Household AND baby items are the duh items you need when you want to stock up before baby arrives. But you don’t need a list of the easy stuff. You’re smart, so you already know you need to stock up on diapers, wipes, formula or baby food but what about the not so obvious things like hand sanitizer, one-minute dinner sides, or Dermoplast?
These things are JUST as vital to your future new-baby-existence as the million diapers you plan on purchasing (unless you’re going the cloth diaper route). Now that I’ve brought home a newborn TWICE and felt like it was near-apocalyptic, I’m here to help you have a much more stress-free (and EASY) bringing baby home experience.
And here’s the HONEST truth on how to avoid feeling like you’re experiencing the end times after bringing a newborn home: stock up before baby arrives!
At LEAST in your third trimester. If you are already 14 days or less away from labor day, girl print off this list now and make Amazon your new BFF. Because I’m tellin’ you, this will make a night and day difference in your brand new momma life.
Before we dive in, IF you have labor and delivery jitters or are SUPER anxious about having a tiny human come forth from your lady bits and all that comes with that (we’re gettin’ real here sister), I can’t urge you enough to take a prenatal course. I was SO anxious about childbirth that having kids gave me second thoughts.
As the due date drew nearer in my first pregnancy, the stress piled and piled on. The main reason we have these fears is due to our preconceived notions on HOW labor and delivery will go. And 99% of it is false (thank you TV and society <- sarcasm). Here’s the BEST labor and delivery class that helped diminish those fears entirely and there’s even a FREE version. It’s taught by Hilary who has been a certified labor and delivery nurse for over 16 years, delivering hundreds of babies.
Stride into that labor and delivery room like a boss! (Between contractions.)
Here’s your overview of the ultimate checklist of things to stock up on before baby arrives (for a more peaceful, stress-free transition with a quick postpartum recovery sans the apocalyptic feelings):
Stock Up Before Baby Arrives, Not So Obvious Items You Are Likely Forgetting
1. Pantry & Kitchen
I would advise having 20 freezer meals prepped and ready in your freezer at LEAST 4 weeks ahead of time.
In my third trimester (pregnant with baby number 2), I purchased the Living Well Spending Less 10 meals in an hour plan and did 20 meals with my husband and his mother. It took 3 of us three hours to finish but was AMAZING.
If you don’t have room in your freezer, I highly recommend buying an additional freezer like this one. Which FYI is ALSO amazing for storing all that extra breastmilk.
Most importantly, if you’ve never done freezer meal prepping or haven’t tried the Living Well Spending Less plan, you’re in for a treat! You might be like us and never want to cook and eat the same night EVER again.
Below, I’ve listed some easy and quick things I threw in the freezer (all but the pancake mix) before baby arrived in addition to the 20 freezer meals. Most of these things transition perfectly to the crock-pot for almost no mess or prep time.
I like to make one-quart ziplock bags of homemade 100% whole wheat pancake mix. I just add an egg and 1 cup of milk before adding to the griddle or waffle maker. Plus, it’s a ton healthier and cheaper than the store-bought versions.
Whole what pancake mix
French toast
Spaghetti sauce
Soups
– Vegetable beef
– White bean chicken chili
– Minestrone
– Chicken noodle
– Kale & Sausage
With a new baby on the way, it’s time to look at those labels and make switches to non-toxic, baby safe and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
Now, that may sound pretty la-te-da to some but did you know your little one can die from just biting into a laundry or dishwashing pod? Even fabric softener sheets require a call to poison control if your little one snags it from your pile of laundry on the floor and puts it in his mouth.
Get this STOCKPILE List and more in this FREE guide I put together!:
3. Baby Things To Stock Up On
I have a few recommendations for you when it comes to baby things. Not all baby stuff is created equal. That’s for sure.
When it comes to diapers, our hospital used Pampers Swaddlers for our newborn and they were fantastic. Consider never buying a diaper again, and saving thousands by using cloth diapers. Modern cloth diapers are super duper easy. Check out: Cloth Diapers 101, The Complete Guide For Beginners.
