Feeding Bottles And Sterilisers
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 Clothes Checklist 0
You might be wondering What baby clothes do I need for the first 3 months?
Here is a complete list of my baby clothing essentials for the first year. This article includes a checklist broken down by sizes for newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months. Youll also find a list of baby clothes that are NOT recommended.
For the first 0-3 months, heres my baby clothes checklist:
How To Change Babys Diaper
To change your newborns diaper, make sure you have all supplies on hand. Then, follow these steps:
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Where To Pick Up Baby Basics
New baby things can be very expensive, so its always worth asking family and friends to see what you can borrow. Alternatively, its worth having hunt around online or looking for nearly new sales to see what bargains you can find. Just remember to never buy a baby car seat secondhand. You need to know the seat is in top condition and has never been in an accident prior to you buying it.
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
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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.
Pandaear Cute Waterproof Silicone Baby Bibs For Babies And Toddlers
Were obsessed with silicone baby bibs that feature catch-all trays. Based on these toddler bibs incredible reviews, so are other parents! The waterproof pockets are extra-wide so liquids dont spill out. They also have super-secure button fasteners thatll withstand your tots tugging.
Buy it: Starting from $9 for a set of 2,
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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.
When Can You Fly With A Newborn
Airplane travel with a newborn isnt recommended because they have underdeveloped immune systems.
Of course, sometimes its necessary to travel with a newborn. For example, if youre adopting or theres a family emergency, air travel may be unavoidable.
If youre going to fly with a newborn, use hand sanitizer on your babys hands. Avoid sitting near anyone who appears or sounds ill.
Some airlines require a doctors note for babies 1 month and under to travel. Check the requirements before you fly. Talk to your pediatrician about keeping your newborn healthy in flight.
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Best Wool: Woolino Baby Sleeping Bag
Sure, it’s on the pricier side, but this sleep sack is made with luxurious Australian Merino wool and organic cotton that helps regulate your baby’s body temperature. What’s more, the sleep sack is machine washable and naturally fire resistant. Shoppers rave about the two-way zipper that allows you to change diapers whichever way is most convenient for you.
To buy: $65
Newborn Essentials You Really Might Not Need
It all started when I was 9 months pregnant with my first child and I received an email from a colleague titled Newborn Essentials. I stopped what I was doing, opened it excitedly and started reading. And reading. And reading. The email was a good 3 A4 pages long, a proper scroller, and I remember feeling my eyes widen as I read. I quickly forwarded it to my husband and picked up the phone to book us in an appointment at the John Lewis Nursery Advice service .
Flash forward 4 years and Ive learnt a lot And when I put it out to the Instagram community, it seemed you parents felt the same. So here goes a list of 50 Newborn Essentials you dont need according to other parents. I struggle with the emphasis on stuff when having a baby and the whole concept of trying to sell us mums stuff before a baby is even born to create a fully prepared nursery.
Take the specific items with a pinch of salt every child and every parent, their situations and needs are different, and if an item makes us feel happier and calmer as a mum, then thats a win. The list is more a simple reminder to just think twice about buying so much stuff. Its very easy to be sucked in to the Marketing hype and feel pressure to buy certain items. So heres the list, plus some accompanying commentary from parents I hope you find it useful.
Is there any item you would add to the list?
Emma xxx
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Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes
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.
Best Organic: Burt’s Bees Baby Wearable Blanket
As the best-seller in its category, Burt’s Bees Baby organic cotton sleep sack is a win-win for delicate skin and the environment. Its breathable material is also a smart choice for baby’s with sensitive skin or those who live in warmer climates. You can choose from a wide variety of pastel-colored prints and sizes small through large. With nearly 11,000 five-star ratings, the sleep sack is a fan favorite because of its soft material and durability after many trips through the wash.
To buy: $18$36
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Other Medical Concerns In Newborns
Let your pediatrician know if you notice any of the following with your newborn:
- frequent vomiting or diarrhea
- refuses to eat for multiple feedings in a row
- a rash that doesnt go away on its own
- a cold that doesnt improve or gets worse
- dehydration, which you may be able to identify by a lack of wet diapers or a sunken soft spot
- jaundice
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any other concerns about their health or notice any changes you arent sure about.
What Do I Need To Buy Before My Baby Is Born
You might be wondering When should you start buying newborn baby gear?
A lot of moms mention that you should buy the bare basics and then add on as you see a need.
We actually bought almost all of the essential baby gear before the baby arrived. We did this to minimize the amount of times we would have to go to the store in the first few months for a few reasons:
- I might not be the most clear-headed or strong enough to go shopping in the initial postpartum months.
- We wanted to spend the time enjoying our baby. As first-time parents, theres a massive learning curve in the first few months. We wanted to take our time with it. And not miss any of the special moments.
- We wanted to get the best prices. If we bought last minute, we knew we would pay top dollar. At the same time, we bought some items fairly close to her birth because we wanted to be able to return things if we never used them. FYI there are a few items that are not easily refundable such as car seats.
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Best With Feet: Halo Early Walker Sleep Sack
Once your toddler can stand and walk with ease, it’s a good idea to switch from a closed-foot sleep sack to an open-foot design. This version by Halo is made with plush microfleece that gives them plenty of comfort without too much warmth. Parents praise the fact that their toddlers can wear it to bed, and then can continue to wear it while cruising around in the morning or after naptime.
To buy: $25
Something To Take Them Out And About
Only use car seats and sitting devices with a 5-way safety harness to prevent your baby falling out. Car seats must be safe and suitable for your baby’s height and weight.
Don’t buy or use second-hand car seats unless you are completely sure of its safety history.
Pushchairs and strollers are only suitable for newborns if they recline fully.
Most carriers or slings are attached by straps and your baby is carried in front of you. Many babies like this because of the sensation of being close to you and warm. Make sure you use them correctly for your baby’s safety.
To take your baby out and about, you’ll need a:
- car seat
- sling or baby carrier
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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.
What Summertime Newborn Items Should You Get
Let me tell you as fair warning older women tend to bundle up babies unnecessarily even when its hot!
My mom would come over and bundle up the babies in blankets and long sleeved outfits even in the middle of August and I would promptly strip them down because they looked SO HOT. They were sweating for goodness sake!
Even my grandmother would comment on how cold the babies looked even when they were clearly very comfortable in their cotton clothing.
Do what you think is best and if youre unsure, your pediatrician will have great advice for you. No question is a stupid question when it comes to the safety of your little one!
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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.
Benefits Of A Diaper Pail
Parents are split on whether a diaper pail is considered an absolute must-have. Can you simply toss babys dirty diaper in the normal household trash? Sure you can. It means you dont have to invest in a baby diaper trash can or special diaper pail bags, saving you some money. But heres the thing: Unless you take out the garbage super frequently, it wont save you from the awful stench thatll slowly saturate your home.
A diaper pail is specifically designed to seal in nasty odors. The best diaper pails are also engineered to open with a foot pedal or just a flip of the lid, so you can dump the diaper in one-handed while the other stays on your wiggly baby. Plus, the older baby gets, the smellier the diaper situations become, and the more youre going to appreciate your diaper pail. A baby drinking only breast milk or formula may not even have stinky diapers, but a baby eating solids definitely does. If youve been making it through the newborn months without a diaper pail, consider getting one as the start of solids approaches.
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