adventures of an american housewife in the south of france

Knocked Up Abroad: The Newborn List

First of all, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who commented or messaged me regarding my KUA post about essentials for a newborn.  You ladies sure are impressive with your lists and spreadsheets and reading through everything has been a huge help.  This weekend we went over to one of our friend's houses to go through some of their baby things that they were happy to lend us for the first few months.  Aren't our friends the best?  We came home with quite a few blankets, a monitor, a swing chair/high chair, and tons of bibs.  We have a few other friends who have offered to lend us some items such as the carseat/stroller, and bassinet so we're going to meet up with them and then hopefully we'll be able to put together a list of everything else we need to buy.  We've been cleaning out the closets to make room for Bonbon's things, but otherwise, we haven't made all that much progress.

the state of the Bonbon's room. not too impressive.

I went through all the suggestions that everyone gave me and put together this comprehensive list.  If 3 or more ladies recommended it, then it's included below.  Since everyone is different, this is by no means our final list things to have for the Bonbon's first few months, but it might give you a good idea of what's really essential to parents across the board.  It's providing us with a great start in our quest to be prepared in a minimalistic fashion in case we up and leave France in the first 6-9 months of her life. The Obvious Must Haves:
  • Diapers, wipes, cream
  • Swaddling blankets
  • Zip up/button onesies (that you don't have to pull over the baby's head)
  • Hats to keep baby warm
  • Burp cloths/bibs
  • Depending on your preference, bassinet/crib with mattress and fitted sheet - If it can be moved from room to room, all the better
  • Car seat/stroller combo
  • Again, depending on your feeding preferences, formula or if you plan to pump, bottles, a pump and cleaning system
  • Monitor
  • Wash cloths/towels/baby soap
  • Medical supplies - thermometer, nasal aspirator
  • Changing pad
The Quite Necessary Extras:
  • 100% Lanolin cream
  • What to Expect the First Year, or similar book/guide to help you through the first weeks, months, year
  • Diaper bag
  • Bouncy/Vibrating seat
  • Video monitor (I think this will be my splurge!)
  • Pacifiers
  • Nursing bras/clothes/pads
  • Carrier/sling
  • Baby tub
  • Baby nail clippers (I've been told an emery board works just as great, if not better, for the first few months!)
Our plan is to hit up some of the baby stores around here this weekend to start gathering supplies and hopefully begin work on the Bonbon's room soon.  There are some other items, not on this list, that we'll need to get like a dresser for her clothes (I don't think the 2 shelves in the closet we cleared out are gonna cut it) and some sort of glider/rocking chair for nursing (our couch is beyond uncomfortable). The fact that we're starting to enter the stage where, technically, she could arrive in a matter of weeks has me a little panicked.  We. are. not. prepared.  We have maybe 4 items from the above lists and 6 more weeks until I'm full term.  I just hope the nesting phase I keep hearing about kicks in soon because we gotta get cracking!

31 week bump.  Fig on the sidelines, not impressed.

7 Responses to “Knocked Up Abroad: The Newborn List”

  1. Kristen Bradley says:

    Hi Natalie,
    I’m a friend if Michael and Trish’s from college. You look fantastic! I just had my first baby a week ago today and I thought it would be a good time to chime in. :)
    The ‘stuff’ that I have used constantly and really, really needed-besides diapers, wipes, etc, are breastfeeding supplies…even if you aren’t planning on long term.
    The boob feeding system is tough initially and painful. I would recommend using lanolin or other nipple cream from the start. Also, a good nursing bra, some breastpads for leaking, which starts a few days after you deliver, and my favorite, Lasinoh gel pad soothies. There are other brands too. You might have to get them online, but if I didn’t have them, I don’t think I would have nipples left! Sorry, tmi! You can make your own hot compresses and ice packs. I just wasnt prepared for this part, so every Target run has been for different bfeeding comfort supplies. Even though Avery was nursing well from the beginning, she dropped 15% from her birth weight before my milk came in and so the doctor recommended temp formula, so having a few bottles might help too. As soon as I did that, she sslept!! But, she is now off formula and on b-milk. I do have a breastpump that I am using a lot, but it isn’t super necessary. As for baby, I have been happy to have a pacifier, washclothes, and blankets-swaddlers. your daughter will just need your voice and touch, but it really helps to be comfortable in the time right after you have her! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!!
    Looking good…you are in the homestretch!!!
    Kind regards,
    Kristen

    • Natalie says:

      Kristen – Congratulations on your new arrival! – how exciting!! It’s great to hear suggestions from new moms while it’s fresh in their minds :) I will be investing in some Lanolin FOR SURE as I hear it’s a lifesaver! The ice compresses are a great idea too – I’m make sure get a few of those made and ready in the freezer before baby’s arrival :)

      Thanks so much for your thoughts!!

  2. Mary S says:

    Thanks, Natalie. I totally took down your awesome list! Thanks for doing all the work!

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