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.
What To Pack In A Diaper Bag
Anytime you leave the house with your newborn, you’ll want to be prepared with a well-stocked diaper bag. Diaper bags come in all shapes, sizes, and patterns. They range from a simple, over-the-shoulder bag to the trendy, fashionable bags that celebrities use.
A diaper bag is meant to hold necessary baby items when you’re on the go: diapers, wipes, changing pad, baggies for dirty diapers, diaper cream, extra clothes, bottles, bibs, and burp cloths. Some come equipped with extra pockets for pacifiers, keys, phones, or other small items.
Keep the bag packed and ready to go . It’ll be easy to grab when you’re ready to leave the house with the baby.
Nursing Pillow & Cover
A good nursing pillow makes it easier and comfortable to feed your newborn and helps in a good latch.
I bought one when my first child was born and I used the same for my other child. I have that nursing pillow still and now I use it under my laptop when I work sometimes LOL.
So you see, its a long-term investment. So, choose a quality one over something with a cute pattern. This nursing pillow is my most favorite and the best one to try.
The Covered Goods nursing cover is also my favorite. It lightweight and breathable, plus it makes it easy to view the baby while keeping you completely covered.
Read Also: Why Do Newborns Fight Sleep
Newborn Baby Things That Arent Must Haves But Are Really Nice To Have
The new baby checklist above isnt exhaustive.there are many things you might like to get for your nursery that arent truly essential and thats ok!
Here are a few conveniences that arent must haves for a newborn baby, but I loved them because they just made my life easier as a new mom:
- Wipes warmer great for babies who really dislike being touched with cold wipes! This was a total luxury, but I have no regrets in buying one! I definitely used it and it made diaper changes in the middle of the night less alarming for my babies because sometimes theyre half asleep when you change them and a cold wipe really can jolt them out of a good snooze! lol
- Disposable changing pads great for when your baby is going through an explosive poops stage.it prevents you from having to wash your actual changing pad constantly
- Musical toy or mobile my babies really loved watching the spinning animals!
- Car carrier cover These are especially great for winter to block the cold wind from reaching your little one. You can actually get a free car seat canopythe instructions for requesting one are in this post > > Free Stuff for New Moms
Newborn Baby Essentials: The Ultimate First Year Shopping List
If youre expecting, youve definitely started thinking about all the baby essentials youll need in the upcoming months. Some things are obviousclothing, a crib, diapersbut other baby essentials are easier to overlook.
Thats why the baby experts at Mustela have created the ultimate first year shopping list. Weve thought of everything, so you can put your mind at ease and focus on other, more important thingslike preparing your babys room and deciding on a name!
Lets take a look at all the newborn baby essentials.
Read Also: When Should You Bathe Your Newborn
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!
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!
Although the AAP doesnt recommend sharing a bed with your baby, most breastfeeding mothers will fall asleep with their baby in their bed at some point, so its wise to keep a checklist of safe bedsharing guidelines on hand.
Don’t Miss: What To Buy For Newborn Twins
Summer Contoured Changing Pad
Sure, you can get a changing table or you can put a simple pad on top of a dresser. The budget-friendly Summer Contoured Changing Pad can be wiped clean, comes with a safety belt, is contoured to help prevent baby from rolling, and has crazy-good reviews. Just be sure that you thoroughly secure it to the surface you choose , and NEVER leave your LO on it unattended.
Preparing For A Newborn Baby
Expecting a little one soon? Congratulations! That’s exciting news. I bet you’re excited to start gathering items so you can care for your newborn.
Here’s a guide as to what you may need for a newborn in the first month or so. You may be surprised at how small this list seems, but when the baby arrives, you’ll understand that there’s much that you don’t need to buy or have ready for a newborn.
You May Like: Where To Buy Newborn Clothes
What Should You Put On The Baby Registry For Dad
Dads are an important part of your babys life. I recommend getting things that make daddy / baby bonding time special. If your husband or significant other will be helping take care of the baby, you definitely dont want to forget a rocking chair, bottles for pumped breastmilk or formula feedings, and books!
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.
