Welcoming a new baby (or two) into the world is an exciting and scary process all at the same time. At the small team at Souper Cubes, we all are parents, with the majority of us having very little ones at home. To help other new moms, we wanted to put together a list of the items that helped us the most from when we took on the new mom title. If you're breastfeeding for the first time, it can be even more overwhelming so be sure to check out the best way to freeze your breastmilk too.
MyMilk Breastmilk Freezer Trays
MyMilk trays were developed by Souper Cubes when we saw a gap in the market in sustainable storage for breastmilk. Instead of using all the little plastic bags, MyMilk allows moms to freeze their liquid gold in 1/2-ounce portions that go directly from the freezer to any size bottle. The small portion size also means that you'll waste less of the milk you work so hard for since according to the CDC, frozen breastmilk should be tossed 24 hours after thawing. These trays are must for any mom breastfeeding, pumping, or any combination of both.
Frida Mom Hospital Bag Essentials Complete Kit
There is a lot of conversation about the birth of a baby but less so about the after birth. This
complete kit from Frida Mom has everything you may or may not need during delivery and immediately postpartum, and let me tell you, it's necessary. The best advice I got was to keep this kit in a cute basket within arms reach in your bathroom.
Electric Heat Pad
This electric heating pad from
Pure Enrichment was particularly helpful for our post c-section momma. "I’d keep it on my lower back or stomach while I was breastfeeding to help soothe the contractions that come when you have a newborn and breastfeed. The traditional ways to use a heat pad are too burdensome. They require me to go to the kitchen, boil water, carefully place it in the bag without burning myself, and are always too hot at first and then not hot at all. They're also too bulk. The heating pad is very large and has multiple heat temps so you can pick what's most comfortable."
Lunya Washable Silk Sleepwear
A splurge? Yes. But this luxurious
silk sleepwear from Lunya because it's something to make you feel good and you deserve it. You're doing a lot of hard work growing, feeding, and taking care of a baby so you might as well be comfortable even if you’re in bed all day. These pjs fit the bill while also being washable.
A Parenting Book Driven by Data
There's a lot of parenting advice out there from your family, friends, and random strangers but if you want to know the facts, check out
Cribsheet by Emily Oster. Along with debunking a lot of the myths around the newborn stage and breastfeeding, Oster presents and explains the facts around the "right ages" for potty-training, language, and sleep-training. This book is a must for any parent trying to navigate the first few years with a little one.
Nursing Queen Nursing Sweatshirt
I stopped breastfeeding months ago but I still wear this
Nursing Queen sweatshirt all the time. It's so cute and comfortable, and I still get complements every time I wear it. The zipper is subtly between the two color blocks so you don't even notice it's there.
Souper Cubes Cookie Tray
Whether you're using them to batch prep lactation cookies (these are my favorite) or homemade peanut butter cups, the Cookie Tray is a fun way to make snacks and dessert while you recover and heal.
Motherlove Nipple Cream
In the beginning, it can be a little difficult to get your baby to attach at the right angle, pressure, and timing. This nipple cream from
Mother Love is a game-changer for anyone needing a little relief when not breastfeeding or pumping. Since the ingredients are organic, non-toxic, and natural, you don't have to remember to wipe it off between sessions, and it doesn't stain your clothes.
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
Using only natural suction, the
haakaa silicone breast pump should really be called a breast milk catcher. You simply attach it to the breast the baby is not nursing on and watch it fill with milk. No cords, no power, no assembly, and it's dishwasher-safe. Even as a pumping mom of twins, I used this handy little breast pump often.
Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller
For a mom on the go, finding a fridge or ice packs to keep breastmilk cold can be difficult and inconvenient. That's where the Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller comes into play. With 20+ hours of safe chilling time, you can skip the bulky cooler or trying to subtly hide your breastmilk in the company fridge.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Formula Mixing Pitcher
For mom's that formula-feed, or for those of us that had to supplement our breastmilk with formula, this pitcher from
Dr. Brown's makes is a must. The formula mixing blade means you just add the formula and water and spin, no more shaking and adding air that could result in gas for the baby.
Ergo 360 Baby Carrier
(photo: ergobaby.com)
Getting out of the house with the baby can seem daunting but with this carrier, it's easy. Sturdy with strong straps and multiple buckles, this Ergo carrier works from infant to toddler as it adjusts as your baby gets bigger and more wiggly. You can wear it with the baby in front, or use it like a backpack when your little one isn't so little anymore. Plus, it's easy to clean!
We would love to hear your ideas or better yet, post a photo of your cubes organized in our Freezer Meals & Recipes Facebook Group!