When preparing for your new arrival, it can be tempting to buy pretty much everything on the market, especially for your first child. Granted, having all the stuff can come in handy and make your life easier, but how do you cut through the noise and figure out what will make your life easier and what is a money-spinning gadget?
Feeding Equipment
The type of feeding equipment you need will vary depending on how you choose to provide your baby, breast or bottle. You will need bottles, nipple brushes, formula, cleaning equipment, bibs, and burp cloths for bottle-feeding. For breastfeeding, you will need a breast pump, storage containers, nipple cream, nursing pillow, or a nursing pillow Twin Nursing Pillow if you are having twins.
Diapers
You can choose to use disposable diapers or cloth diapers which are better for the environment but can take a little more effort to keep on top of. In any case, you will need;
- A good supply of cloth diapers or disposable diapers
- Diaper liners for cloth diapers/ waterproof covers, pins or velcro.
- Changing pad
- Wipes
- Ointment
Clothing
At first, as tempting as the cute little baby outfits are, it might be easier to rotate sleepsuits and vests to enable easy changing and comfort for your baby. After all, they will be spending most of their time sleeping, so they need to be comfortable. Include cardigans, scratch mitts, hats, pants, as well as some nice outfits too.
Crib
Your baby will need somewhere to sleep when you aren’t holding them, even if you choose to safely co-sleep. Choose a crib that has an approved mattress, waterproof covers, sheets and blankets or sleeping bags.
Bathing Products
You will need to wash your baby, and making sure you have cleaning products suitable for use on baby skin is vital to help you clean your baby. These items include a baby bath or plastic infant tub support if you use a full-size bath or sink. Washcloths, soap, hooded towels and a soft-bristled hairbrush can help you maintain your baby’s hygiene and cleanliness. Remember though; your baby doesn’t need bathing every day unless they are visibly dirty from spit up or diaper accidents.
Essential Baby Items
If you need essential baby items that will be useful, then the following will come in super useful for all new parents;
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Thermometer
- Syringe
- Baby monitor
- Nail clippers or baby nail scissors
Nice Extras
Of course, there are some new baby gadgets that will assist you in making life easier. However, they aren’t essential to your life with a newborn. If you are looking for some luxury items to support your baby, the following can be great additions to your at-home baby equipment.
- Vibrating baby chair (or a swinging chair)
- Formula mixer
- Sleep soother
- White noise machine
- Vibrating mattress pad
- Floating bath thermometer
- Smart bassinet
- Sensory mat
- Bottle warmer
When preparing for your newborn, there are no right or wrong items you can buy. There may be more valuable items, but knowing what you will and won’t benefit from in those early few days can help you make sure you spend your money getting the right supplies in for this new chapter of your life.
This post was submitted by Simone Devonshire.