Congratulations on your pregnancy mama! You’re probably thinking about all of the things that your baby is going to need. From diapers,wipes to clothes and bottles. I totally get it. I was pregnant twice, one singleton and one multiple pregnancy and all I could think about was if I had everything ready for my baby. I hardly ever thought about the non-baby items I needed to stock up on. It’s crazy that once, my first born was here, I needed to purchase toilet paper, paper towel and more! I learned from my mistake the second time around and that’s why I’m so happy to share with you this list of non-baby items you forgot to stock up on before baby arrives.

Let’s face it, you probably weren’t even thinking about these things and if you were, more power to you girl. It didn’t even crossed my mind with my first pregnancy, haha! If you’re in your third trimester and the nesting period has begun. This is the perfect time to start making a list of all of the non-baby items that you need to stock up on. I’m telling you that it’s going to make life with a newborn so much easier and less stressful. These things run out quickly and the more prepared you are the better it will be for you.

I hope this list is super helpful to you. Remember mama, it’s better to have extra of these non-baby items at home than to run out of them. You do not want to send your partner looking for pads and run the risk of him getting you the wrong ones (not at all speaking from experience).

20 non-baby items you forgot to stock up on before baby arrives

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1.Large maxi pads

After you give birth, you will immediately have your period. You’re body has no pity at all. You will have heavy bleeding start the minute your baby comes out. It could last for a couple of weeks. You want to be prepared by having large maxi pads stocked up in your bathroom. I love these ones and it has great reviews, moms love them too!

2. Large underwear

Along with having to use large pads, you also need large underwear to accommodate your large pads. Yes I know, but don’t worry this phase shall also pass. In the meantime you can purchase these postpartum underwear which are super cute. Or these ones that are more “traditional”. Which ever your heart desires.

3. Post-partum Items

You will need time to heal whether you gave birth vaginally or via C-section. Your body has gone through major changes and it’s trying to adjust back to it’s pre-pregnancy self. Many mamas swear by these two items because they help you have a smooth and painless recovery.

a. Tucks with witch hazel – It helps with the itching and burning caused by a hemorrhoid. It helps soothe and protect the irritated area. 

b.Herbal sitz bath – It’s a natural herb bath that will help you heal your postpartum body. It’s calming and can also helps speed up recovery.

4. Hand sanitizer

Thank goodness I had these at hand after each birth. It’s so important because you will want every single one of your visitors to first apply hand sanitizer before they hold your baby. It’s to help prevent your baby from getting sick with a cold or fever or anything. You can stock up on this one!

5. Paper towel

I’m obsessed with paper towels! I am always using them, when I cook, clean the counters and wipe off food from the floor. So, this one had to be on this helpful list. Stock up on paper towel, you are going to need them.

6. Toilet paper

I don’t think I need to give a full on explanation about why it’s important to stock up on these. You and I know, it’s a necessity to have and it runs out super fast. With family and friends visiting you and your baby, it’s a must to have plenty of it. So mama, stock up on these toilet paper (the ones I use) right now!

7.Clorox wipes

Clorox wipes are one of those items that you might think that it’s not important to stock up on. But it is! If visitors are coming over, you can simply do a quick disinfecting of the bathroom, kitchen counter tops and more! You are going to use it more than you might think. These are my favorite ones .

8. Dish washing soap

Those dirty dishes are not going to clean themselves, so dish washing soap it is. If you’re washing your baby’s bottles, cleaning the dirty casserole dish that your wonderful neighboors dropped off for you with a warm delicious meal. And now you have to give it back to them clean, dish washing soap is a non-baby item you need to stock up on before baby arrives.

9. Laundry detergent

It’s amazing how much laundry you have to do after your baby arrives. Mostly of your baby’s clothes! Please stock up on laundry detergent and be prepared because you’re going to need it. I loved this baby Dreft one (it has nearly 5 stars!) for my babies clothes and this one for my hubby and I.

10. Toothpaste

You might think that the toothpaste you recently purchased is going to be enough for after the baby is born. It might and it might not. You never know if some of your friends and family members will want to stay over for a couple of days to help you. Stock up on a couple of these toothpaste and have peace of mind that your guests will not have to run to the store to buy their own.

11. Breastfeeding essentials:

If you’re planning on breastfeeding your precious newborn, then these items are a must. Stock up on them because it can run out fairly quickly. With my first born, my parents had to run out to purchase these things for me because I was not prepared!

