Layette: Baby’s First Clothes
- 6 undershirts that snap on the bottom or tie on the side, commonly called “onesies”
- 3 to 4 infant gowns with elastic bottoms. These make for easy diaper changes. All you have to do is pull the gown up over the belly to change the diaper and then pull it back down when finished. There is no stumbling around trying to snap the gown back together, which is especially nice when it’s 3 a.m. and all you want to do is get baby back to sleep so that you can get back to sleep.
- 6 sleepers/stretch suits . These are nice to put baby in during the day, but are not essential items. When buying these, make sure you get the kind that zip up the front. These are easier to get baby in and out.
- 3 to 4 pairs of booties or socks with stretch elastic band at cuff
- 3 to 4 receiving blankets
- 1 sweater and hat
How To Build Your Babys Wardrobe
There are a few things to think about when youre trying to figure out how many baby clothes youll need and how you should add clothing to your registry.
1. Think About Laundry
Your access to laundry makes a big difference in how many items of baby clothing youll need on hand.
Our list of newborn essentials below assumes you do a few loads of laundry throughout the week. If this isnt the case, though, you may need more or less clothing. Heres how to adjust:
- If youre only planning on doing laundry once a week, multiply the numbers below by two.
- If you will be doing laundry every day, cut the numbers below in half.
2. What About Baby Clothes Sizes
Figuring out sizing and how many pieces in each size to add to your registry can be tricky as its tough to anticipate how big your baby will be at birth and how quickly theyll grow. Keep these tips in mind:
- Think big. Most newborn sizes top out around eight pounds, so if you have a bigger baby, they may need 0-3 months sizes from the start. Pick a few newborn items and then focus on 0-3 months since those clothes will fit babies up to around 12 or 13 pounds.
- Mix it up. Each baby brand runs differently when it comes to sizing. Some brands run roomier and are great for larger babies, while others run on the slim side and work better if your baby is long and lean. Since you wont know your babys body type before birth, try to mix in clothes from several different brands so youll have a few different fit options.
Boppy Original Nursing Pillow And Positioner
If you breastfeed, youre going to want a nursing pillow. Is it *essential*? I guess not, the job will get done either way. Is it super helpful and make you and Baby more comfortable during feedings? Hell yes. Just get a good nursing pillow so that while your baby is eating for the 20th time, you can also get some rest . This one from Boppy truly gives your arms and back the support they need by helping you lift your little one more ergonomically. Its machine-washable, too, so no need to worry about cleanup.
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What Essentials Do You Need For Your Newborn
Having a few essential items on hand for the hospital and when you bring your newborn home will help ease the transition.
Make sure you remove these items from their packaging. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and assemble them, if necessary. This will ensure theyre ready to use as soon as you need them.
Out And About With Your Baby
Spend some time looking at what’s available for getting around with your baby. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they have found useful.
Before buying a pushchair or a pram, check that:
- the brakes are in good working order
- the handles are at the right height for pushing
- the frame is strong enough
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How Much Do Diapers Cost
Its mind-boggling to see the numbers, realizing youll probably buy more than 100 ginormous disposable diaper packs. A one-week supply of diapers can cost around $20, and 3,000 first-year diapers at an average of $.35 per diaper adds up.
Based on diaper costs and daily changes, the average family spends around $1,000 in the first year on disposable diapers and supplies. Alternatively, the total cost for a stock of cloth diapers could run around $500 to $800, although there are more expensive styles and investments in laundering and other supplies.
Lest we forget, youll also be purchasing the diaper wipes, diaper creams, and all the other diapering accoutrements you deem essential no matter which type of diapers you use.
Top 10 Things You Need For Baby In The First Two Weeks
Between the gear, the clothing, the toys, the diapers and the MANY other things you will need to do to prepare before having a baby, there are a few essential items that we suggest you have ready for those first weeks at home. You wont need that trendy jogging stroller yet or even a high chair or baby jumper, but there are a few must-haves that you and your baby will not be able to live without. Read on for our master list of the top 10 things you need for baby in the first two weeks.
1) Diapers & Wipes: Whether you choose to cloth diaper or go with disposables, your new little bundle of joy will likely go through approximately 8-10 diapers per day. Most babies will comfortably fit in the newborn size but it doesnt hurt to have some size 1s on hand as well in case your little one is not so little. You will also need a good supply of wipes on deck for the messy ones.
2) Clothes: Youve probably been gifted a number of cute baby outfits and accessories by friends and family but you wont necessarily be reaching for those in the early days. The key to dressing your newborn is making sure that the clothes are comfortable and temperature appropriate. The most handy wardrobe items for the first two weeks are:
- lightweight cotton nightgowns and sleepers
- cotton mittens to prevent scratching
- short sleeve and long sleeve onesies
- newborn cotton caps
- socks
- and kimono style button-up t-shirts.
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Best Stroller And Car
Many readers prefer to start with an infant car seat, which lifts out of the car and secures onto a coordinating stroller for easy transitions. The winning twofer is the Chicco Corso Modular Travel System, which pairs the highly rated KeyFit 30 Zip infant rear-facing car seat with a well-designed stroller made to hold it. You’ll keep using the snazzy stroller long after your baby outgrows the companion car seat. $500
Signs That Suggest A Developmental Problem
All children are different and develop at different rates, so if your baby doesn’t do all the things listed in this article, it may be because they are working on some different area of learning and development. However, if your baby is very different from other children, or if you are worried about their development or it seems to go backwards, seek the advice of a health professional.Signs that could suggest a developmental problem include:
- Unusually floppy or stiff body
- Arm or leg on one side is obviously different in muscle tone or power to the other
- Fingers are always held in a tight fist
- Not watching faces by two to three months
- Not startling to noise
- Difficulties with feeding beyond ‘normal’ range
- Long periods of crying and persistent difficulties with settling
- The child is exceptionally quiet and placid.