Also Check: What To Pack In Diaper Bag For Newborn
The Real Talk Version Of Your Baby Registry
These are the products you actually need for a newborn
- Read in app
This story was originally published on May 2, 2019 in NYT Parenting.
Brand new and expecting parents could not be easier to market to: Were hungry, tired and desperate for our children to be safe, comfortable and, ideally, asleep. Plus, were often trapped under a baby and looking at our phones, a mere press of the forefinger away from purchasing an idiotic cashmere onesie at any moment.
My first time at the baby gear rodeo, I made some rookie mistakes, and ever since then Ive been eager to make sure my friends dont replicate my errors. After the birth of my second child in 2018, I even started sending around a document titled How not to up your registry, whether the recipient had asked me to or not.
This is a version of that document that I have adapted for a broader audience. It has recommendations for the gear I ended up using with both my kids, including items that I think are worth their price tag and others you can buy used, skimp on or skip entirely. While Im a connoisseur and cultivator of product recommendations and hand-me-downs from parent-friends with a range of budgets, my own kids have been born and raised in a small third-floor walk-up, which means my picks are road-tested for maximum space-saving and portability.
Furniture and strollers
Sleep
Feeding
Baby carriers
Bathing and grooming
For bio moms
Moms are human beings with needs also!
Things you dont truly need
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Whether you plan on formula feeding or breastfeeding, having an extra tub of formula on-hand is always a good idea. Breastfeeding can be hard, so even if you plan on going au natural, having a back up supply *just in case* will give you some peace of mind. Happy Baby Organic is made to simulate breastmilk and has lots of great reviews from pleased parents with full-tummied babes. And, of course, there are plenty of other wonderful baby formula options for you to choose from.
Read Also: How To Help Your Newborn Pass Gas
Baby Checklist: Preparing Your Home
Getting your home ready can be a good way to help you, your partner and your other children prepare for your new babys arrival.
Where baby sleeps A baby cot can fit into a corner of your room if you havent the time or space to create a new room. In fact, you can reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy by sleeping your baby in a cot in the same room as you for the first 6-12 months.
You might need a fan or a heater to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. The safest place for a plug-in floor fan is on the opposite side of the room, away from your baby. If using a heater, make sure you can keep your door slightly open, so the room doesnt overheat.
Where to change nappies Many parents buy change tables, but at home its safer to change your baby on a mat on the floor, so your baby cant fall.
You can also change your baby on a bed. And some parents do find its easier on their backs to change baby on a change table. If youre changing your baby on a bed or change table, keep your hands on your baby at all times so that baby cant roll off.
Where to bath baby You dont need to do anything special to get a bathing area ready for your baby. In fact, you can bath a newborn in the kitchen sink or laundry tub, so long as its safe and clean.
Where to feed babyYou can feed your baby anywhere that you can relax and hold your baby comfortably. Pillows can give you extra support if you need it. A night light might be handy for night feeds.
Baby Crib Or Bassinet
Your infant will undoubtedly need their personal sleeping space since bed-sharing is not an advisable option yet. A bassinet is an excellent choice for the first twelve weeks of your babys birth, but a convertible crib is a better long-term investment.
Ensure you get fitted sheets for the crib mattress, five to seven at most. Also, do not use crib bumpers or place stuffed toys and blankets in the crib. Such extra materials could pose a risk of suffocation and even lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
A convertible crib like the Da Vinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 convertible crib offers four adjustable crib mattress positions. This awesome crib also converts to a toddler bed and a day bed with the help of the conversion kit.
Also Check: How Much Vitamin D Does A Newborn Need
Diaper Rash Cream Or Ointment
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.
What Newborn Must Haves Should I Get
When I had my first baby, I used one of those comprehensive what to buy for baby checklists that they give you when you create your registry. I put everything on it and got most of it at my showers.
However, I quickly found I actually needed way less than I thought. And the more babies I had, the less I needed each time. You just get really good at stocking up on the necessities and forget the rest! You will likely find the same happening to you.
If you are having your FIRST baby, I wanted to give you a very realistic view of stuff you should get before the baby arrives. I hope you find it helpful!
Don’t Miss: What Do Newborn Baby Chicks Eat
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.
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.
You May Like: What To Do For Jaundice Newborn At Home
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.