If you have given birth to a child before, then you already know how joyous and nerve-racking this experience could be. The arrival of a new baby is an event like no other, filled with moments of unparalleled happiness and, admittedly, a fair share of apprehension. For expectant parents embarking on this journey for the first time, you might find yourselves deep in thought, pondering the unique and perfect name for your little one. This task, while exciting, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to preparing for your baby’s arrival. Beyond names, the realization soon dawns that a baby requires a surprisingly extensive array of items. From the smallest sock to the most sophisticated piece of baby equipment, the items can seem endless and, frankly, overwhelming. To overcome this hardship, we’ve made a list for you of the essentials you will need to take care of your newborn. (Image Credits: Cookie_studio/Freepik)
Crib
Purchasing a crib is probably one of the first things any pregnant woman would think about first. You must decide which type of crib you want for your baby. A Moses crib will be fine, but if you intend to have your baby sleep in your room, a 3-sided crib will be the better option. Make sure that the mattress is firm and that it won’t sag under your newborn’s weight. An adjustable would be better. The rail of the crib should be 26 inches above the mattress, so as your child grows, you’ll be able to lower the mattress and maintain that 26-inch distance.
Feeding Necessities
Feeding your baby is a large part of taking care of it in the first few months. For that reason, you’ll have to load on the feeding necessities. The folks at https://www.babyandco.com/ say that you need to get a lot of bibs, burp cloths, and breast pumps, and milk storage containers. You should get a lotion for whenever your nipples feel sore and purchase nursing bras that are a size larger than your pregnant bra size. Breast pads will also be helpful, so make sure you get either disposable breast pads or washable ones.
Baby Tub
Your baby will need to bathe regularly, so you’ll need to get a baby tub. There are several types of baby tubs. Usually, nursing mothers go for the standard baby tubs, as they are sturdy, reliable, and readily available, but you can also choose a convertible baby tub, which you can adjust as your baby grows. You can also buy a foldable baby tub, so you can store it in a small storage space. Make sure that the tub has a temperature gauge and a non-skid surface to keep your baby in place.
Gear
When we think about baby gear, we assume that we only need a stroller, but baby gear also includes carrier and car seats. When it comes to strollers, you’ll have various options to choose from. All-purpose strollers are usually a good, generic option, but you can also get a jogging stroller if you want to take your infant out while working out. Travel systems will save you the trouble of buying a car seat, as they are strollers and a car seat. Baby carriers are also great, as they are discreet (you can breastfeed your baby without a hassle) and will make you more, which can be useful, especially if you have to take care of older children.
Linens and Blankets
In addition to a comfortable and sturdy mattress for the crib, you have to buy the proper linens and blankets for your baby’s crib. Make sure that the linens are 100% cotton. However, because most manufacturers will add a formaldehyde finish to linens to prevent wrinkling, you can check other manufacturers who sell chemical-free linens. Make sure that you’re not using pillows or comforters as they can make a fire hazard. Instead, you can use sheets specially made for cribs. When you choose blankets, make sure that they’re made of breathable material that won’t aggravate any allergies that your little one might have. Blankets that have a cotton layer underneath are your best option.
Baby Sleepwear
Nappies
Whether you buy disposable or washable nappies, you’ll have to get a lot of them, as babies tend to use a lot of nappies in their first few months. Many parents prefer reusable nappies as they prevent nappy rashes and they’re also environment-friendly. They are more economical than their disposable counterparts; however, they won’t be the best option if you’re traveling with your baby. Reusable nappies, on the other hand, are designed to suit your child’s weight, sex, and shape. However, they might cause rashes and will deplete your budget quickly.
Now that you know the basic items to purchase for your baby, you can rest assured that you’ll have everything that you need by the time your baby is within your arms. Make sure that you have other necessities ready months before giving birth, like comfortable clothes and medication. Also, make sure to have all these items in a checklist to ensure that you’ve got everything covered.