18X MUST HAVES FOR FIRST TIME MOMS
Pregnancy is a truly magical experience. A little person is growing inside of you and in just nine months you create a newborn baby. A unique, challenging, and exciting time for first-time moms. Pregnancy can cause a roller coaster of emotions. So it’s normal that you have a number of questions, like what you need to get for yourself and your baby. New mummy Sarah has prepared a list of 18 nice-to-have / must-haves for first-time moms:
1. The Stroller
One of the must-haves is a good stroller, especially when you live in the city and travel a lot as I do. I started my mommy adventure with the Lynx of Bugaboo – a trustworthy brand that has many different great options. If this is your second child, check out this handy rolling seat, perfect for your number one! But then I noticed when Loulou became heavier that I needed a lighter and more comfortable stroller. The Air-Z of Anex is exactly what I needed! The stroller can be unfolded in just one motion and folded in only two motions, so I always have one hand left for carrying my baby! I live on the fourth floor, so you can imagine how happy I am. The air-Z is 6 kilos only, so I can take it up and down the stairs very easily. It also makes flying with a baby or toddler just a little easier, since it fits in the overhead bin on the plane. This travel stroller can be used from birth up to 22 kilos!!
2. Cover Up (in style)
A newborn baby spends a lot of time in bed, so preparing also involves buying sheets and blankets. I got some secondhand Koeka items from my sister that she used for her first and second child. I must admit that the quality of Koeka is amazing, it still looks beautiful after 6 years. I’m a sucker for pretty products, but even more important, it also should guarantee safety. All products of Koeka have a special Öko–Tex–label and guarantee a certain level of health safety. Equally important, we are all striving for a better future, and therefore it’s important to buy 100% organic cotton! Koeka is developing more sustainable products, so another great reason to check out this brand. How cute is this ruffle sheet with a mushroom blanket of Koeka?
3. Natural Baby Care Products
You want to look after your little one in the best way possible. So what about skincare? In the early weeks, you might want to avoid lotions or use the mildest lotion. Many skin and hair care products are made with synthetic fragrances and can cause allergic reactions. I use organic products myself and I find it super important to use natural products for my newborn only. I tried Naïf sunscreen this summer and I found out that all products are natural, sustainable, and vegan and they stay away from chemicals. This is exactly what I want for my baby. Pampering my mini’s skin with soft, smooth, and hydrating products. Naif offers a great starter pack, 59,95 euro.
4. Bedroom Decoration
I wanted to decorate the baby’s bedroom. I was looking for unique wall decorations, to bring some happiness to the bedroom and to inspire the little one. MrStarsky is the master in personalized moon posters. Via the website, you can enter the name, birthplace, and date, and therefore the poster is always unique! So if you are looking for a great (maternity) gift, all posters are unique and timeless. I noticed the new moon poster in collaboration with illustrator Tijana Lukovic, and it reminded me of my childhood: amazing fairytales. When my daughter looks at this poster I tell her a little story and she loves it.
5. A house free of dust, allergens, and bacteria
Blame it on my hormones, but cleaning my apartment has become a part of my daily routine! I think it’s super important that the house is clean. I was getting a bit stressed about germs and dust. I’ve read that it can be dangerous, therefore I decided to look into the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde™ machine. What I like about it is that it automatically senses, captures, and traps pollutants, and detects and destroys formaldehyde.
Eventually, what goes into the filter will stay there, and never be expelled into the air you breathe. The gold colour is beautiful and fits perfectly into my apartment. Great during summer, since it also cools your home. Even at the highest speed, the machine is quieter than all other machines that I have had. I downloaded the Dyson app, which is a very simple and fast process, to link it to be able to control the fan even when I am not home.
6. Tripp Trapp Chair
How cozy is it to eat together and having diner at the same table with your newborn? The tripp trapp chair is maybe not new to many of you, but definitely, a must have. This chair is super easy to clean, grows with your child, can be used for many years, and looks amazing at the table. Did you know that you can use it from birth with the special Newborn Set from Stokke? It can be attached and removed from the Tripp Trapp chair easily and gives you the freedom to move around while your baby is safe.
The total newborn set is 308 euros. Exchange your newborn set into the baby set for the next phase. You can add the special Stokke Tripp Trapp Classic Cushion which comes in several colours and is suitable for 6 months to 3 years. This cushion is not only super soft and comfortable, but the textile is Oeko-Tex® Standard, free from hazardous substances.
This cushion is 44 euros and the baby set is 49 euros.
7. Personalised statue
The rise of ceramics is out there and I am a big fan myself. I planned to create a body statue during my workshop, but then I realised that I would rather have one of my own pregnant bodies. My friends told me how much they missed ‘the belly’ once they gave birth, so this statue is a memory of being pregnant, proud of my changed body. I came across the Bellysisters, who make personalised statues of women’s bodies during their third trimester.
An amazing piece of art of 15cm, 17cm, or 19cm. Plan your appointment online, meet the sisters in their studio in Alkmaar, pick your favourite statue, make a 3D scan of your body (yes ladies, you will be naked), and they do the rest! The statue is ready between 8-10 weeks. Prices start from 175 euros.
