Bedding And Sleep Needs
Whatever bed you choose for your newborn , it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that your baby sleep in the same room with you for the first 6-12 months of life. In addition, bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys are no longer recommended in baby beds. Talk about going minimalistic!
What Do You Actually Need For A Newborn Baby
The most important piece of furniture needed for a newborn is a safe place to sleep. Some of the options include a crib, a bassinet, a cradle, a portable crib or a cosleeper. Smaller items like bassinets are convenient because they can be moved from room to room, but babies quickly grow out of them.
Should Baby Sleep In Your Room
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should room-share, or sleep in their parents rooms for at least the first 6 months of life.
They should be in their own crib, bassinet, or other separate sleep space. This may help prevent sudden infant death syndrome . Plus, your baby will be close by, making it easier to feed and comfort them.
The AAP advises against sleeping in the same bed with your newborn since it increases the risk of SIDS or injury to baby.
Your baby should also sleep on their back, which is the safest position for them. Avoid using blankets, pillows, or crib bumpers. Instead use swaddles, sleep sacks, and pajamas to keep baby warm at night.
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How Much Do Newborn Babies Sleep
A newborns schedule can feel unpredictable. Newborns will sleep an average of eight to nine hours in the daytime. They may sleep up to another eight hours total at night. But this wont usually be for the same stretch of time.
Newborns also have very small stomachs. Theyll need to get up about every three hours to eat until around 3 months of age. Once theyre a little older, theyll be able to go longer between feedings.
Some babies will sleep through the night starting at 4 months. Others wont sleep through the night until later. Your pediatrician is your best resource for letting you know how often your newborn will need to be fed throughout the night as they grow.
Bassinet Moses Basket Or Co
Not all babies will immediately sleep in their cribs.
It is better to get your baby to sleep in your room during the early days. it gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of SIDS.
Getting a beside you means youll be able to sleep more while the baby stays with you. It makes it easier on nighttime feedings too. Just look at what fits your style and budget!
You can also choose a co-sleeper! My favorite options are DockATot and Snuggle Me.
After a couple of days, you can start using Moses baskets which are super cool as you can move your sleeping baby wherever you want to in the house.
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Why Do I Always Smell My Blanket
It is likely that you always smell your blanket because of a combination of familiarity and comfort. Smelling familiar scents can be an automatic form of self-soothing and stress reduction. Our sense of smell is often focused on habitual and familiar aromas, and so our blanket especially if it has been part of our lives for a long time may be one of the most familiar and comfortable scents, prompting us to be drawn to it for comfort.
Additionally, blankets provide us with physical contact, which can also provide comfort. Therefore, the combination of familiar comfort and physical contact may be why you are drawn to smell your blanket.
Best Baby Lotion Sensitive Skin
Babys skin is so delicate and sensitive because of his or her immature immune system. The best baby lotions wont have harsh fragrances, chemicals and colorants as they can cause dryness, swelling, chafing and general irritation and rashes. With sensitive baby skin, less is more, so a very light moisturizer would be the best baby lotion for sensitive skin.
Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion, $16, Mustelausa.com
Babies, especially newborns, have incredibly sensitive skin. With its mixture of vitamins E, F, almond oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, Mustela baby lotion has been pediatrician recommended as the best lotion for sensitive baby skin.
Pros:
- Provides lasting and immediate hydration to newborn and baby skin
- Reinforces skin barrier with a natural patented ingredient, Avocado Perseose, to preserve babys skin at the cellular level
Cons:
- Not for use if baby has an avocado allergy
Babyganics Moisturizing Daily Baby Lotion, $12,
The best after-bath routine is to give your precious little one a massage with the best baby lotion for sensitive skin. Reviews show that users love the Babyganics daily lotion for their natural plant-based ingredients. Gluten-free and pediatrician tested, the baby lotion is delicate enough as the best lotion for newborn skin.
Pros:
- A special blend of seed oils helps nurture dry baby skin
- Lightweight and not greasy so it easily absorbs into skin
Cons:
- There are many complaints about the pumps being cheaply made and ineffective
Pros:
Cons:
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Do I Need To Bring A Receiving Blanket To The Hospital
Bringing a receiving blanket to the hospital is not essential, though it can be helpful. Generally hospitals will provide a range of supplies, including diapers, wipes, cribs, and bassinets, which also include receiving blankets.
However, its always wise to bring a comfort item from home for your baby. For example, if you have a particular blanket or quilt that youd like to swaddle your baby in after birth, bringing it with you to the hospital is a good idea.
