New Mom Round-up: Must-Have Items for YOU!

As more of my friends and acquaintances begin to have their babes, it’s got me to thinking about the post-partum items that have been “life savers” these past few months. What are my go-to’s, my repeat offenders, my must haves? What items made my life easier after baby was born?

Have you ever noticed how moms needs are often put way on the back burner once baby arrives? Of course you have, if you’re a Mom. Well guess what, you are important too. Basically if someone asked me what they need, I would give them this list. If fact, people have asked, so here is my end of maternity leave round-up, captured in one spot. I’m no expert, but once you go through something, it certainly gives you perspective. I own all of these things – tried and true, y’all! I’ve linked the easiest path to purchase on each item title 🙂

Vans Slip-Ons 

I love Vans because they are comfy, easy (slip on), very “in” right now, and cheaper than other tennies like Nikes, Toms, Adidas, etc. Cheaper = you can buy more. Wait, is that not how it works? I’m partial to neutrals such as white, tan, or black. Perfect for both Spring & Summer, comfortable for errands, and they go with jeans, leggings, shorts…all of the above. See how I paired them in a previous post, here. I’ll be talking about investing in neutrals on the blog later this week.

*Since maternity leave pretty much revolves around the boobs, you may see a theme in these next few items.

Gilligan & O’Malley Nursing Bras

I love these because they come in a 2-pack, there are no clips involved, no wires, and they are super soft. If you have to wear a bra to sleep, these are the ones you want. Do not wear under-wires to bed…so uncomfortable. You kind of start to feel suffocated by bras, especially the super structured boulder holders, so these are super light. Also, racer back FTW. Or is it razor back? Anyways, highly recommend getting a few packages.

Hands Free Breastpump Bra, Soft Pink

Alright, why did no one tell me ahead of time that nursing pumps have to be plugged in while in use? Not only that, the plug is like 5 lbs – no exaggeration. I freaking hate being plugged into the wall….as if you aren’t slave enough to your boobs and the baby’s feeding schedule during this time. If you have to be plugged in, at least free your hands to do other things, like play on your phone, read a book, or get some work done. It’s also a great item for when you have to pump upon returning to work.

Nylon/Spandex Stretch Tanks

They have to be the kind that are like 90/10 or 85/15 split between Nylon and Spandex. None of that shrinking cotton shit – these are form fitting for under baggy shirts, give the boobs a bit of extra support, super soft, and the stretchy-ness makes them easy access. You can also substitute the sleep bras for these tanks. Also, no clips – because a screaming baby waits for nothing.

Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings

Oh. My. God. These are the best pants ever. WTF, I’m never going back to real pants. Look at that stretchy waist band! I feel like I could do the splits in these. They come in two shades of denim & black – and you need both. They also come in short, regular, and tall women’s sizes. This is key for a shortie like me.

Jessica Simpson 3/4 Sleeve Pull Over Wrap Nursing Top

 I was obsessed with cross style tops, even before I had a baby. Now, they are not only flattering, but functional. Any and all cross-tops will work, but I have linked the JS one that I own here. Size up, as I felt it was a bit small. Your eyes will start to become magnets to this style of shirt, once you realize how great they are.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, 25 ct

There are so many days where you won’t wear make-up, but still need to quickly wash your face. When I don’t wear makeup, I’m really tempted to go to bed without washing my face, which is a no-no. Buy cleansing face wipes to keep by bed so that you can quickly wipe away the dirt from the day. I still encourage a cleanser, toner, moisturizer nightly routine, but when the going gets tough (and it does) have cleansing face wipes handy.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Another item I was loyal to, before baby. I love this stuff. When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin starts to look dull and fine lines appear. Since you won’t be able to prevent the lack of sleep, this hydro gel will moisturize your skin and I think it does help with the dullness that can occur. It is water based so, super hydrating, and never oily. Put on as much as you want. I’ve never tried the cream, so I am strictly referencing the gel. I know I know I know – there are a million skin creams out there that are probably great – but here is my drugstore, mom budget, pick.

Scunci No-slip Grip Chunky Jaw Clips,5 Count

Once your child starts pulling your hair, it’s over. You basically can’t wear it down without handfuls being pulled out. Also, when you throw them over your shoulder (not literally) to burp them, there is a 99% chance of spit up or drool collecting in your mane. Hair clips are so easy and convenient, can be clipped to anything (such as a diaper bag), and don’t leave as much of a crease as hair ties. You know that blow-out you spent 30+ min on, which only happens once a week? Well, you can kind of salvage it with the help of hair clips. I prefer the Scunci brand linked above, because they have rubber in the inside, helping them to stay put in your hair.

SunglassesSpeaking of not wearing make-up–it takes so long to get out the door with children, that you’ll probably want to just grab a pair of sunglasses…especially if you are just going on a walk, running to the store quickly, or to the gym.  My go-to are my gold ray-bans (I think I’ve owned 5 pairs of these over time), but I’ve also purchased a few pairs from Forever 21 as a cheaper way to mix it up and keep in the diaper bag.

Coffee Giftcards

If people ask you what you want or NEED after childbirth, just go ahead and say coffee giftcards…that is if you are a coffee drinker. Here’s why: (1) weeks of interrupted sleep starts to catch up to you and you’ll prob want some caffeine. I never worried about caffeine during b’feeding and it’s never affected Calvin. (2) Afternoon coffee runs were key to my sanity. Sometimes on fussy afternoons, we needed to get out of the house so we would jump in the car and go through the Dunkin drive through, or go sit at Starbucks for a few minutes and I would get some things done on my iPad.

So here are my faves – what am I missing? What are your go-to’s? Are you about to have a babe and have a question?! Let me know! Seriously, I want to chat with you ALL!

I hope your Monday was pain-less, quick at work, and that you are cuddling your fams extra tight. We are celebrating Craig’s birthday with presents and a cookie cake when he gets home from soccer. 😊 Oh, and you better bet I’m watching the premiere of the Bachelorette!

💕Kayla

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