Things Parents Actually Need

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Lindsey Mathews again on the BIRTHFIT Podcast, and we discussed a lot of parenting “props”. I’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive about how this information might be received. I do not hold popular opinion in terms of child rearing. I have this weird idea that children are actually people and deserve as much respect as anyone else in this world. I also believe that their movements and autonomy are of the utmost importance, and as such, I ensure that their environment allows them to explore their innate movement patterns. I find this approach to parenting extremely freeing. And after releasing that podcast, I came to find out that many of you find this notion of respecting our children and allowing them to develop as nature intended freeing as well.

I got a lot of messages from parents stating that the things we discussed on the podcast really resonated with them. And a lot of them shared the same concerns: how do I convey this to my well-meaning relatives or friends who want to shower us with all of these tools/props? My response to everyone who sent that similar message was to share the podcast with their loved ones. Let them know that what we talked about really spoke to you and that you’re interested in creating an environment for your child(ren) that allows them to develop without interference. You can also share this blog with them, or simply use it as a guide when planning your registry.

Before I went on the podcast, I asked my husband, Chris, what babies actually NEED: he said, “a safe place to change their diaper, a safe place to sleep, and safe place to move around.” I expanded the list a little more (with the help of Dr. Jamie Wuistinger) and came up with the following. (Not all of these were discussed on the podcast because Dr. Mathews and I like to chat and we only had an hour!)

What you actually need as a parent:

• Forget about the bucket car seat – opt for a convertible car seat right off the bat
• Snoogle (And I referenced this article about laid back nursing. Worth a read!)
• Carolina Morning Designs restorative yoga mat – (great for use as a floor bed)
• Nursing pads – disposable and reusable
• Nursing bras – ditch the underwire
• Haakaa one-piece manual breast pump
• North States superyard safe/yes space
• Ergobaby Stowaway (I incorrectly referred to this as the Ergo “Air” – I completely made that name up.)
• IKEA toilet
• Cloth diapers/wipes/solution
• Epsom salts
• Milk storage bags
• Nursing sleep bras
• Cosleeper (I don’t personally use one, but this one comes highly recommended!)
• VIdeo monitor
• Gift certificate to the BIRTHFIT Postpartum Series
• BIRTHFIT Postpartum Programming
• Postpartum Doula (especially if you’re having multiples or don’t have a close network of support)
• Meal Train

Things you do NOT need:

• Belly binders (We discussed bengkung binding as an option, but please recognize that this is not intended for or effective in assisting with diastasis or musculature support.)
• Bumbo or other seat prior to baby sitting
• Rice cereal
• Baby puree maker
• Bath seat
• Sippy cups
• Light up toys
• Exersaucer
• Activity mat/station
• Bouncer/harness (to “assist” in walking)
• Swing
• Self-standing high chair; opt for a booster seat to save room!

Other resources to check out:

http://www.babyledweaning.com Raising Children is an Act of Philosophy https://www.rie.org/ Nonviolent Communication

If you have questions or want to connect with me, you can visit www.birthfitnc.com, email birthfitnc@gmail.com, check out my ebooks, or follow me @birthfitnc!

Lindsay Mumma, DC
BIRTHFIT NC Regional Director