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Best Swaddle: Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle
Another popular style from the brand Halo, this sleep sack is a great way to prevent startle reflex thanks to its swaddling wings. When your baby is ready to transition to an arms-out sleep sack, simply tuck the wings under their arms and around their waist. It’s made entirely of cotton, has an inverted zipper, and comes in a variety of colors. Many shoppers say it has helped their baby sleep better, and one mom claims, ” hands down the best purchase that I made for my baby.”
To buy: $28
Bringing Home Baby: The 20 Essentials You Actually Need
When I was pregnant with my first child, friends offered a heap of advice on all the baby gear I absolutely had to have. I ended up creating not one, not two, not three, but five different registries to account for all those necessary items.
Of course, no one ever sets out to be that excessive. But with the wave of parenthood approaching, I wanted to cover all my bases. When it comes to our kids, even the most rational and levelheaded among us can succumb to that nagging fear: If I just buy X, then Ill win at parenting . . . or at least not mess up so badly.
It doesnt have to be like that. Before you go wandering glassy-eyed through the aisles of Babies R Us, check out this list of 20 must-haves built from hard-won wisdom and experience in the child-rearing trenches.
1. Car seat: Car seats are mandatory by federal law, and the hospital wont let you take baby home without one. Baby car seats, or infant buckets, snap into a base and have a carry handle. There are numerous brands available to fit your budget and style.
2. Soft carrier: When you cant put your newborn down but want to move around with your hands free, soft carriers are lifesavers. Styles range from sling to wrap to front-to-back convertible, so talk to a friend, try a few out and keep your receipts!
6. Nursing wear: A nursing mom should have two good nursing bras or tank tops, plus nursing pads so you dont leak through all your shirts.
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How Many Onesies Do I Need For A Newborn
Onesies are the comfiest outfits. They are quick to put on and easy to change. Despite the season, at least three onesies can be bought in a newborn size. Then, it is better to opt for 0-3 size. Remember that onesies with built-in footies should have sufficient length so that not to prevent your baby from movements. Still wondering how many onesies do I need, buy three pieces. These are the most comfortable outfits for active pastimes, sleeping, and strolls for newborns.
What Are The Baby Essentials For The First 3 Months
The first three months are both exhilarating and exhausting.
Youre excited to finally care for your little one, but theres a huge learning curve. You want to arm yourself with all of the best newborn baby gear and necessities.
But
Newborn baby shopping is expensive! You dont want to break the bank with your baby checklist.
With so much selection, deciding what to buy can be overwhelming.
What do babies actually use in the first 3 months?
When I was pregnant, I looked through many baby essentials lists and spoke to a lot of parents. There seemed to be two opposite schools of thought:
- Babies only need diapers and clothes
- Babies need every product available on the planet
I knew I was somewhere in the middle of both camps. While I aspire to be a minimalist , Im more so in the frugal category.
Not cheap, but frugal in the sense that I prioritize value over price. I will buy a more expensive item if its better quality and I will get more longevity for it.
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Best Lightweight: Tillyou Wearable Blanket
During warmer temperatures, consider this breathable sleep sack set made from delicate cotton. Its lightweight fabric ensures your baby stays cool and comfortable while snoozing in summertime heat, plus it’s great for travel naps when the temperature isn’t always easy to control. The set includes two wearable blankets, letting you keep one at home and the other in a diaper bag for on-the-go use. Choose from sizes ranging from small to X-large and a variety of colors and patterns. Thousands of parents give it a perfect rating because of its two-way zipper and affordable price.
To buy: $20
Products You Need To Buy When Having A Baby
Right after you learn that you’re having a baby, you learn that babies seem to need a lot of stuff! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. This list will help you figure out what to buy for baby. There are millions of products available for purchase, but the following products are the most common needs or wants for newborns.
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Best For Winter: Halo Sleepsack Micro
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Not recommended for babies under 10 pounds
If your home gets cold in the winter months, this is a great sleep sack to invest in because its made from thick, soft 100 percent microfleece. The wearable blanket goes over the babys shoulders and then stays put with an inverted zipper thats designed for easy late-night diaper changes.
You can get this machine-washable sleep sack in a variety of colors and sizes to keep your little one warm up until they reach 28 pounds.
Material: Polyester microfleece | Age Range: Newborn to 24 months old | Machine Washable: Yes
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Feet are not covered
This sleep sacks design is a little different from the rest because it has little feet holes so that they can safely move around before bedtime, then once theyre asleep you can cover their toes back up to keep them warm throughout the night.
Its made from soft microfleece and comes in three sizes for babies between 16 and 36 pounds.
Material: Polyester microfleece | Age Range: 12 months old to 24 months old | Machine Washable: Yes
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Not recommended for preemies
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Not recommended for babies after they can roll/2 months old
Babies as little as 6 pounds can safely use this sleep sack which is designed to work as a swaddle and, later, a transitional sleep sack. It goes over the babys shoulders and has an inverted zipper down the front to secure it in place. Then, to swaddle your newborn, you just wrap the wings around their arms and secure them with the velcro tabs.