Another reason it can be helpful to bring a receiving blanket to the hospital is for swaddling your baby during the first couple of days. After birth, babies often find comfort in being snug and enclosed, which is why swaddling is seen as a calming technique.
At the hospital, they may have a particularly thin receiving blanket or emergency swaddle which is not recommended to use as regularly because it can be too thin and potentially too loose.
You may also want to bring a receiving blanket for use after you get home. If you plan to use a blanket as part of your routine to help baby settle, it can be better to bring one from home as this will be a familiar item that can help your baby feel more at ease.
In summary, bringing a receiving blanket to the hospital is not essential, but it can be useful to bring one. Consider the type of blanket you choose and the purpose for which it is being brought. If you simply need a swaddling blanket for the immediate postpartum period, a thin, lightweight blanket may be enough.
Baby Clothes: Sizes And Quantity
Your little one will be arriving soon, and clothes are extremely fun to shop for! How many newborn sized clothes will you need? The newborn size fits babies from 8-11 pounds, and babies will often outgrow the newborn size very quickly after birth. Save the extremely cute outfits for the 0-3 month size, which will be worn for a longer period of time.
Newborn clothes should be soft and easy to get on and off the baby onesies should have envelope sleeves with a large head opening, for example. Outfits with zippers are much easier than ones with snaps especially when it is time for a middle of the night diaper change. Sleep sacks are wonderful, as they eliminate the need for a blanket and keep baby warm and cozy throughout the night.
Some pieces of recommended clothing may be omitted from the list below the onesies, for example, are good for layering in cold weather. A summer baby may not need the extra layer, or may need the onesies and not the extra single-piece outfits.
The following newborn sized clothes should be purchased prior to delivery:
- 5 pairs of baby socks OR 1 pair of crib shoes
- 1 snow bunting for winter babies
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Genital Hygiene For Babies
Its important to keep your babys genitals clean. This will help prevent infections and keep your baby healthy.
To clean your babys genitals, you can use warm water and a cotton ball. If you want to, you could add a small amount of mild cleanser with a built-in moisturiser to the water. Make sure to wash all cleanser off your babys genitals.
You can clean your babys genitals when changing their nappy and at bath times.
Avoid using talcum powder anywhere on your baby, including around babys genitals. Talcum powder has fine particles that your baby can breathe in. You should also avoid cornstarch-based baby powder. It can make rashes worse.
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What Does A Night Nurse Do
You may have heard about night nurses. A night nurse gives your baby bottles and changes their diapers overnight.
If youre breastfeeding, a night nurse may bring baby to you to feed, then change them and put them back to sleep. Or you can choose to pump and have your night nurse give your baby bottles overnight if you choose.
The cost for a night nurse may range from $25 an hour to several hundred dollars per hour, depending on your location and the experience of the night nurse.
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Which Items Are Actually Essential
Its not easy to know which baby items are truly essential and which ones you can ignore. Your baby doesnt need brand-name clothing, but what about a hooded towel or a humidifier? Its not always clear whats absolutely necessary and whats just nice to have.
The truth is that some newborn baby essentials arent exactly essential. Humans have survived for thousands of years without things like breast pumps and pacifiers, so we dont need them in order to take care of our babies.
However, we dont live in the Stone Age anymore, and life in the 21st century requires a few extra items. Diapers, for instance, are impossible to go without. The same is true of bathing products and cleansers.
If youre looking to save money on baby essentials or just prefer a minimalist approach, here is a list of what you will definitely need to care for your baby:
- Cleansers to bathe your baby with
These are, to quote Baloo, the bare necessities of life. But there are a number of other baby essentials that will make caring for your child easier. And making life easier for you and your partner should be a high priority!
So lets get started with the ultimate first year shopping list.
Dream On Me Synergy 5
Why pick this one? This baby crib has an undeniably modern and sleek look. The no-frills style crib would suit almost any nursery décor but might be an especially good choice if your babyâs nursery has a modern aesthetic with clean lines and a focus on minimalism and functionality.
This product can be used in five different ways, from a crib all the way to a full-size bed with a footboard.
As with many other convertible baby cribs, the toddler safety rail on this one needs to be purchased separately. When itâs time to convert the crib to a full-size bed, youâll need to buy the bed frame and mattress separately as well.
Highlights: Although all options on our list meet the necessary safety standards, this crib goes the extra mile and uses eco-friendly and child-safe water-based paint to create fun color options .
Price*: about $135 to $298 on
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
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Follow A Healthy Diet
It’s likely that youâve been paying attention to what you eat and following a healthy pregnancy diet. If not, nowâs the time to start! Eating well helps keep you and your little one healthy, promotes steady growth, and supplies the energy you need for childbirth and motherhoodâso itâs a crucial component of how to prepare for a baby.
