The Fourth Trimester
The first 3 months with a newborn are some of the most tiring, yet rewarding moments you experience in a lifetime.
The days go by slowly - and fast at the same time. As the months progress, there have been a few standout items that I couldn’t live without. I'‘m going to categorize them in 3 month increments like baby clothing. Before I list out the items, I need to share some context behind my approach to this.
On the weekend before I was induced, I went to a juice bar and the owner told me that I had to get the book ‘Happiest Baby on the Block’ to survive for the baby’s first 3 months. I immediately ordered it on Amazon and can honestly say, outside of rigorously following the ‘Moms On Call’ schedule, it taught me the foundation of understanding my baby’s cues, and gave me insight into the importance of swaddles for a newborn.
The first three months for a newborn are called the ‘fourth trimester’ because your baby is technically still learning how to live outside the womb. So everything I used was in direct relation to mimicking an environment that was like where she’d been safe and sound for the past 9 months.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? For some reason, I had no idea that was a thing so even if one person learns that from this post, I’ve done something right by sharing it. Being in that mindset everyday saves you when the cries turn to frustration and you don’t know what else to do for your baby.
Here are the items we couldn’t live without for months 0-3:
Swaddle Blankets
The Posh Peanut brand was my favorite, the key is stretchiness to wrap them up like a little burrito
Swaddles
The more structured ones, like SwaddleMe or the Ollie Swaddle worked well for us when transitioning to crib
Baby Shusher
This was a game changer - a portable device that calms them down, different than a sound machine. You have to get the Baby Shusher!
Baby Lounger
We had the Dock a Tot Deluxe + but there are several brands that will work, this was literally her bed the first few weeks. It provides a snuggle like environment for them - this + a swaddle blanket is the magic combo
2-way Zip Pajamas
Little Sleepies is my favorite brand but little planet by Carter’s has a lot of nice ones too. There is not enough time to utilize buttons with the amount of diaper changes you do, highly recommend zippers all the way!
Babywearing Wrap
The Solly Wrap was my favorite. Babywearing helps with stimulating milk supply, being hands free around the house, going on walks easily, bonding with your baby and so much more.
Burp Cloths
Last but not least - make sure to get muslin cloth in a 10-pack and be prepared to use these all the time. Newborns have an immature digestive system and spit up. A lot.
Sending you all the sunny vibes for the ‘fourth trimester’!
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