Keeping It Simple

What a time to have a baby!  As the pandemic and our second wave rages on, expecting parents are awaiting the birth of their babies.  Talk about stressful.  Well let's talk about keeping life as simple as possible to help new parents keep their sanity.

We often think that babies require soooooo much stuff, and they definitely require plenty, but not as much as we sometimes think.  Parents look online at a million websites for what your baby will need, friends and family tell us all about the items that you "must" get.  But in reality babies needs are pretty basic, food, shelter, safety and love.  In these times when life is super complicated and we are swimming in what feels like time soup, don't make yourself crazy with stuff.  As a mother, a Birth and Postpartum Doula, here's the list I give clients as must haves for a newborn:
* Sleepers
* Change pad
* Diapers (cloth or disposable)
* Dye and perfume free laundry soap
* 4-5 Muslin blankets (can also double as burp cloths)
* Safe sleep surface (crib/bassinet or Moses basket)
* Safety approved car seat
* Stroller or carrier
* Feeding supplies (pump and bottles for breastfeeding) and (formula/bottles/nipples & brush for       formula feeding), breast pads and nipple cream
* Soothers (you might change your mind!)
* Swaddle blanket
* Sleep sack
* Barrier cream for baby's bum, scent free baby mositurizer
* Baby tub and gentle soap/shampoo, baby hair brush
* A higher end thermometer for accurate temperature taking
* A list of all important phone numbers, such as the IWK, Healthcare Provider, Public Health and Breastfeeding support if that's your intended method of feeding.

While this list seems long, it's really pretty basic.  Toys, books, bumbo chair, swings, playpen, highchair, play mats etc.  All these things you can borrow or purchase as your baby grows.  In those early days and weeks your baby just needs to be loved, fed, kept clean, warm and sleep in a safe place.  You can add more items as time goes on, but the early goals should be to take care of your needs and your baby's needs.  The "stuff" doesn't need to add to the already wild ride of bringing home your baby.  Sometimes less is more.