For a first-time mom, creating a baby registry is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. We invest countless hours trying to predict what our future child will need, often with little idea of what’s truly essential. A wipe warmer? A fancy teething toy? Please! Here’s a reality check on what I genuinely needed after my little one arrived:
- A live-in nanny. Ideally, one who can double as a wet nurse and is skilled in sleep training—because, let’s be real, sleep is a luxury.
- A mountain of overnight maxi pads. The aftermath of giving birth was a whole new level of surprise, and my underwear were definitely not ready for the chaos.
- A sippy cup designed for wine. And while we’re at it, a subscription to a Wine of the Month Club sounds fabulous—do they offer Wine of the Day subscriptions too?
- New breasts, please! And if I’m already under the knife, throw in some vaginal rejuvenation while you’re at it!
- A stash of Children’s Benadryl—because let’s face it, sometimes it’s the only thing that’ll help my little one get some quality sleep.
- A waterproof mattress pad for my bed. Trust me, leaky nipples and new mattresses are a recipe for disaster.
- A white noise machine. They market these as baby products, but let’s be honest: it’s the moms who need them to mask all that crying!
- Alcohol test strips for breast milk. See point #3, and you’ll understand why this is essential.
- A gift card to a nice clothing store. I have a feeling my Forever 21 wardrobe won’t cut it anymore.
- Sessions with a marriage counselor, because parenting opens up a brand new arena for disagreements between you and your partner.
This article was originally published on March 12, 2011.
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In summary, while we all get excited about the baby registry, it’s easy to overlook some essentials that are truly crucial for new parents. From practical items to some much-needed self-care, it’s worth considering what you might actually need as you embark on this wild journey of parenthood. And if you want to dive deeper into the world of home insemination, be sure to explore resources like this at-home insemination kit, or this IVF resource for excellent information.