What A Newborn Really Needs

Feeding Bottles And Sterilisers

NEWBORN ESSENTIALS 2019 | PREPPING FOR BABY…WHAT YOU REALLY NEED

For bottle-feeding, youll need bottles and teats, infant formula milk and a steriliser and a bottle brush to make sure your babys bottles are clean and safe to use.

Its very important to keep all the bottles you use sterilised so your baby doesnt get an upset stomach or any unwanted bacteria in their system. There are lots of different designs to choose from but all tend to do the job efficiently.

If youre planning to breastfeed your baby, you might be tempted to do without bottles and feeding equipment. However, you might find yourself choosing to give your baby formula milk or expressing your breastmilk. Its much easier to make these adjustments in your feeding plans if you have all the necessary equipment in the house it can be stressful to go shopping for such things under pressure with a hungry baby. If you dont end up needing the feeding equipment, you could always return it unopened or sell it on.

Anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce colic symptoms by reducing the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding. Some mums find these very effective but, again, its a matter of personal choice as to whether you find them suitable for your baby.

Baby Products That Didnt Work For You

1. KariMe baby sling. If you have a squirmy, active baby with a large head then dont bother with this sling! My baby was very uncomfortable and we only managed a few minutes. Also my smaller body shape means it easily comes loose.

2. Johnsons baby bath. I found this gave him very dry skin.

3. Lamaze play mat. I wish Id got a padded material one as while its bright its very hard and Huxley doesnt really relax on it.

4. Babygros that do up at the back/have loads of poppers. Who can flip a baby in the night? Why spend hours trying to popper up a baby when you can buy babygrows with a zip?! I love the ones in Gap.

5. Merino swaddle wrap. It cost almost £40 and a simple blanket does just as good a job.

Changes To Diaper Frequency

While you dont need to keep a meticulous log of every wet and dirty diaper, its important to note if there are any dry diapers or unusual stools . Keeping track of these things will be helpful when you need to speak to the doctor.

Babies frequency of stools vary widely, but you will soon know what is normal for your baby. Just make note when anything changes. While your baby may not stool every diaper change, they should at least have a wet diaper. Its OK if there is a dry diaper here and there, but two in a row can be concerning.

Read Also: How To Help Newborn Who Is Constipated

When Youre Preparing For The Arrival Of A New Baby Try Not To Think Too Far Ahead Because Thats When Youll Get Overwhelmed Just Focus On Those First Few Newborn Weeks And Your List Of Things To Get Will Be So Much Smaller

For example, do newborns need toys? Nope. They spend most of their time eating and sleeping. Do they need cute little outfits and tiny little shoes? Although precious, they really dont need them. They need comfortable outfits that make diaper changes easy and socks to keep their feet warm. Get the gist?

I will be the first to admit that I got sucked into the tornado of thinking I needed all the cute baby things right away. To be honest, I have beautiful baby blankets that never even got used and cute little outfits that were never worn. It was such waste of money on things that were not really needed.

Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes

Shopping List Of Newborn Needs

Again, we cant stress *enough* how important wipes are. Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Wipes are fragrance-free and plant-based, making them perfect for delicate baby skin. Theyre also super affordable and you can save even more when you Subscribe & Save and you might as well, because trust us, you dont want to run out.

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Changing Mat Or Changing Table

Changing tables do look very efficient but theyre not necessary if you dont have the space. A changing mat is much cheaper and you can place it on the floor or a flat, raised surface to protect your back. Buy a changing mat with raised sides so your baby wont wiggle away.

If youd prefer a changing table, however, look for a sturdy table that fits a changing mat securely and has plenty of space for the essentials nappies, wipes, baby cream etc. Make sure its at a good height too, so you dont have to bend down too far or strain your back.

Lots of nursery brands do changing tables as part of a whole collection of co-ordinated nursery furniture. This can look beautiful in your babys room but unless youre going to do all the nappy changes in there, you might find that a change mat on the floor is all you need.