Wipes can get pricey too and cause rashes if you’re not careful. Amazon Elements Baby Wipes have over 10,500 reviews with a near five solid star rating. They are FAN-tastic. If you are opting for reusable cloth wipes, we LOVE Etsy Marleysmonsters 40 Pack Reusable Wipes (the style we chose was: no preference). They are adorable and so far, have held up amazingly for 2 YEARS.
For diaper creams, you’ll need a solid solution that actually HELPS prevent and reduce diaper rashes. Otherwise, you’re throwing money into the diaper genie and lathering meaningless goop on your baby’s butt. For disposable diapers, A+D Original Ointment is the best and I’ve used MANY. Pre-baby, I was recommended this brand countless times. Ultimately (disposable or cloth diapers) I highly recommend Burt’s Bees multipurpose ointment. With my second, she has NEVER had one diaper rash using this stuff.
Lastly, formula: check out Earth’s Best Organic Infant Powder Formula with Iron. There are many types of formula to choose from and every mom has their own go-to brand. My OBGYN advised me to buy the giant tub from Cosco (that’s what she did). Do what you feel is best because formula can get expensive!
Baby soap
Diapers
Wipes
Diaper Cream
Baby Powder
Formula
4. Postpartum Care Kit
Preparing a postpartum care kit is essential for a quick and healthy recovery after labor and delivery. Stock up on a few of these key postpartum items and check out 10 Unbelievable Postpartum Recovery Tips For Healing After A Vaginal Birth for more helpful tips and a more in-depth look at the necessities.
Peri bottle. There is a MUCH better alternative to the one you’ll get for free from the hospital. Fridababy makes a peri-bottle called the Fridet with a nozzle specifically designed to be held upside down, giving you much more control with each use. Trust me, buy this one instead.
Pads. Dodge the duck waddle (that comes from wearing GIANT pads) and stock up on Always Maxi (overnight extra heavy flow with wings). They are not as bulky, hold a large amount and the wings provide extra space for any leakage.
Perineal cold packs. Cold packs are a necessity for pain relief and comfort, these medicated perineal cooling pads (like they have at the hospital) were AH-MAZING! In my books, this is a must-have item for recovering after a hard delivery.
Perineal spray. When you leave the hospital, chances are you will receive Dermoplast Pain Relieving Sprayand you will be thankful as heck. Another similar spray gaining momentum is Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray.It’s a more natural product and I’ve heard raving reviews.
Tucks medicated cooling pads. The hospital providedTucks Medicated Healing Padsto place directly on the maxi pad for relief
Disposable postpartum underwear. This brand is identical to the disposable underwear they will provide for you at the hospital. They are an absolute necessity. Save yourself the trouble and buy your own postpartum maternity (post-surgical) disposable underwear.
Flushable medicated wipes. When going to the bathroom, the thought of using toilet paper WILL be cringe-worthy (nails on a chalk-board cringe-worthy). Preparation H makes flushable medicated wipesthat will solve this problem.
Thin transition pads. You don’t want to wear those giant pads forever. Transition into these super comfortable thinner pads. Make sure to add a good panty liner like Always thin dailies as you transition to normalcy.
Comfortable (but trashable underwear, if needed). When you want to graduate into actual underwear (and ditch the diaper feel) I would advise having a pack of ridiculously comfortable underwear on hand like these boy short boxer brief panties.
Foods that are INSTANT and healthy are great to stock up on before baby arrives. While caring for a newborn this is exactly what you need. The easiest things to grab by far: cereal and meal bars.
Instant rice and macaroni are exceptions to this healthy grocery list, but they may save your bleary-eyed postpartum self. My husband loves macaroni and let’s just say, it was in the cupboard for sure after our newborn!
When all else fails (and you’ve eaten enough cereal and fast food), steam vegetables (like broccoli or green beans) in a few minutes with a rice cooker like this one. We’ve had this one for seven years! It’s AH-mazing. Just throw your veggies in there, add a half cup of water and it’s done in a few minutes. We use it almost every day. It’s also life-saving for homemade baby food! Then throw some chicken in the oven.
Last but not least, green smoothies are a fast and SUPER healthy way to get nutrients into your day. Perfect for postpartum life. Just add a handful of spinach, a cup of water and a cup of frozen fruit to your blender.