How Does A Baby Registry Work
A baby registry is a list of items that parents-to-be would like to receive as gifts. This ensures that future moms and dads get everything they need to welcome home their new addition. Typically, baby registries are organized by store and can be set up either as an online baby registry or physical one. Some registries allow you to combine lists from multiple retailers.
Many popular baby registries also offer additional perks, such as free returns, price matching, a welcome box of freebies and a completion discount on select items. Certain online features, like a gift tracker for thank-you notes or an app that lets you monitor your registry on the go, may also be helpful.
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Formula Or Breastfeeding Supplies
Long before your baby comes home, he already needed a way to eat. For some, this means formula, which many hospitals will provide. For others, having breastfeeding supplies will make the experience more successful.
For breastfeeding moms, the first item to have is a nursing pillow. I didnt have one with my eldest, so at the hospital, the lactation consultant and I had to make do with whatever pillows we had around. A pillow makes nursing so much easier to manage.
And if youre interested in increasing your milk supply , a breast pump makes that possible. I rented one to help build my supply. Later, I used it many times when I was at work.
Now, this isnt a necessity, but hands-free pumping bras can make multiple pumping sessions at work easier. I wish I had mine from day one.
I also used formula for my twins. One of them was so small that he needed supplementing even at the hospital. So, we chose ready-made formula in liquid form, before switching to the powdered version.
If youre using formula or pumping milk, youll want to have bottles on hand to feed. And regardless of which feeding method you choose, burp cloths will protect you from spit ups.
Best Soft Structured Baby Carrier
The Baby Tula cotton canvas baby carrier has a huge devoted mom following for good reason. This best baby carrier has a wide waistband so it feels secure on your body, a large fabric panel that keeps baby comfortably facing you and a ton of stylish patterns, with new ones rolling out all the time.
Suited for: 7 to 45 pounds Buy It: Tula Baby Carrier, $149 to $159,
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Best Baby Carrier For Dad
Because its designed to fit so many body types, BabyBjorns Baby Carrier One is great for fathers and mothers to share. And with fathers having a hand in engineering the design, its no wonder the Swedish brand is committed to using #DadStories to highlight the supportive global community of men rocking this best baby carrier for dad.
Suited for: Up to 33 pounds Buy It: BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One, $152,
Health And Bath Essentials
Taking extra care of your newborn baby is not a luxury but a must during the first years. Everything that is related to health was my first priority with my kids.
And. arming yourself with the right supplies makes these first years a breeze. BELIEVE ME!
Here are a few items to add to your newborn baby essentials checklist that I have personally used and recommend.
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Hats With A Wide Brim
For older babies, I particularly like this UPF 50+ sun hat. During 6-9 months is when you often see babies start to crawl. With them moving around a lot, this hat has a wide brim to protect the face, but its not too huge to obstruct his or her vision.
Its light and can be easily folded for the diaper bag. It has a chin strap for windier days.
The best part is that theres an adjustable toggle so you can loosen or tighten the width of the hat so its always the perfect fit and stays on your babys head.
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Outdoor Newborn Clothing Essentials
On a hot day, a short-sleeved T-shirt, bodysuit or undershirt may be all your baby needs. Babies need protection from the sun so using hats and sunscreen can help you do that. Otherwise, you can layer onesies with T-shirts, leggings, socks, and cardigans depending on the weather.
Have you tried changing your baby in the middle of the night? It can be a real struggle especially when you are also barely awake. Choosing uncomplicated outfits that open and close easily are the best for quick changes.
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What Is The Psychology Behind Security Blanket
The psychology behind security blankets is related to the concept of object permanence, which refers to an infants understanding that objects exist even when they can no longer be seen or felt. Through object permanence, infants learn that objects, including their security blankets, still exist even when they are not in their presence.
This helps create a sense of safety and security, which can help young children regulate their emotions and handle stressful situations.
The security blanket can also serve as a sort of transitional object, something that can help bridge the gap between the dependence on a parent and being able to independently handle new situations and challenges.
This is why parents often encourage children to take their security blanket with them to unfamiliar or intimidating places.
A security blanket can also provide an association with a familiar person, like a parent or caretaker. The scent and texture of the blanket can serve as a reminder of their presence and safety even when they are not around.
This feeling of attachment and comfort can help provide a sense of peace and security in unfamiliar or new situations.
In addition, security blankets can be powerful tools for calming. Stroking or touching a blanket can evoke a soothing feeling, which can help trigger the transition from a state of feeling overwhelmed or upset to one of greater relaxation.