The ultimate care package for new parents

November 13, 12:21 PMOrlando Parenting ExaminerRobyn Kurth

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One of the best things about having a few years of parenting experience under your belt is having enough perspective and distance from those sleep-deprived days of being a new parent to share what you know with others. Our extended family has had some new additions, so here is a sampling of the ultimate “First Time Parents” care package that I sent to relatives based upon my experience “in the trenches” with my own kids:

• Child Care Books—These are the only “used” items in the care package. I received one of the books when my son was born, the other when my daughter arrived. I can’t remember which. What I do remember is leafing through the books a bit when the children were newborns, and then I set them aside. Children, like their parents, are individuals, and nobody grows up exactly “by the book.” That is why these books are relatively untouched.
• Suave Shampoo—My kids love this stuff, and it is one-third of the cost of all those baby shampoos and washes that you will find in the baby/toddler section of the store. You’ll find the Suave kid shampoos in the regular shampoo section. There are a lot of products out there that are more expensive just because the word “Baby” is on the bottle. I wish this stuff was on the market when my kids were babies.
• And while we’re at it, I am listing three products that I am not including in the care package because I’ve never really had a need for them:

1. Baby lotion: I didn’t use it when the kids were babies, although my daughter liked to smear it on her arms and legs when she was a toddler.
2. Baby powder: Another thing you don’t really need. In my opinion, Aquaphor is best for the prevention and healing of diaper rash.
3. Baby oil: Never! Sure, it smells great, but if you slather that stuff on your body in Florida you’ll sizzle and crisp up like a piece of bacon when you walk outside.

• Bottle Brush—Once the babies start using bottles you will need a bottle brush. And bottles. And a bottle cleaning station right next to your kitchen sink. And more brushes, once the first brush wears out. And then it’s time to move on to sippy cups, but I digress.
• Emery Board—You might have received baby nail clippers as a shower gift, but when you look at those tiny little fingers and that big sharp blade you’ll tell yourself, “There’s no way I’m using that on my babies!” The soft, padded emery board works wonderfully on newborn nails.
• Neck rest—This gift deceptively looks like one of those “Me Time” gifts for mommy, especially with the spa-quality massage function. Of course, any experienced mom will tell you that you won’t be getting much “Me Time” until the kids are off to college! This neck rest will be especially useful whenever your child has an ear infection at 2:00 in the morning and you realize that the only way anybody in the house is going to get any sleep is if you and the toddler sleep propped up in a La-Z-Boy until you can get to the pediatrician’s office the next morning and get the antibiotics you know he needs but can’t get without a prescription.

What would make it into your ultimate “First Time Parents” care package? If you have any comments to share, feel free to list them in the comments section below.