8. Himalayan Salt Light
The perfect night light, where to find it? This Himalayan pink salt lamp is just perfect! The lamps are a popular choice due to the soft light. Next to that the Himalayan pink salt lamps also claim to clean the air, helps cultivate a calming atmosphere, and may improve sleep. Besides, it kind of looks amazing too, don’t you agree? Shop the night light here, for 24.95 euro.
source: Babyroomboom
9. Glass bottle
I always use a glass when drinking, so why would I use plastic bottles for my baby? I was also a bit worried that plastic bottles might be harmful due to chemicals. And glass is naturally free of toxic chemicals! Most bottles are made from plastic, but more brands are embracing the glass versions, like me. The ergonomics of the Difrax shape ensure an optimal drinking position. This glass S-bottle of 200ml that I picked has a patented anti-colic system in the bottom for the prevention of intestinal cramps, burps, and spitting. Additionally, the bottle teat has a soft round nipple-shaped teat that resembles the mother’s breast. Shop yours here!
10. Co-sleeper
In the first few weeks, newborn babies sleep more than they are awake, so a good and safe bed is a must. This wooden co-sleeper from Bednest is not only beautifully designed, but also qualitative and safe! With this tiny bed, you have your baby sleeping next to you and that’s exactly what you want in those first few months! You can check your baby any time (which you want and will do), connect with your baby, feed, and settle easily.
The transparent and breathable side panels make it super easy for you. It’s not only suitable as a bed but also perfect for travel! The crib folds flat in seconds without the usage of any tools. This makes it so easy to bring the nest with you when you visit family and friends. You can buy yours or rent one via the website. Prices for rent starting from 199 euro and a new one starts from 449 euro.
11. Breastfeeding pillow
My friends kept saying that I should invest in a good pillow. So finally I decided to buy one, and I must admit that I’m so happy I did. We can’t sleep or live without it anymore (I found out that even my boyfriend sometimes steals this pillow at night).
The Doomoo pillow is a multi-functional pillow, it’s not only soft and flexible, but it’s also supporting you during feeding and resting. You can also transform this pillow into a secure little nest for your baby. I also choose Doomoo since most of their fabrics are made from ultra-soft oeko-tex certified organic cotton. Shop yours here for 67,99 euro.
12. Baby carrier
You are so used to keeping your baby close to you, so when walking outside you might feel more comfortable with a carrier than a stroller. It also keeps your hands free while keeping your child warm and secure. There are so many carriers, but I must admit that Artipoppe was my number 1 choice. Needless to say that you have probably seen all the “celeb” mums walking around with it! They are all incredibly beautiful, eye-catching, and comfortable. The quality, the prints, and the designs are great! Is it worth the money? I’ve just tested my carrier and it’s super comfortable, so yes!
13. Photoshoot
One of the things that I wanted to capture is my pregnancy, it’s such a special moment and experience in your life. Your body is changing and a little person is growing inside of you. They say that the best period for a pregnancy photo shoot is between weeks 30 and 35. The belly is most beautiful during that period. I decided to connect with photographer Marieke. I like her style and it fits our platform Wander-lust. Marieke is super sweet and she makes you feel very comfortable from the beginning. I was proud of my bump, but I was a bit insecure about my legs, but I completely forgot about it when shooting with her. A 45-minute shoot with 15 images is 225 euros.
14. Oh my Guts, post-birth food!
Another tip that will make your life a little bit easier once the baby is born. The only thing you want to focus on is your newborn, breastfeeding, and your recovery. Make sure you prepare some meals ahead like soup, curry, pasta, etc, which you can easily keep in the freezer. If you don’t have the time or you don’t like to cook, then you should consider the maternity box of Oh My Guts. You will receive a healthy week menu, which is perfect for the first week! Their food is not only healthy but also so delicious. Thank me later:).
15. Lillydoo Diapers
In the first few weeks, a newborn baby needs between 10 to 12 diapers a day, an expensive cost. Therefore lots of moms check out the best sale options for diapers via this website. But even more important to me is to find a qualitative brand that has the environment in mind. We got introduced to LILLYDOO, a German babycare brand that puts focuses on skin-friendly products and is reducing its ecological footprint. LILLYDOO diapers and wipes are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 in product class 1 for babies certified and are free of perfume, parabens, and PEGs. You don’t have to worry that you will run out of diapers, with the subscription to LILLYDOO you will receive your package at your home! The subscription starts from 54 euros.
The diapers are super soft, comfortable, and very absorbent, and also their wipes are my favorites!
16. Selfcare
It’s so important to take good care of yourself when you are pregnant. The first thing that I did is investing in a good body oil that should reduce the appearance of stretch marks. I started with Weleda and I ended my pregnancy with Kenko, which I’m still using. Both are super great, but my preference is the natural oil from Kenko. The scent and the softness of the product are amazing.
I also got myself a personal trainer and I must admit that I didn’t have any complications during my pregnancy. I believe that . We focused a lot on my and I think it paid off.
17. Sebra Bed
This bed not only looks adorable, but it’s also very conscious. It may cost way more than a ‘normal’ bed, but it’s a great investment. The Sebra can be used for babies and toddlers. The bed grows with your child, from birth up to the age of seven years. It will stay in your family for years. When your baby can sit or stand, the base of the bed can be lowered, to ensure that your baby does not roll out. You find new ways to use the bed due to the many different combinations this incredible bed offers.
The bed is available at the Archive store in Amsterdam. The price is 959 euros.
I bought this cute little bed bumper of Koeka,
Dear first-time moms, enjoy this super special time, slow down, get more into nestling mode and get your must and nice-to-have items before welcoming your baby.
Love,
Sarah
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