Big Qs: What are the newborn necessities for a new parent?

Let’s make this one a little more fun, by adding a twist:

You’re in the express checkout line, and you can only get TWELVE things to have on hand when you get home from the hospital. Quick… what’s in your basket?

Check out Ally and Melissa’s must-haves:

Ally’s List:

1. Seventh Generation Diapers: I didn’t want to have any artificial fragrances, and I like that these are just plain diapers.

2. Seventh Generation Wipes: Ditto on artificial fragrances.

3. A+D Ointment: When Logan was born, we just used Eucerin, but this has since replaced it for us.

4. Phil and Ted’s Nest: Logan slept in this at home for the first few months, but it is also amazing for travel because it fits in a duffel where you can pack everything for baby.

5. aden + anais Swaddle Blankets: More than just a swaddle! Used this as a burp cloth, a blanket so I could lay him on the floor, a nursing cover, a shade for the stroller… and so on.

6. Happiest Baby on the Block DVD: There’s nothing more reassuring than a laid back Californian pediatrician telling you that a) it’s normal for your baby to cry and b) how to get your baby to stop crying.

7. Chicco Keyfit Infant Car Seat: Can’t leave the hospital without it.

8. Fisher Price Bathtub with Sling: We started with one of those European pod tubs, and it was impossible. The sling on this made it much less scary to bath a newborn.

9. Elle Macpherson Maternelle Nursing Bra: Buy one or two at nine months pregnant, but don’t stock up until your milk comes in and you know what size you are.

10. My Brest Friend Pillow: Using this pillow was the only way I could nurse… and let’s face it, you’re gonna spend 10+ hours a day nursing.

11. Carter’s Side Snap Shirts: Putting a onesie over a newborn’s head is absolutely terrifying for a first time parent.  This is all Logan wore for the first month.

12. Booginhead Paci Grip – They’ll give you a paci in the hospital (usually the Soothie), and this is the only strap that fits it.

Melissa’s List:

1. Rock n Play Sleeper: With twin babies who basically just ate and slept for the first three months, these chairs were a true lifesaver from Day 1. 

2. Pamper Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers: I started with these at the hospital and stuck with them. Loved the blue/yellow pee line indicator.

3. Pampers Sensitive Wipes: Same as the diapers, and these wipes get less dried out than other brands

4. Dr. Smith’s Diaper Ointment: My girls literally had diaper rash for the first 6 months of their lives. Dr. Smith’s was my best friend, and the one brand that really helped.

5. Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover: People want to see your baby immediately. Dads and grandparents are uncomfortable with this at first, but quickly very appreciative.

6. aden + anais Swaddle blankets: Whether we loved these because we got 10 4-packs as gifts or because they’re the best is unclear, but we used them for everything- nighttime swaddles, stroller blankets, propping bottles- the works.

7. Motorola Wireless Video Baby Monitor: With twins, we never had our girls sleep with us. Being able to hear (and see) your baby anytime is so important; it can be addictive though!

8. Fisher Price Whale of a Tub: Babies take baths from Day 1. This one is great and lasted me until my girls were 10 months!

9. Carter’s Hooded Baby towels and washcloths: Good price point, cute designs, and hold up well after many washes!

10. Mustela Baby Body Wash and Shampoo: My girls’ scalps dried out from all other shampoos. A bit pricey but worth it for their heads.

11. Crib (or Bassinet): Babies need a place to sleep. My girls were in cribs from Day 1. I don’t know anyone who hates their crib.

12. Diaper Dekor Diaper Pail: Smelly diapers are the worst. They get worse as the baby gets bigger (and starts eating real food), but this one helped keep the smell contained better than others I tried.

Tell us what gear got you through the newborn phase.