How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need
Wondering how many newborn diapers to buy? Chances are, its not as many as you think. Most newborn diapers fit babies up to 9 pounds. Given that the average newborn weighs between six to nine pounds at birth, most babies outgrow newborn diapers within the first few weeks of life.
Even if your newborn is on the smaller side, they will likely outgrow the newborn diaper stage after a few weeks. After all, most babies gain more than two pounds within their first month of life! Some babies skip newborn diapers altogether and go right into size 1 diapers.
After the first few days of life, most newborns need around ten diaper changes a day. This means that the average newborn will only need one or two packs of newborn-sized diapers .
You can confirm that your babys newborn diaper fits correctly if you can comfortably fit two fingers between the diaper and the babys belly, and one finger between the diaper elastic and your babys thigh. If your baby is between sizes, or if youre experiencing a lot of diaper leaks, that usually means its time to size up.
The bottom line? Buy diapers based on weight, not age. And if you want to add diapers to your registry, consider registering for larger sizes that your baby can grow into.
Types Of Swaddle Blankets
Swaddling babies is a centuries old practice, but lucky for parents the modern-day version of swaddling blankets is a bit more sophisticated than strips of cloth tied together that babies of yesteryear had to put up with . These days, youll find the best swaddle blankets in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics to suit your babys needs. Take a look at the different types of swaddle blankets you can choose from:
Baby swaddle wrap. Typically square-shaped and fashion out of muslin or cotton, these require the old-fashioned, hospital-wrap method of bundling baby like a little burrito. No cheater snaps or closures.
Swaddle suit. For parents who prefer to take the guesswork out of swaddling, a swaddle suit, or swaddle pod, is the answer. The suits feature zippers, velcro or hook-and-loop closures to keep baby bundled up inside.
How Many Baby Blankets Do I Need
Baby blankets are a traditional present and gorgeous addition to any newborn kit list. Baby blankets have multiple purposes and are often used and treasured long after the newborn days.
Between 3 and 6 blankets should be plenty for your newborn. However, more blankets can offer more flexibility. Leave a couple in the car or stroller and one for playtime. As an added bonus, you might not need to wash them quite so often.
A few things you might use baby blankets for:
- To swaddle and keep baby warm and snuggly.
- As a changing mat or playmat.
- To use in the car or stroller.
- As a cover-up during feeding or naptime.
- For burp cloths and mopping up messes.
Its worth taking some time to weigh up the options available.
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How To Use Swaddle Blankets
While swaddling blankets can be a lifesaver, there are practical and safety tips to keep in mind before you start using them to put baby down for sleep.
- Most babies enjoy being swaddledthats why hospital nurses do it. But its possible your baby will object once shes home. Sometimes its as simple as switching the swaddling blankets youre using. Or, your baby may simply need to get used to your swaddling technique, so dont let a first few fussy swaddle sessions dissuade you.
- Past the two-month mark, babies want their arms free. Theyre ready to reach around and explore. You can transition to a wearable blanket to keep baby warm.
- A swaddle or wearable blanket is the only bedding you should use in the crib or bassinet, except, of course, for a fitted crib sheet. Keep bumpers, loose blankets, pillows and stuffed animals out of the crib and youll have a safe sleep environment.
- How many swaddle blankets do you need? Starting with two or three ensures that you always have a clean one if another is in the laundry.
Clover & Birch Baby Activity Gym
This is the best baby play gym for anyone who wants to avoid visual clutter. The clean lines and natural wood tones of this simple yet well-made activity gym will fit in with any decor, and baby is sure to love reaching for the dangling trinkets. It doesnt come with a mat, though, so pair it with a small faux fur rug to create an extra cozy spot for baby.
Buy it: $75, CloverandBirch.com
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Newborn Checklist: What Do I Need For A Newborn Baby
The good news?Youre getting ready to welcome your very first newborn baby! The bad?An endless newborn baby checklistof must-haves, conflicting advice from well-meaning friends and family, and stacks of books youve havent found time to read have you feeling COMPLETELY overwhelmed. Take a breath, love. Weve got you.
Sometimes, all you need is a newborn checklist of the essentials. Here are our must-haves to add to your baby registry for bringing home your newborn. Together with a solid trust in your instincts and the support of your village, youll be covered. Youve got this.