A change table is outgrown quickly too, at which point you might find youre left with a piece of furniture you dont really need. To avoid this, think about buying a multifunctional change table that youll still get some practical use from once you stop using it for nappy changes.

The Baby Medicine Cabinet

Discuss the use of over-the-counter medications or treatments with your doctor.

  • Thermometer: There are many types available. Some doctors prefer that you use a rectal thermometer to get the most accurate temperature. A digital, plastic thermometer that you can place under your baby’s armpit may be easy for you to use for the first six months, but a rectal temperature is the most accurate in the first 3 months of life. Ear thermometers can be used after age 3 months.
  • Pain reliever/fever reducer medicine: Do not use aspirin! Acetaminophen is the only pain reliever/fever reducer approved for for the first 6 months of life. Ask your pediatrician about the proper dose based on your babyâs weight.
  • Teething rings to soothe teething gums.
  • Small gauze squares to clean wounds.
  • Cool mist vaporizer. Good for when baby has a cold.
  • Pedialyte or Ricelyte to be used as directed by your child’s pediatrician for fluid replacement during diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Infant sunscreen. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep them out of the sun as much as possible. But no matter how old they are, apply a baby-friendly sunscreen if they’ll be exposed to sunlight.

Keep your baby in the shade as much as you can. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive. Cover them up with clothes and a hat, limit their time in the sun , donât let them get overheated, and get them out of the sun right away if they show any signs of sunburn or dehydration, including fussiness, redness, and excessive crying.

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Newborn Must Haves You Cant Forget To Register For In 2021

If you are wondering What do I need for a newborn? then you are in the right place!

Having a newborn baby is stressful enough without having to worry about what to buy in preparation for his or her arrival.

When I was about to have my first baby, I was SO CONFUSED about what was truly a baby necessity and what I should bother putting on my registry.

It was so tough being a first time mom and the first of my close circle of friends to get pregnant! I really didnt know where to get advice.

I wish an experienced mom would have taken me by the hand and walked me through the list of newborn must haves and then explained what things werent truly necessary, but would have been nice to have.

This is my gift to all the expectant moms out there. As a mom of 3 , I feel like I am pretty much well versed on the topic of most needed stuff to get in preparation of babys arrival.

If youre having a baby in 2022 , you are in the right place!

Baby Checklist For The Hospital

REALISTIC Newborn Essentials! | What You Need For A Newborn Baby

Many of the items in the hospital bag will already be part of your layette a fancy word for babys wardrobe but you might have some purchases to make specifically for the time in labor and delivery.

For Mom

Warm, nonskid socks or slippers for walking the halls

Maternity bra and a few nursing pads

Maxi pads

For the baby

At least one outfit for the trip home: Pack a few different sizes in case junior is swimming in the 0-to-3-month gear or filling out newborn-size onesies.

A few warm blankets: You can skip these if its summer or you live in Miami.

Outdoor gear

Diaper bag, including a few diapers, wipes and a pacifier

Nerd tip: Be conservative in buying clothing for your little one. Many babies wear newborn sizes only for the first few weeks, if at all. As your baby grows, youll know better which sizes youll need and when.

Recommended Reading: A Must Have For Newborn

Things You Will Need To Recover Postpartum

Of all the things I prepped for with our first baby, I WISH I would have prepared more for postpartum recovery. Yes, your newborn really needs about 12 things but most of all, he or she needs you to be functioning. My mother told me something very wise that I needed to hear after I had my first baby : First take care of yourself, then take care of your baby.

That means remembering to eat regularly , drink at least half your body-weight in water and make absolutely 100% sure you do your self-care routine after every bathroom trip. That will require at least these few postpartum items. I WISH someone had told me that. So there you go dont forget it!

