As a new parent, one of the things you never want to see happen is to see your baby sad. Even though that’s sometimes impossible, everyone wants to see their babies happy, smiling, and snuggling.
So, you’re faced with thoughts of things that would make that desire come to reality. What products would your baby need?
Of course, you could consult a baby registry and ask for their suggestion list or ask a baby gear store, just be prepared because you might practically be needing everything under the sun.
Either way, some parents would prefer getting cool baby gadgets that would make life more convenient for their babies. But if you’re on a budget or are new parents confused about what to do, you might just decide to stick to the basics. The items listed below would help your baby stay safe and happy.
Clothing
Clothing and layette are obvious items that would keep your baby safe. You might not need anything fancy in the first few weeks or months, just stick to simple, plain, affordable clothes. Maybe just a few cute outfits would do when you want to show off how adorable they are.
Avoid getting too many clothes though because of how quickly babies grow. What do you do with all the clothes when they no longer fit? Well, you could donate them. At the same time, considering how messy their clothes can quickly get, keep in mind that you would be making outfit changes more frequently.
Another factor to note when making purchases is how often you want to do laundry and the weather condition of your place when the baby arrives. People who live in cold climates are advised to get hats for their babies during the first few weeks but you can drop it you live in a warm region.
Here are clothing ideas that might be helpful(how many pieces you get depends on how much time you want to spend doing laundry) :
- Onesies or similar soft outfits
- Sleepsacks
- Baby socks
- Hats
Bedding and Sleeping Needs
As you well know, your baby’s sleeping needs are very important. You would need a crib, cradle, mattress, bassinet, co-sleeper, baby monitor, soft toys, and sheets. Just ensure anything you decide to go for is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. As a breastfeeding mother, it’s only natural for you both to sleep off in your bed. Read up on guidelines surrounding that. Depending on how often you’re on the road, your child would need some baby & toddler car seats & accessories. They’d have comfort even in the car.
Diapers
This item is not only to keep your baby safe but you too. Imagine how it’s going to look without any diapers on them. Nonetheless, choosing the right kind of diaper for your baby can be challenging especially for new parents. Weird, right? When you’re confused about what type of diaper to get, keep in mind that there are still pros and cons either way so just go for what works for your family and the lifestyle you want. Better still, use the different types of diapers so you can see which you like best.
Don’t forget that newborns can use as much as 10 diapers per day, so ensure you have surplus diapers available. It might be wise to also get what they’d use every day or a day in advance. Remember they will outgrow their current size in just a matter of weeks, hence the advice.
Grooming Kits
You might not need this right away, but you do need it anyway. So, do stock up with grooming and first aid kits in your cabinets. Find a way to trim your baby nails if you don’t have access to a kit as their nails also grow so fast. Grooming is more than just trimming their nails, you need to be able to take your baby’s temperature and clean snot from their nose when the need arises.
Some things you’d need include baby nail clippers, a digital thermometer, a bulb syringe, and a medicine dropper. You might not need to get pain relief medicine for your baby. It’s not recommended at that stage for them.
Feeding Equipment
You wouldn’t need much if you’re still in the breastfeeding stage as them being in contact with your breasts would suffice. Reach out to a lactation consultant or a support group if you do encounter any challenges.
Where you would need some items is if you plan on feeding them formula. You might need to have a chat with an expert about good brands and types. Here are a few things to have at hand any way you decided to feed them:
- Burp cloths
- Bottle-feeders
- Bottlebrush
- Bottle nipples
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Breast pump
Don’t become overwhelmed, it’s not that complicated. You probably just need to separate your baby’s needs from wants. There are so many wants in the market (even for adults) which they don’t need.