Heres what youll need to add to your baby registrynewborn checklist:
Moses Basket Carrycot Crib Or Newborn Bed
- Experts recommend that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months.
- A Moses basket or carrycot may be a better option in terms of portability than a newborn bed or crib.
- You’ll need to buy a mattress, sheets and blankets separately, and make sure the mattress is supportive and comfortable enough for your baby.
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Your Ultimate Checklist Of Baby Essentials
There are a ton of to-dos when prepping for babys arrival, and shopping for all the baby essentials is not least among them. From setting up the nursery to gathering the gear for sleeping, eating and diapering, its easy to keep busy buying baby must-haves. After all, the amount of baby supplies a newborn requires can take any mom-to-be by surprise. But how do you figure out which are the baby items you can forget about, and which are the essential baby items you cant live without? Dont stress: Were breaking it all down for you. Read on for a complete list of things you need for a new baby.
In this article:
Preparing To Bring Home Baby
After nine long months, its almost time to meet your little one! During this exciting and emotional time, taking the steps to prepare for your newborn will help make your transition into parenthood as smooth as possible.
While cute clothes and a nursery theme are part of the fun, its important to stock up on items to help care for your baby, says Dr. Christopher Holtz, a board-certified pediatrician at Geisinger Mountain Top. Before you bring home your little one, here are some newborn essentials every new parent should have.
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Best Toddler Girl Snowsuit
Designed by the same brand known for its quality grown-up snow gear, this pick from Burton is fully waterproof and breathable with taped seams and a Thermacore lining for extra warmth. It even has reinforced knees, a removable hood and thumb loops to help keep those busy little hands covered. Better yet, the sleeves and pant legs are extendable, so this suit can be worn season after season. We cant get enough of this dotty print, but the toddler snowsuit comes in six other colors.
Buy it: Burton Toddlers One Piece, $155, Burton.com
Best Fleece: Simple Joys By Carter’s Microfleece Two
Two sleep sacks for less than $20? We’re not complaining! This cozy set includes two microfleece wearable blankets with long sleeves. The material provides warmth without heaviness, which makes it suitable for any time of the year. There are size options for newborns up to 9-month-olds and most reviewers say they fit true to size.
To buy: $19
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If You Are Formula Feeding:
- Lots of bibs
- Burp cloths
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Thermal bottle carrier
- Several dozen cloth or re-usable diapers
- 8 waterproof covers
- Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
- Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
- Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning babys bottom
Newborn Baby Clothes List: The First 3
And even if you dont plan to register for many clothes, make sure to add at least a few things to give people an idea of your style. People love to buy baby clothes as gifts. They also like to make you happy! So register for a couple items so people either buy those items, or can see what style of clothes you want for your kiddo. No, this wont work for everyone. But most people will be happy for some inspiration so you like your gift! When it comes to when to start buying baby clothes, for the bulk of it, wait until after your baby shower or baby registry. In your third trimester is a good time to make sure you have the items youll need.
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How Can Mothers Prepare Themselves For A New Baby
Bringing a new baby into the family is a big deal for everyone, but lets be honest here its the hardest on the mother! Not only does she carry the baby for 40+ weeks and give birth, but the postpartum stage for new mothers is extremely hard both physically and mentally. Being sufficiently prepared for everything that happens after the baby is born can be very helpful. Here are a few things I think every mother should do to prepare themselves for a newborn baby:
1. Create a birth plan
One of the most important things to do before your baby arrives is to create your birth plan. However, I like to call it more of a birth outline. Because you can never really predict how a birth will go, I think its really important to keep an open mind and go with the flow. That being said, you should still have a few things decided on and prepared.
For example, where do you want to give birth? Hospital, birthing center, home? Who would you like in the room with you? Do you want to hire a photographer or have a family member or friend there to take photos? Do you want to make a music playlist? Check out this post on things to consider when writing a birth plan, if you need some help.
2. Prepare for breastfeeding
3. Get yourpostpartum essentials ready
4. Learn about the baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety
How To Choose The Best Baby Registry
Wondering where you should register? The best baby registry for you depends on your specific needs, such as your budget, the product brands youre considering and whether youd prefer to register online or in-store.
