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Diapers and wipes are always good -- newborn or preemie size probably. That said, some diapers just don't fit great on some kids, and some kids will have more sensitivity to certain wipes, so it's hard to say exactly which type/brand to get. "Water wipes" (https://www.amazon.com/WaterWipes-Sensitive-Wipes-Count-Packs/dp/B008KJEYLO) are a really good sensitive wipe. I wouldn't necessarily send her too many/any bigger diapers yet. They'll just take up room and might be a brand that doesn't work great. A box or two of the next size up is enough for now.

A good diaper cream will probably also be needed. I'd recommend something somewhat "natural" like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P16ZXK/, again to help reduce sensitivity hopefully. I would avoid petroleum jelly based ones.

Some type of burp cloths. However diaper cloths (I can't remember if that's what they are called) work great. I can't speak for this brand but something like this.. https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers/dp/B007VBYVWE. They are usually like a light linen/muslin, and usually fairly large square, and plain. They're easy to clean and big enough to fold over if part gets dirty, etc, and multi-use.


I would also avoid too many clothes. Some onesies with zippers is probably all that's really needed. Maybe also a nice soft hat as well, and some muslin swaddle wraps. Additionally, a warm, soft blanket or something to cover them when they go out. They're not supposed to wear anything bulky between the child and the carseat harness (ofc, they'll need a carseat if they don't already have one -- most hospitals won't release babies without one though, especially from the nicu).

Pacifiers are good too. Kids will probably find a certain kind they prefer, but I think this is basically what hospitals almost always use https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SCF190-01-Soothie-0-3mth/dp/B0045I6IAO.



They may also be recommended a vitamin like poly-vi-sol, or possibly other things, but this is hard to buy without being able to talk to her to find out exactly what is prescribed.

Similarly, bottles, nipples, and/or breastfeeding equipment, but this is hard to buy without knowing what she and the kid prefer. However, hand sanitizer for after diaper changes, and a nice bottle brush (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Bottle-Brush-Blue/dp/B000N0SNHY/ or https://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Bottle-Brush-Pack-Blue/dp/B07DQQFP63/) are great to have.

Some type of food/meal delivery would be awesome. Possibly even a local housecleaning or laundry service too, depending on how independent she is.

And ultimately, money can help, as well as your phone number or contact info and an openness for contact and support.

There might be more that I can't think of. At this stage it's probably as important to get things to help her directly as for the baby. She may also have some medical needs depending on how the delivery went, and all that. Feel free to pm me too with any more questions etc.

Google this and read all the articles you can to find what works for you. It's very manageable, a little like a circus but keep a good attitude and you will fly fine, lots of good comments here already!

Our items: Carry-on with laptop, diaper-bag backpack, and a Coleman soft cooler to keep milk frozen + other food, **stroller (Summer-infant 3D-flip, awesome stroller!), and Ergobaby baby carrier!

Security: Read the websites and pack according to the rules, have one of you (mom) can carry all the baby stuff. Be very nice to them, they are doing their jobs, and will help you through, the stroller may be x-rayed. One of you will walk through with the baby, make sure you don't ding if you can avoid it to make life easier.

Flight: Boarding: Pre-board! Wear the baby aboard in an Ergobaby or other carrier. This gives you ability to bring a carry-on, get your boarding passes/id, carry stroller, etc. Gate-check the stroller using a bag: https://www.amazon.com/Childress-Travel-Standard-Double-Strollers/dp/B003554H9M

Flight: Entertain, feed, snuggle, sleep, bounce, etc. Even learning the parts of the plane can be entertainment like opening the tray, armrests, etc. Obviously attempt to restrain jr from kicking! We didn't have to walk the baby up and down the aisle, but some parents do that, do whatever works.

Flight/Changing: I change the baby on the plane, and have those blue plastic diaper bags and fill one with wipes and put that and a diaper in my pocket, and take an extra to throw out the smelly diaper. No need to bring a full diaper bag. The baby may slide around during turbulence, and laugh, be prepared. :)

Layover: There are often kids play stations around, if not there's lots for a 7mo to be entertained with in the real world. Stroller is great for naps.

Time changes: Switch to the new time right away and hold as best as possible, there will be a transition period so just go with it.

We've done a good bit, always been fine.

There's an ointment called Aquaphor that is awesome for diaper rash, eczema, and other common baby skin issues- send a tub!

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A "Boppy" pillow is fantastic for nursing, and when the baby grows a bit as a prop for things like tummy time or sitting up. I used ours continuously the first year. A spare cover for the boppy is great too so you can wash one & have one on the pillow.

