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THINGS THAT NEW MUMS NEED THAT AREN’T BABY RELATED
Reality is, when you become a Mother, you spend a lot of time sitting on the couch feeding a baby. When you’re not feeding they say you should sleep, but you know you’re going to be doing housework and wondering if your baby is ever going to stop feeding. We all know the baby essentials to get, but what about for the parents? Well here are some things that new Mums need that aren’t baby related:
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1. A Coffee Machine
You can get a pretty decent coffee machine now-a-days for under $100. When you’re in zombie mode (or mombie mode as they call it), it’s so nice to just push a couple of buttons and you have a coffee. Also if you get something like a Nescafe Dolce Gusto, it adds the milk so you’ll never mistake your regular milk for breast milk ?
2. A Netflix Subscription
Being up all night constantly feeding a baby can be soul destroying – especially if you’ve never done it before. Netflix is the friend you never thought you’d need at 1.33am. Why not use all of the fabulous (not) extra time you have to smash out as many tv series/movies as possible.Being able to flick something on like Netflix is an absolute Godsend. If you’re thinking of a gift for a friend – get them a Netflix subscription. They’ll love you for it.
3. A Decent Vacuum Cleaner
Shit is going to get everywhere. EVERYWHERE. The older they get, the worse it is. And when you put your baby down on the floor for tummy time, you’re going to be down there looking at it all the time. Get a decent vacuum cleaner that will make you feel like a cleaning queen.
4. A Mobile Phone with Wifi
Along with Netflix, having a mobile phone that is connected to the internet is an absolute must in my mind. You can connect to Facebook and reach out to other adults. Being a parent can sometimes be very lonely, and having that connection when you’re unsure of what you’re doing; or when you’re feeling lonely, can be amazing.
5. Flexi Tubs
Flexi tubs will save your life. I’ve recently discovered them, but in the past have used something else. Flexi tubs are big enough to hold the washing, soak clothes, carry dry clothes, and store toys. They’re inexpensive, and well worth having several of. They’re also extremely durable – they work much better than your traditional washing basket!
6. A Nice Bottle of Wine
Heck even a bottom shelf bottle of wine will do (or beer, or sparkling wine) … its nice to have a wee drink to celebrate the fact you’ve just brought a baby into this world. And let’s be honest, some days are pretty rough and as parents it’s nice to have a chill out together.
7. Yummy Snacks
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding – staying up and looking after a baby is tiring. Have some yummy snacks to keep you going and give you energy – stock up on chocolate, popcorn, energy balls, biscuits. Treat yourself.
8. Frozen Meals
Friends – prepare meals. Take them over and put them in the freezer. You have NO idea how valuable this is to a new parent. At the end of the day, you don’t even know which way is up; being able to reach into the freezer, and pull out a meal is the best thing in the world.
9. Dry Shampoo
Invest in it. It can make a shit day feel so much better – especially if you’re on day 3 of what feels like non-stop feeding and you haven’t had a chance to have a shower. Dry shampoo can make you feel like a new person.
10. Your Love And Understanding
All new Mums need love and understanding. Not judgement. Not criticism. Just love and understanding. Being a first-time-mum isn’t easy. You’ve gone from looking after yourself, to looking after another human being. It can be traumatic. It can be hard. So remember to be kind.
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What would you give to a new Mum that wasn’t baby related?
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