Non-Baby Items to Stock Up On Before Baby Arrives
Bringing home a new baby can be stressful, especially if you are a first time mom charting through new waters. While there are certain no-brainer items you will have ready for baby (like diapers, wipes, and baby gear), there are a few things that are not necessary baby related that you should consider stocking up on before baby arrives.Â
Household cleaners
Stock up on lots of household cleaners before baby arrives! Think paper towels, sanitizers, general surface cleaners. Be sure you are stocked with laundry detergent for both the family and the baby.
Thank You Notes and Stamps
I failed at this one. I will never forget it. I had to venture out to the grocery store  with itty bitty Emmy in tow JUST for stamps to send thank you notes for a few gifts that had arrived in the few weeks after we brought her home. It was a rough trip to say the least. Pick up a book on your last grocery outing before baby comes and your life will be so much easier.
Toiletries for the Family
Items such as toilet paper, body wash, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner are always good to stock up on. If there are other children in the family, make sure their toiletries are stocked up as well.Â
Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils
We used paper plates for the first week or two after baby arrived to rid us of having to do the dishes. Â You can also opt for disposable cups and utensils if you choose.Â
Freezer Meals
I made about 30 freezer meals before Emmy was born. All but a few were crock pot dump meals. I used about 2-3 of them per week until I ran out. If you choose to make crock pot meals, I also always suggest to get crockpot liners as well to make clean up easy. Here is a full blog post on all the meals I made including recipes and a shopping list!Â
Medications
Whether they are for you, a family member, or even a pet, make a run to the pharmacy before baby arrives just to avoid a stressful moment of realizing you have run out. You may even want to ask your pharmacy if they can delivery your medications in the future to keep you and baby from having to run an errand!Â
Batteries
You will never experience a fear quiet like the one when the batteries go out on your Rock n’ Play sleeper at 11 P.M. Just stock up and every size they make.Â
Postpartum Items for mama
While I am nowhere near 21, the best postpartum items for me came from Forever 21. I stocked up on their $2.88 leggings and T’s in a few sizes too big just before Emmy arrived. I cleared out one drawer in my dresser just for all the large clothes I knew would fit mean the fourth trimester. Â I also purchased some extra comfy cotton granny panties that had their own drawer as well. Super plus pads, nipple cream, heating pad, all things you need to have ready to take care of mama when you get home! Oh, don’t forget an extra bottle of dry shampoo!