TL;DR: Whether you are a pregnant Mama or know someone who is, getting prepared for baby’s arrival is a large part of the fun for everyone. If you want to get some really great, useful items that might not pop up on a registry, this blog breaks down some of our very favorites that will last and be useful for the whole first year and beyond.

Newborn Checklist: Lesser Thought-Of Items

Everyone knows the standard items to get an expectant Mama—stroller, high chair, onesies, or a changing table—but what about some lesser-known items that veteran Mamas swear by? Whether you are building your registry, want to get a pregnant Mama a unique gift, or want to get something unique for your baby, we have an awesome list for you. Keep reading to learn some of our very favorite unique items to add to your newborn checklist, including our oral development teethers that will set them up with good oral development for life.

How Can I Prepare for a Newborn Baby?

Preparing your home for a baby is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. Setting up the nursery, putting together a crib, and painting a room are all things that parents-to-be dream of all their lives.

There are a million things you can do to get ready, but it is important to start with the basics. Some simple, standard things to make sure you prepare before the baby comes include:

• A bassinet
• Feeding station, including a comfy chair, lamp, footrest, and a small table
• Changing area with storage for diapers, rash cream, and wipes
• A car seat
• Clothing
• Swaddles

Is The Nesting Phase a Real Thing?

At some point during pregnancy, you may feel a sudden urge to clean your entire house upside down. This doesn’t just include preparing a nursery for your baby. You may suddenly start clearing cabinets, cleaning out your car, and deep-cleaning those baseboards out of nowhere.

It can happen anytime during pregnancy, including the very beginning, all the way up to the days leading up to labor.

And, yes, it’s a real thing!

According to the American Pregnancy Association, nesting during pregnancy is not harmful to you or your baby. There are some precautions you will want to take, though. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Let someone else climb the ladder since your equilibrium and balance change during pregnancy, and you don’t want to risk a fall.

It is also important to avoid cleaning chemicals such as bleach or oven cleaners. Even when used by others, it is essential that you have good ventilation. 

Do what you must, but don’t wear yourself out. Get as much rest as possible and save your energy for giving birth and taking care of your new baby when she arrives. Take the nesting feelings and add some delegation to your nesting efforts. It is one of the times in life when delegation receptivity is a little easier.

What Are Unique Newborn Essentials That I’m Missing?

Now that you’ve got all the standard stuff on your list, it’s time to dig deep and get some stuff that veteran Mamas swear by. We’ve already done the research, we’ve already experienced the trial-and-error, and we are here to spill our secrets!

Some unique newborn essentials that probably aren’t on your registry may include oral development teethers, a silicone bottle brush, and a very comfortable hip seat carrier.

Oral Development Teethers

Think all teethers are created equal? Think again! That adorable teether at the store may be super Insta-worthy, but it will also likely break apart, crack, spill, or otherwise get damaged after a few uses. Make sure you get something super durable that will last, is safe for your baby, and is beneficial for their oral development.

Our entire line of Innobaby Oral Development Teethers are made of super high-quality TPE that won’t break or tear! Plus, they are BPA-, phthalate-, PVC-, latex-, lead- free.

 They are also top rack dishwasher safe, making them super easy to clean after a long day of playing, as well as freezer safe, so you can give your kiddo that extra relief they need.

Silicone Bottle Brush

Whether or not you plan to breastfeed your newborn baby, it is important to be prepared. You never know if you are going to end up using bottles, cleaning pump parts, cleaning pacifiers, and much more. Make sure you are prepared with a bottle brush!

Innobaby’s Silicone Bottle Brush is super soft and flexible, allowing it to reach every corner of every bottle. The integrated tip will flex to a 90-degree angle, so there’s no nook or cranny it won’t gently clean, including bottle nipples.

The brush is also dishwasher safe, and the top pops right off so you can sanitize by boiling! It’s 100% silicone, which means it’s antibacterial, easy to clean, and can just be shaken off when you’re done washing dishes to dry quickly.

ECLEVE Ultimate Comfort Hip Seat Carrier

Newborns are super snuggly and always want to be held. You may find yourself falling victim to nap traps! While it is important to enjoy these little moments, it can make it difficult to get things done when you need to. A hip seat carrier will save you!

The Ecleve Pulse Ultimate Comfort Hip Seat Carrier allows you to comfortably carry your child close to you from infancy to toddler years, thanks to our innovative hip wedge support seat. Unlike other outward facing and back carriers, Ecleve Pulse features a detachable hip seat which distributes baby’s weight evenly, thus easing back and shoulder pressure for the parent. With 9 different ways to wear, this versatile baby carrier is ergonomically designed to grow with your child, making it the only carrier you’ll ever need.

Written by Written by: Jaclyn Uloth, marketing copywriter and Mama of three boys, five and under.