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A safe place for the baby to sleep- do they have a bassinet or Moses basket or something? if they have pets, i'd go for an off-the-ground bassinet like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWMP862/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bjsin5_c_x_4_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-11&pf_rd_r=170H27QQYZEJYZ8FWS31&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=b46bb821-2d80-59eb-8743-0ba9f06f73d3&pf_rd_i=677977011&th=1

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A few spare bottles. Does she have a job with health benefits? If so, her health insurance may cover a breast pump. Have her look into that. My company covered a Medela brand pump so that's the kind of bottles we used because I could hook them right up to my pump. It saved a lot of sleep for me because I was able to share the middle of the night feeds this way with my partner (he'd do a pumped milk bottle feed, I'd breastfeed another shift).

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For baby clothes, go with a lot of pajama-type ones for the newborn size. No one is dressing their teeny infants on a daily basis in tutus or suspenders (just for photo ops). zippers or magnet closures are easier than snaps especially in the middle of the night in the half-dark. if they have the built-in mittens, it's great so they don't scratch themselves because the regular baby mittens never seem to stay on. I'm going to guess the baby is in the NICU. If so, these preemie outfits from Carter's are great because the snaps go all the way down the arms, allowing for IVs etc. https://www.carters.com/carters-baby-boy/V_16573710.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy&dwvar_V__16573710_color=Color&dwvar_V__16573710_size=PRE#prefn1=apparelSize&param=true&prefv1=P%7CP+(Up+to+5+lbs)&page=1&start=1&cgid=carters-baby-boy

Carter's says Preemie sized clothes is up to 5lbs, but my son was born 6lbs12oz and wore Preemie size for almost a month before he grew into his Newborn sized clothes. So I would definitely get at least a few Preemie size and a few Newborn sized clothes. 0-3 months will probably start fitting when baby is around 3 months!

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A baby grooming/toiletry kit is great, too- baby nail clippers & nail file, fine tooth comb, etc. like this https://www.amazon.com/Blackcell-Baby-Grooming-Toiletry-blue/dp/B01AUL5PSU

My friend raves about her baby wearing group:
https://babywearinginternational.org/chapters/
Basically moms (not sure whether dads go, too) get together and borrow out carriers to test before they buy them. It’s also a nice social network for new parents.

From my experience, we had an Ergobaby, a few Boba wraps, and a Baby Bjorn, but this low-cost one from Target was always the most convenient, maybe because it was so cheap that we left one in each car as a backup to our beefier carriers. And I think the baby actually preferred it because it was more airy. It held pretty solid until she was about 14 months. Then it got uncomfortable to wear because the straps aren’t thickly padded. Definitely great for warm weather though. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0DWQYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yHu5Ab9ZNQSR7

Good luck!

I love our monitor. It’s got a great picture, you can adjust the camera, the screen is clear, volume control is great. The downsides are that the battery doesn’t last as long as I’d like and it takes forever to charge. I usually just leave it plugged in all night so it doesn’t randomly die, which seems like it would be a great solution except there’s a bright as hell blue light that comes on when it’s all charged. So that wakes me up around 2-3am every night, since the monitor sits like 2 inches from my face on my nightstand. Lol Also, when our microwave is running, it disrupts the WiFi signal if the monitor is in the kitchen with us. Other than those things. it’s been great.

This is the one we have.

ETA: I realized I don’t think it’s actually connected thru WiFi because we frequently take it to my inlaws and don’t use their WiFi. I don’t know how it works. Magic, most likely. Either way, the microwave interrupts the signal.

I recommend the shark ionflex: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074F2YGBF/

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I bought it right before we had our daughter and it is perfect for what you are describing. It folds up when not using to put into a corner. The batteries come out to go in a charging dock so you dont have to have the entire vacuum near an outlet to charge. There are 2 batteries so if you do a bunch of vacuuming you can switch mid way through. The only downside is the colection bin is a little small so you may need to empty it out mid clean if doing a bunch of rooms at once. For just a room it will hold stuff just fine. We had a friend hire someone to clean our house for us as gift before the baby came and she loved it when she tried it. So I take that as a good sign when someone that cleans for a living approves.

This post really warmed my heart! I have an almost 6 month old right now, so we are in similar stages.