Breads
Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat tortillas or whole-grain tortillas
English muffins
Pita pockets
Meats & Protein
Chicken
Ground beef or turkey
Fish
Reduced sodium lunch meat
Eggs
Dairy
Milk
Cheeses (low-fat)
Yogurt or Greek yogurt (low-fat)
Cottage cheese (low-fat)
String cheese snacks (low-fat)
Butter
Cereals & Breakfast
Oatmeal
Whole-grain cereal bars
Wholegrain or multigrain cereals
Whole wheat pancake mix
Light syrup or 100% maple syrup
Pasta & Rice
Whole wheat pasta
Brown rice
Instant rice easy sides
Macaroni and cheese
Condiments
Ketchup
Mustard
Your favorite salad dressings
Olive oil
Red wine vinegarette
Salt & pepper (if low)
Your most used spices (if low)
Salsa
BBQ sauce
Pickles (if you didn’t already grab these during pregnancy ;D)
Soups & Canned
Low-sodium soups & broths
Diced or whole peels tomatoes
Tuna or salmon
Diced green chiles
Lentils like garbanzo, great northern, black, kidney, peas, and chickpeas.
Frozen
Fruit
Vegetables like broccoli, spinach peas, carrots, and a southwest blend or soup mix.
Ice cream
Shrimp
Whole-grain waffles
Pizza
Snacks
Hummus
Nut butter like peanut butter, almond or soy
Dried fruit
Nuts
Dark chocolate
Whole-grain crackers
Drink
Coffee
Tea
Sparkling waters
Fresh produce (if you’re shopping right before baby!)
Tylenol & Ibuprofen. Yes, both. You’ll likely need it for postpartum pain.
Baby Tylenol. Buy Children’s Tylenol not Infant’s. Infant’s Tylenol is a little more condensed and many parents accidentally overdose their baby with it. Make sure to ask your doctor for the correct dosage. Also statistically, new babies will have 12-20 colds a year! Be prepared and add Baby Cold and Flu Remedies to your Pinterest board because you’ll need it!
Gripe Water. I had never heard about gripe water pre-baby until my aunt bought it for our baby shower. “It’s a life saver.” She couldn’t have been more right!!! Babies get bubbly stomachs and can’t burp yet so they’ll cry and cry. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water will be you’re go-to and it helps SO much!
Prenatal Vitamins. You will keep taking these postpartum. A friend turned me onto Nutrilite vitamins since they are the #1 health supplement brand in the world and the only company that grows their product on certified organic farms and creates the vitamins all in one place. My doctor raved about them as well. I use Double X which you can find here.
Amazon Prime. Now, I know can’t stock up on Amazon Prime. This is just the best place to put this here, so bear with me because this helped us just so much WITH our stockpile. Having a delivery service ready to ship things to our door within 48 hours was…a breath of fresh air. We were able to order anything from food to diapers and have it at our doorstep without leaving the house. Thank you, Amazon. Auto-order for things like wipes and diapers while saving money is fantastic too. Check out Amazon Prime here.
Conclusion
Stock up before baby arrives in your third trimester (or NOW if there are 14 days or less till your due date). It may seem overwhelming, but take it a little at a time if you need to! Check off one category and then the next with the free printable. This will make it a whole heck of a lot easier.
Be sure to remember, stocking up will help you leaps and bounds when you’re living in newborn baby hell bliss! And in all honesty, the whole ‘baby having’ experience is not all that bad. It’s not all rainbow skittles and sparkling butterflies (but staring at your precious new human IS). You’ll do great.
ESPECIALLY because you are here – taking a HUGE step towards alleviating future stress by stocking up and getting everything ready.
Above all, five years from now you will probably hardly remember this time, childbirth or caring for your newborn (I know that’s hard to believe!). So try to take it all in because as hard as it can be, it’s even more wonderful and rewarding than you could ever imagine.
One friend of mine said, “You will experience a whole new level of love that you never thought possible.” This couldn’t be truer. I cherish that statement along with the realization after having our newborn.
Best of luck to you, friend and congratulations on your new baby and this exciting nerve-wracking time.
Want to remember this post? Add this post: “Stock Up Before Baby Arrives, ULTIMATE Household Shopping List” to your favorite Pinterest board!