Amazon’s top breastfeeding items!

a.Nipple pads – For leakage protection.

b. Nipple cream- Naturally moisturizes and soothes cracked or dry nipples.

c. Nursing tanks– for a more convenient and comfortable way to breastfeed your baby.

Knowing how to breastfeed is super important if you want to have an enjoyable and stress free experience. You can breastfeed successfully the first time! With Milkology! It’s an online breastfeeding class (only $19!)that many women find extremely helpful!

12. Shampoo and conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner is an unexpected non-baby item that you should stock up on. I mean, I didn’t think it was important, but then there I was washing my hair every week ( I can’t wash my hair every day because of my hair texture and it will dry out) and boom! I needed more shampoo and conditioner.  Stock up on my favorite shampoo and conditioner combo here!  I use this one to style my curly hair, I love it.

13. Trash bags

Stock up on those trash bags, you will have visitors over, you will probably order take out here and there. The trash builds up in no time and it’s so convenient to have trash bags on hand, instead of going to the store to buy them. We use this one at my house.

14. Pet food

Do not forget your pets! have an extra bag of food for them ready to use once you run out of the one you’re using now. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

15. Freezer meals

Freezer meals to the rescue. I really wish I knew about freezer meals with both of my pregnancies because it would have saved me a lot of hassle. Even though I had family members who brought us food, it was not an everyday thing. Having freezer meals ready to bake or heat up it’s amazing! I think you are going to love this freezer meal cookbook with 150 easy recipes to try.

16. Pantry essentials: 

You can never have enough of these pantry essential items. So stock up on them right now.

• milk
• water and lots of it!
• cereal
• juice and more!

17. Snacks

Snacks are so important for you. Keep snacks at hand for when you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby, you can also feed yourself a little snack. Remember to never skip a meal or “forget” to eat. You need to also take care of yourself.

18. Plastic paper plates and cups

Yeah, I totally forgot the memo with this one. Why didn’t anyone tell me to stock up on these? I mean who wants to be doing the dishes every single day of every single minute. I didn’t and yet I did! Stock up on plastic plates, utensils and cups for your sanity and convenience. This is a cute set.

19. Books

Yes mama books! Stock up on your favorite books to read. Read while your nursing your baby or while your baby is taking a nap. Sometimes doing things you love can really help you get out of the first few months of mom funk. Distract yourself with books and get motivated at the same time.

20. Favorite pregnancy and parenting blogs:

I honestly wish I had known about mom blogs when I was pregnant with all three of my kids. I would have read them non stop and prepared myself better. I love the fact that pregnancy and mom bloggers share tips from their own experience and from research as well. You will relate to them and feel like you’re reading tips from a friend. These are some of my favorite pregnancy and motherhood bloggers and definitely recommend that you check them out. They will walk you through the pregnancy, postpartum, baby and motherhood phase and make you feel that you’re not alone. You’re going to love reading their blogs!

• Stress Free Mommies (Written by me, Ros Emely. Yes, I had to list mine in here, okay, don’t judge me!)
• Life With My Littles ( written by Chelsea Johnson)
• Sleeping Should be Easy (written by Nina Garcia)
• Swaddles and Bottles (written by  Caroline)
• Pulling Curls ( written by Hilary and she’s a labor and delivery nurse!)
• Mommy on Purpose ( written by Carly)
• Mom Loves Best (written by Jenny Silverstone)

Quick recap:

Were you surprised at some of the non-baby items you forgot to stock up on before baby arrives? Don’t worry hopefully you’re not reading this list on the same day of your due date. You have time to stock up on all of these useful household items and more. It will make your new mom life easier and less stressful. You don’t  need to be worrying about these things when you have a baby to care for. Make it easy on yourself and on your partner as well by having these 20 non-baby items you forgot to stock up on before baby arrives.

I’ll give you a quick recap of the items that you need:

1. Large maxi pads
2. Large underwear
3. Postpartum items
4. Hand sanitizer
5. Paper towel
6. Toilet paper
7. Clorox wipes
8. Dish washing soap
9. Laundry detergent
10. Toothpaste
11. Breastfeeding essentials
12. Shampoo and conditioner
13. Trash bags
14. Pet food
15. Freezer meals
16. Pantry essentials
17. Snacks
18. Plastic plates, utensils and cups
19. Books
20. Favorite pregnancy bloggers

There you have it mama, I hope these items will soon find it’s way stocked up somewhere in your house. I wish you a fast and healthy delivery and it’s going to be the start of a beautiful life changing journey.

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