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A lot of people already covered sleeping and eating. Right now our boy is teething too and he loves the Nuby brand teethers. We have a couple that look like keys and one that is like this: https://www.amazon.com/Nuby-Silicone-Teethe-eez-Bristles-Hygienic/dp/B017OX8Z8E/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=nuby&qid=1550679682&s=gateway&sr=8-28

https://www.amazon.com/Nuby-Ice-Gel-Teether-Keys/dp/B003N9M6YI/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=nuby+teether&qid=1550679816&s=gateway&sr=8-7

He loves to rub them over his gums (or we did it for him before he got the coordination to do so himself). He really likes it when we put them in the fridge so that they get chilled (but never the freezer since that can cause burns).

Reddit is definitely a great resource. However, make sure she knows about babycenter.com. That is a great resource for new parents (mom & dad). Having a brand new baby at home can be a very stressful time. However, between all the screaming you and your wife will have some of the most precious and memorable experiences of your lives. Treasure those moments and the stressful times will feel worth the effort. Definitely pick up the Nose Frieda. It definitely helps having the right tool for the job. Also, pickup a copy of Be Prepared. It's a great (and funny) book for new dads.

100% this one. This was recommended to us by a friend (who does a lot of research on products usually), and we have found it to be invaluable. I've also noticed it at other people's houses and we always have a 'best baby monitor ever, right?' moment.

The range is great. We walked across the street and checked our mailbox when testing it. The picture quality is great, especially in the dark. And it's easy to add multiple cameras which is very handy. We had a camera on our boy's crib and his playpen so that we could still see him while washing bottles in the kitchen as he played.

Swaddle Sacks! These things are great, we used them every day/night.

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-PK, SuperStar (LG) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01644OL1O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rIzQBbWP2EHNP

Pair those with a rock and play... and your little one should take some nice naps (which will help you get some sleep).

Fisher-Price Auto Rock 'n Play Sleeper, Aqua Stone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEO5UTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3KzQBbZTKYHPJ

We also used (and still use) a noise machine. Helps you continue to have a life while the baby is napping in the other room!

Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Crib Soother and Baby Night Light, Owl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076F9LV2V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lSzQBbJKS45RT

Good luck!

To add, you can get the video baby monitor cheaper on amazon than in store. We have one of these, and it's pretty good.

While it isn't cheap, it's less expensive than in-store ones. It can also be expanded pretty easily with more cameras, and the ability to change the lenses makes it pretty versatile. We've had ours for 3 years, and it's still great.

We used to live in a 2-story house, and it was invaluable to hear when the babies were stirring to run up and attend to them before they full woke and then couldn't get back to sleep :)

The other comments of consumable things like wipes, rags, etc are great ideas. Gift cards to places like Target are great too, you always need more something with a newborn. A couple other little things I found really helpful when my son was young:

Baby timer to remind you for the next feeding, nap, diaper, whatever: http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Nanny-Itzbeen-Personal-Timer/dp/B0012BS2O2/

Nose Frida (yes gross, yes very useful): http://www.amazon.com/FridaBaby-Aspirator-Additional-Hygiene-Filters/dp/B00RP0GHBO

This has definitely been the go-to monitor for awhile (I also have it), but Anker has released one that is $30 less (see the coupon on product page), bigger screen, better picture. I only mention it because Anker/Eufy has a great reputation for making quality electronics. I would try this one first because the better screen/picture, and it's cheaper. If it didn't work well, Amazon will let you return it easily.

We've been using the dekor system and its pretty easy. Hands free, does well with the smells, and changing out the bag is pretty painless. Can be used as a regular trash can post diaper phase.

http://www.amazon.com/Dekor-Diaper-Plus-Disposal-System/dp/B00005V6C8

The baby bumps sub had a great swing thread when the rock and play was recalled and it had some awesome alternatives. I’m not sure if you’re wanting to purchase something new but the Graco Dreamglider swing was recommended because it switches from inclined to flat for nap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HOC5S9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_spC0CbR5WG78W


We purchased it and my 5 week old loves it. He’s had it since he was about 2 weeks old or whenever the recall happened we purchased it.

Things got better for us around 8 weeks. We started on the Babywise schedule (https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Babywise-Nighttime-Interactive-Support/dp/1932740503/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=Babywise&qid=1568141544&s=gateway&sr=8-2) at two weeks. It absolutely worked for us. If you're into schedules, give it a try. The schedules are also available on the website (https://babywise.life/pages/sample-baby-sleep-schedules) but the book has a lot more information than the website.

Every day will get a little better, I promise. I definitely had my moments of wanting to return baby to the hospital! You WILL get through this!

Oh man, these pads are just awesome!

Dynarex Disposable Under Pad, 17" L X 24" W, 100 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HWWR732/

Someone gave us a package of those when Kid was born and they saved us a ton of messes. We probably went through one pad a day.

