The Fourth Trimester: Most Used Items for Mom & Baby
Wearing: Agolde shorts, Vince tank, Jenni Kayne sneakers, and Artipoppe baby carrier.
“Are you ready?” was one question I received a lot during my pregnancy. Truth be told, I don’t think I could have ever prepared for this time. The sleepless nights (literally a twilight zone over here!), the demands of breastfeeding, the constant poopy laundry (is that TMI?)… it really has been a whirlwind of newness and emotions.
That said, we can always do our best to prepare for the unknown. There are specific products and items I have found super helpful for the fourth trimester—for myself and for baby.
Some of these items I had previous to my daughter’s birth, but many I accumulated during the first week or so (hello, nipple covers!) and I am so glad I did.
Sharing my most used items that have been game-changer in our day-to-day life.
Hope these items come in handy for you too, mama!
FEEDING & SOOTHING
I exclusively breastfed Kennedy for the first few weeks (a nursing pillow is necessary, IMO), but recently, have started to pump for 10-15 minutes in the morning. It’s nice to have extra milk on hand—for others to feed, but also, when my nipples just need a break! I’ve loved the blue Spectra pump and Avent glass bottles. Kennedy also LOVES her pacifier (she’s not picky about which ones), but I know these aren’t for all babies.
SLEEPING
Huge fan of all things Garbo & Friends — I have four of their swaddles and their PJ’s are my favorite. I also love these simple muslin swaddles (the size is extra large, which I prefer for a good swaddle). Not pictured is our RH crib, organic linen crib sheets, and mattress pad. Pro mom tip: add a mattress pad, a sheet, and double-up with another mattress pad and sheet for those middle-of-the-night accidents. You simply take one layer off and you’re good to go.
BATH & CHANGING
We’ve loved our Coterie diapers, and as you’ll notice, I am a huge fan of Noodle and Boo for bathing, ointments, and wipes. Also, not shown above: our changing dresser/topper and changing pad from RH — and I don’t know what I’d do without this station! I also have a diaper bag and changing pad on our first floor when she needs a spur-of-the-moment change.
MISC. MAMA GEAR
Kennedy loves to be held (she’ll often cry when I put her down), so I carry her a lot! I found the Solly Baby wrap was the best for the first weeks when she was super tiny, but we recently upgraded to the Artipoppe, and IMO, this one is unbeatable. So much more support for a growing babe.
MISC. BABY GEAR
When I need a place to set Kennedy down (without laying her down), I use her Bjorne Baby bouncer. Actually, as I write this blog, she is in it next to me — I can soothe her/bounce her while I write. I also really love our Vista stroller by Uppababy. It glides beautifully.
HEALING TOOLs
I wasn’t aware how painful breastfeeding can be at first (it does get better, at least in my experience)! I used a variety of nipple ointments, but I like the Earth Mama brand best. Also, these silver nipple covers are helpful for natural healing. For vaginal care, I used this Peri bottle and Thayers rose water to cleanse, and I lived in women’s diapers until I stopped bleeding.