Things that make life easier for new parents
Parents can gain some essential supplies to make life easier. A baby sling can be very convenient and comfortable. Image: iStock/Getty
I have been a parent for a few years now. Time flies by. Back when my parenthood started, I barely knew what I was doing. I wish someone would have recommended the real essential supplies at the time. Luckily, I discovered these supplies eventually.
Remember, the most sustainable things are reusable existing items. We can limit packaging but there’s also a bigger picture. When buying something new, look for natural sustainably created durable materials when possible. Here’s a neat list of supplies for anyone who is expecting to become a parent or is giving gifts to new parents.
Cloth nappies
Reusable cloth nappies (diapers) can help the environment, the family’s budget and maybe even health. You can save lots of money in the long term by choosing to reuse and avoiding disposable nappies when possible. I wrote a whole article about my cloth nappy routine. I usually put a MioBoost into the pocket of a modern cloth nappy and then fold a terry towelling cloth nappy into a rectangle to line the main part of the MCN cover. Organics are a great ideal too, if you can find them.
Burp cloths
Newborn babies are known to have messy burps and even vomit. It happens. The burp cloth should be talked about more often. It could be a specially designed and made product or not. Parents could get extra terry towelling or muslin of any sort, to fit over the shoulder when things get messy.
Face washers
Baby-sized face washers tend to be smaller and softer for the gentle skin. It’s worth collecting a good supply of quality washers. They can also be used with water as a reusable washable alternative to disposable baby wipes.
Reusable menstrual pads for postpartum
After giving birth, pads may be needed. These organic cloth pads, from Hannahpad, would be a perfect inclusion for an expectant parent’s shopping or registry. Also keep an eye out for reusable period underwear too.
Manual breast pump
I got a manual breast pump in the early weeks and tried to understand it. The haakaa is a popular choice. Even if you don’t plan on pumping milk for bottles, a manual pump may relieve pressure. I’m not an expert. I’m just a parent. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, ask the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Nail Snail
I found the Nail Snail baby nail trimmer soon after the birth and it is still my first choice, three years later. It’s the easiest way to trim a baby’s or toddler’s fine nails.
Baby wash and shampoo
Find a gentle natural bath liquid and shampoo for the young ones. I just discovered this bubble bath from Sun Bum. They also have a shampoo/wash gel. Those versatile products are the best.
If you want a supplement…
Some women supplement more than others. It’s best to speak with your doctor about the right supplements for you. The mykind Organics Women’s multi is meant to be very natural.
Baby slings and carriers
Every parent should try a few different types of baby slings. Various styles can feel different for each individual person. I also believe some slings are better for warmer or cooler weather. I used the DaisyGro certified organic baby wrap carrier when my child was a baby. I also heard good things about the Moby brand, which has a ‘hybrid’ wrap carrier.
Books about Attachment Parenting
I eventually read about Attachment Parenting sometime after the birth of my child. I wish I would have read and learned more about it before the birth. The concepts resonated with my preferences and eventual experiences. Which book did I read? It was Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way by Mayim Bialik. There’s a Kindle version of the book, which is useful for those who want to save paper.
I would have also been curious about some other books on Attachment Parenting. There is The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby by Nartha Sears RN and Willian Sears MD Frcp. According to the description, this team introduced the phrase of “attachment parenting” in this context. Any new parent could also have a look at Modern Attachment Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Secure Child. It’s by Jamie Grumet with a foreward by Alanis Morissette and an introduction by Willian Sears MD.
Books about food
There’s a big difference between cooking for one and feeding a family. Babies' learn about foods through new tactile experiences. Children can become fussy with food. I’m keen to see Forks Over Knives Family: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids on a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet.
Community
A supportive community is the most important thing for a young family and anyone. If you know someone who is expecting to have a baby, ask them what they need. Don’t tell them. Some families appreciate spare meals which can be reheated later. It will save time for busy parents. If I was going to meal-prep for a fellow parent, I would get some quality glass containers. The right sort can survive the freezer, microwave, oven and dishwasher. There are also containers that have compartments. That being said, sometimes people just need to talk or meditate. Be a community. If you are a parent, reach out and find your tribe. It’s more than a cliche. It’s true.
Early parenthood is such a time of change. Good supplies can make a difference. Image: Unsplash.