Cheers!

https://smile.amazon.com/Infantino-Flip-4-in-1-Convertible-Carrier/dp/B00M0DWQYI/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536381672&sr=8-2&keywords=infantino+baby+carrier&dpID=51Fo-wDkh2L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Thats the one we got, seemed to get good enough reviews and we figured if she liked it we could get a nicer one. apparently this one also doesnt conform to proper hip support guidelines? makes sense.

nice thing is, for 30 bucks i dont even care that its money lost.

My wife and I are still expecting (she should be going into labor any day now). We aren't planning on using one because I think they don't offer any value to us. We have no health risks in either of our families that would contribute to increase SIDs. Furthemore, SIDs has been in huge decline to where it's very rare again for one main reason. The advice to sleep babies on their backs, on firm mattresses, with no blankets/loose objects in the bassinet/crib with them. Wearable devices won't do more for you that this advice will do -- unless there is some reason to believe your baby has a defect. But if your baby is normal, healthy, not-premature these devices will probably only work to increase your anxiety constantly monitoring them and parents with increased anxiety have babies with increased anxiety.

The only time I saw these devices being life savers in the research was in cases where babies had very rare defects. I think it's important all new babies find the right balance for them but we are going with a fairly minimalist approach.

My wife and i both read The Confident Parent and found it to be very excellent and are planning on using much of the advice in this book.

Our son is 2.5 years old and we've used a Nestcam/dropcam since day one. No issues with it. WiFi, 1080p recording, two way communication, night vision, 24 hour with 10 or 30 day cloud storage. Plus you can make time lapse clips and draw out a notification zone where you'll get specific alerts. You can view it on any device at home or when you're out and about. We also used the Infant Optics video monitor as well initially. It's not WiFi, but the range is really great and also has two way communication, night vision, temp monitoring and you can move it around remotely plus you can add on multiple cameras to the system.

Our white noise machine has been so helpful. It put me at ease and helped get me to sleep when LO was a newborn.

Then, when we started sleep training it helped because she was still in our room and she didn’t wake up when we opened the door to go to bed ourselves.

Now she’s in her own room and we still use it every night. I don’t feel like I have to be super quiet and when planes fly over (we live next to a base) or when cars drive by bumpin music I’m not worried she’s going to wake up.

You should get one!

I highly recommend the Infant Optics. Big fan of it not requiring a WiFi signal, as it uses its own radio signal. The range of motion is great, and the camera comes with a 2x Zoom lens (can be used without as well)

Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECHYTBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ub0WBbE3A0RGA

You're talking about these?

I bought them just two weeks ago, ran them through a hot water wash with baby detergent. They came out flimsy like first aid gauze and they don't absorb the poor kid's spit. I would have been better off buying a pack of men's t-shirts.

Are these the same ones or is there a better version I missed?

Yes!

The New Dad's Survival Guide

The Baby Owner's Manual

Dad's Playbook

These are all a bit lighter reading, and mind you I do not regret buying them at all. Really useful information in all of them.

We have the Graco Blossom 6-1 and are pretty happy with it!

https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Blossom-Convertible-Seating-Sapphire/dp/B00H8MSEXS

Super helpful for feed/sleep scheduling https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1932740503?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I couldn't be happier with the infant optics.

Seems to me like most "blogs" and "reviews" are just promoting whatever product they're paid to promote. The motorola one that is almost $300 has 45% 1 star reviews on Amazon.

I recommend this book over and over. Reading it was one of the best things I did to settle my nerves and get that peek behind the curtain. I have done many, MANY of the suggestions they outline, and they have never let me down!

We got the Diaper Dekor Plus from our registry and it works pretty well.

We quickly found out we can just use regular trash bag liners that we get from Costco that we use in the kitchen, which are a lot cheaper and work just as well.

Dekor Diaper Plus Diaper Disposal System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005V6C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QPdAxbV9N3X00

I got the "baby manual" Funny stuff, but contains lots of useful information

Camilia Teething Relief is what we used for both girls. We always ordered through Amazon, but searching online it looks like its available at Walmart, Target, and Walgreens too...

https://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Camilia-Homeopathic-Medicine-Teething/dp/B005KG7U16

Graco Dreamglider. Using it on my second and it still works great.

The Baby Owner's Manual is fun and informative. We have a copy that we both read before our baby arrived.

This is the one I was talking about, only $20. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M0DWQYI

It's the same one others have been recommending, but it's just that good...

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ECHYTBI?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title