The essentials for a holistic newborn baby

One thing I knew before Diane was born and that was confirmed later on... Newborns don't need much, besides your contact, your love and your breast (or milk).

So these are the basics we have been using, nothing more. We honestly haven't needed more than that. Why make it complicated when it can be so easy?

1. The diapers / nappies

First of all, you don't need to buy a special "diaper" bag. Any bag that you already have will make it!

The diapers:

We started using the fully disposable nappies "Eco by Naty". They are highly efficient and left our baby's bum clean, which is what we want. But even better: they are completely chemical-free. No GMOs, no chlorine, no toxins for baby's skin to absorb (in most conventional diapers you will find phthalates, fragrance, heavy metals, formaldehyde... all sorts of nasties that are NOT GOOD for your baby). They are absorbent thanks to completely natural materials, like wood pulp for example. And they are completely biodegradable.

When I stay at home, I like to use the Organic Cotton reusable washable AppleCheeks diapers. It is all organic cotton and bamboo. And they are efficient too.

As a result, Diane has never had any "diaper rash". The only thing we have put on her skin so far is Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera.

Please people, avoid by all means those commercial creams that are laden with very toxic chemicals. You don't need 150 ingredients to have a good soothing nourishing cream for your baby!! Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil are what I would advise you to use.

Water wipes:

To wipe her off, we chose simple Water Wipes that are made of water and a few drops of essential oils.

2. Baby's clothes

Newborns really don't need much!! The only thing that I spent time on, is the quality of the clothes: they are all 100% Organic, GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard), which means that there are no chemicals used to treat the organic cotton or put some colors on it. This is very important, as many brands say they are organic but then will use toxic dyes on top of the material, or they will treat it or bleach it. Remember: your baby's skin absorbs EVERYTHING.

3. The bed linens and blankets

This is the same as for the clothes: we chose all organic. As we are co-sleeping (bed-sharing), it meant beautiful soft organic sheets for us as well. If you use a crib, there are now nice natural mattresses, covers, sheets.

4. Baby Carriers

Diane is almost 4 months old now and we still haven't bought a stroller... The Baby sling we have been using is perfect for our daily walks and outdoor activities. She is getting bigger though, we might change now for a more advanced baby carrier model. One we can take her hiking with us.

5. Baby toys

Honestly, newborns don't need any toys at all. Everything around them is like a toy.

From 2-3 months on more or less, it can be nice to have them play around by themselves, and that's when I thought we would need a play mat with some hanging rattles. I like to let her do her thing on her own time. Whenever she will feel the need for more - to turn from the back to the tummy and vice-versa, to shake her rattle - she will do it. I like to see her grow slowly enjoying every step on the way, we don't need to speed up the process.

The quality of the toys you are going to use is highly important. An environment made of plastics can easily wreak havoc their endocrine system. Find non-treated wooden ones, with organic cotton covers.

6. Be present

As I am breastfeeding and co-sleeping with Diane, I must say that I am spending a lot of time depending on her own activities... She likes to breastfeed quite often, and wants me to stay with her during her naps and at night.

Many people have told me that this is a bit too much, it is a real sacrifice of my life and time, I should leave her alone, breastfeed only on a schedule... First, I think at that age, babies know better than us what they are doing. If she is hungry or thirsty, she needs milk.

When they have just been born, I do believe that they only need YOU, your PRESENCE, your WARMTH, your SMELL, your VOICE. The first trimester on Earth is the 4th trimester of pregnancy. They just came into the world which is very aggressive to them. You are their only anchor to some love and security.

With Love,

Stephanie