Heres a list of the most popular baby registries out there, which you can start signing up for right now. Check out What to Expects list of the best baby registries for more detailed information about each.
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Find A Caring Pediatrician For Your Child
Geisinger Health Plan may refer collectively to Geisinger Health Plan, Geisinger Quality Options Inc., and Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company, unless otherwise noted. Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and HMO D-SNP plans are offered by Geisinger Health Plan/Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company, health plans with a Medicare contract. Continued enrollment in Geisinger Gold depends on annual contract renewal. Geisinger Health Plan Kids and Geisinger Health Plan Family are offered by Geisinger Health Plan in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services . Geisinger Health Plan is part of Geisinger, an integrated health care delivery and coverage organization.
Whether You Have A Two Year Old A 10 Month Old Or A Newborn This Age
A car seat is one of the most important gear purchases you’re going to make as a new parent. It is one of the only products you will ever buy for your child that has the potential to actually save their life. Not only that, but you can’t bring your baby home from the hospital without it!
Wondering where to start?
There are three basic types of car seats for infants and toddlers: rear-facing, forward-facing, and convertible, which convert from rear to forward-facing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , children should remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.
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As your child grows, you’ll need to change the direction that their car seat faces and how they sit in it and you may need to buy a new seat. Check out this age-by-age guide to keeping car travel safe for your little one.
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How Can Fathers Prepare For A Newborn Baby
Because fathers are not the ones carrying the baby, it can be harder for them to know what to prepare for and how to be an active participant in their new babys life. Here are some general things fathers can do to prepare for a newborn baby:
1. Read about being a father
One of the best things a soon-to-be father can do to prepare for a newborn is lots and lots of reading. This is especially important for first-time fathers because there is so much information they are clueless about when it comes to pregnancy and newborns. Here are some great book recommendations for new fathers: Dude, Youre Gonna Be a Dad!, Dads Pregnant Too, and Its a dad!
2. Take time off of work
Something that is really important for fathers to do is make sure they have an efficient amount of time to bond with their newborns. This one can be hard depending on what the father does for a living, but soon-to-be dads should take the maximum time off of work that is financially and logistically feasible.
3. Research breastfeeding
There are so many things fathers can help with like changing diapers and giving baths, but the one thing they cant do is breastfeed their baby. However, that doesnt mean they cant support you through the process. If you have decided to breastfeed, your partner can do their own research and learn ways to help you through the breastfeeding process.
4. Decide on Daddy Jobs
A Note On Crib Safety
Crib safety is very important, so keep the following in mind once youâve chosen your babyâs crib:
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Safe sleeping environment. No matter which crib you choose, always practice safe sleep guidelines for babies, such as putting your baby down to sleep on their back. Itâs also important to keep the crib free of objects like bumpers, toys, and blankets to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome . In terms of bedding, you only need a waterproof mattress cover and a fitted sheetânothing more.
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Safety checks. Regularly check your babyâs crib once itâs in use. Check the hardware to make sure itâs still in place, and that there arenât any broken parts, splintered bits of wood, or missing slats. Donât replace any loose or missing nuts and bolts with hardware store alternativesâcontact the manufacturer to ask for the correct replacements.
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Conversion timeline. Babies are ready to move to a toddler bed when they are 35 inches tall, or when the side rail of the crib is at or under their nipple line when standing on the lowest mattress settingâwhichever happens first. Some crib manufacturers also list a maximum baby weight. If youâre in doubt about when to switch to a toddler bed, ask your babyâs healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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What To Put On A Baby Registry
This fail-safe baby registry checklist will help keep you focused as you gear up. It includes every product youll actually use when your little one comes home and none of the extras youll never need. Want more personalized recommendations for what to put on your registry? Check out What to Expect’s Baby Registry Builder.
Newborn Baby Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist
Got a little one to take care of soon? Hereâs a checklist on all things baby care for at home and outside!
What do you need before a baby arrives? With a newborn baby on the way, weâre sure your mind is constantly running through your never-ending to-do list! There seems to be a million and one things to do, like finding ninongs and ninangs, creating a birthing plan, setting up a nursery, and more! But donât panic, weâre here to help you out with our newborn baby-needs checklist. Read on and make sure youâre stocked up on all baby essentials.
Create a budget for baby needs before you go shopping to make sure you have enough for everything!
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