manual Breast Pump ( $13)
Those New Zealanders really know their stuff! The Haakaa is a miracle worker in helping you to not waste a drop of liquid gold. While nursing on one side, you suction the Haakaa to the other breast and can get a few ounces of colostrum rich milk for your babe for later on instead of watching it drip into a burp cloth.
BONUS TIP: Buy a second Haakaa to keep in the car in case your breasts get too full and you’re not able to pump or nurse at that moment and you want some relief. It saved me more than once from a clogged duct 🙏
☀️ NEW MAMA BONUS TIP: Set up nursing stations around your house and keep water bottles (preferably one with a big straw like this one), snacks and burp cloths near all comfortable seating areas where you may nurse.
Last but absolutely not least, make sure you have a strong mama tribe. If you’re in the San Diego area, follow @101mamas on Instagram and DM us to get the link to our Whatsapp group with mamas to babes similar in age to yours.
It takes a village and that’s why we’re here! 💛 👩👩👧 💛