  • PadsI recommend having a few pads on hand before coming home with your baby: Heavy-as-Eff Pad: Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads OR Natracare Organic Maternity Pads . These are sadly just a part of postpartum life, girlfriend. But this too shall pass! Medium Pad: StayFree Maxi Regular Pads. I transitioned into these as fast as possible. I hated those giant pads. BUT I tried so many thinner pads. I hated wings . These were the best by far!!! No wings and I could wear them with leggings. Yuussss. Thinnest Pad: Carefree Original Thin Panty Liners. Score! Almost done with that diaper feel but still making sure there isnt an accident here or there.
  • Comfortable Place For Mom To Sit

    Babies like to be held and rocked and snuggled a LOT when they are newborns. Moms get tired standing and holding babies, and need a comfortable place to relax and recline with a baby. A rocking chair, glider chair, sofa, couch, ottoman, supportive pillow under the back, whatever, help mom help baby. Something that rocks, sways, or glides is also very helpful in calming fussy babies.

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    Chicco Corso Modular Travel System

    If you want to buy a car seat and stroller in one fell swoop, a travel system is the way to go. These come with said car seat and stroller, as well as a car seat base, ensuring that all the parts are conveniently compatible so that Baby stays safe and you stay sane. You cant go wrong with a well-known, reputable brand like Chicco and their Corso Modular Travel System is one of our favorite picks.

    When your babys a newborn, the carseat can click right into the stroller, and when they get older, the stroller seat can face frontward or back. There are more handy features like an adjustable footrest, a large adjustable canopy, and a handlebar, so your little one will always cruise in comfort. Plus, the stroller can be folded with one hand for easy portability. Add to that easy maneuverability and good looks to boot, and the two of you will be strolling in style no matter where the day takes you.

    Diaper Rash Cream Or Ointment

    Newborn Cluster Feeding Tips for Survival

    Not all babies develop diaper rash, but the treatment is nice to have on hand. This is on the list of things youll need a constant supply of when the baby is still in diapers. I especially loved this brand > > Boudreauxs Butt Paste

    Experienced mom tip: the quicker you can change your babys diaper after a poop, the less diaper rash cream youll need. The poop contact with skin is highly irritating and the cause of most diaper rashes, in my experience.

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    The Only 12 Baby Things Your Newborn Really Needs

    Knowing EXACTLY what your newborn really needs can be incredibly overwhelming. Mind blown, I remember starting my first Amazon Baby Registry and gasping at ALL the categoriesand the endless lists. Thinking I needed the best of EVERYTHING, I scoured reviews, price-compared and spent endless hours adding each perfect item.

    But, I didnt need it all. Especially in the beginning.

    I was SO concerned about having all-the-things and being 200% prepared, that I didnt stop to think about what a newborn REALLY needs. Most importantly, I had no idea.

    Now, with two kids, Ive gone through it. Lord Almighty in Heaven Above I WISH I could go back in time tell myself to breathe, lighten-up and focus on the time I had before bringing baby home. Stop worrying so much about the unknownthe birth , caring for a newborn for the first time, if Ill be a good mom or notand focus on being happy .

    The most important thing I wished I had realized is that my newborn does not need a ZILLION and a half of the most perfect things the universe can offer them .

    The reality is, these 12 things are the only baby items your newborn REALLY NEEDS. So, breathe easy and lets focus on the essentials.

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    Hudson Baby Unisex Cotton Gowns

    Outfits with buttons and snaps are cute and all, but when youre seriously sleep deprived and your baby needs a diaper change every hour, quick and easy is the way to go. Your baby will most likely live in shoulder gowns because theyre just so easy. Here are some cute animal ones, but you can easily find others on Amazon.

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    Must Have Baby Items: What To Buy Before The Little One Arrives

    Heres the thing

    A newborns material needs are few. This newborn must haves list includes the basics needed to help baby sleep and stay warm, fed, and clothed. Thats it! (Dont worry Ill include some more fun items at the end that I really enjoyed so you can have a well-rounded registry!

    Assuming youve started your registry , lets get to adding these items to it!

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