Most of the first-timer parents spend a lot on newborn stuff which is either irrelevant or needless. Many things are not even used for years. To avoid wasting time and money in excitement for the baby shopping, one must wisely research about the baby’s needs along with taking advice from the experienced parents.
Here are a few essentials and a few nice-to-haves for your newborn which will make your experience of taking care of this cute and tiny human easier and more fun:
- Feeding stuff
Every parent is worried whether their child has all the required nutrients to remain healthy and grow properly or not. Feeding starts from day one and continues for a long time unless the kids learn to eat by themselves.
For a newborn, though, the nursing mothers usually need a lot of things such as:
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Breast pumps
- Milk storage containers
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras
In case you are formula feeding your newborn then make sure you have:
- Feeders
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Bottle cleaning brushes
- Bottle sterilization stuff
- Thermal bottle carrier to keep the milk warm
- Diapering stuff:
Many parents prefer to use reusable cloth nappies that help avoid rashes on the newborn’s sensitive skin. For reusable diapering you would need:
- Dozens of reusable diapers cloths
- Plastic bed covers
- Changing pads
- Ointments for any possible rashes
- Safety pins to tie secure the nappy cloths
- Disposable wipes and washcloths for cleaning
If you prefer the disposable diapers then you should have:
- A huge pack of diapers but keep in mind that the baby’s sizes keep changing rapidly
- Plastic bed covers (sometimes the diapers may leak on the bed)
- Changing pads
- Ointments for any possible rashes
- Disposable wipes and washcloths for cleaning
- Blanketing and covering stuff
No matter what the season, the newborn still needs to be kept warm for some time as they have been in the environment of the mother’s womb for nine months. They will need time to adapt to the temperature of their surrounding now. Therefore, keep them covered and wrapped in soft blankets. This is not only helpful for maintaining the body temperature, but also for keeping them secured at one place as their bones are fragile.
Soft washable cotton blankets would be a perfect choice, though.
- Clothing stuff
Choosing the right clothing can be tricky but make sure to choose the most suitable fabric for your newborn. You would need:
- Onesies (full and half sleeves) and stretchy sleepers with zippers
- Undershirts
- Pants woolen or cotton socks / shoes and mittens
- Hats
- Cardigans, jackets, sweaters
- A bunting bag for winters and outdoor strolling
- Safe laundry detergent for the babies
- Bathing stuff
For baby bathing you should have:
- A baby bath tub
- Baby soap
- Soft-bristled brush for hair
- Washcloths
- Soft hooded towels
- Bedtime stuff
- Crib and crib sheets
- Waterproof covers on the mattress
- Blankets / light comforter
- Sleep sacks
- Emergency stuff
- Thermometer
- Nail clippers / scissors
- Mucous suctioning device
- Eye dropper
- Medicine spoon
- Baby monitor
- Outdoor stuff
- Baby car seat
- Stroller
- Baby carrier
- Pacifier to keep them from crying
- A small stuffed toy
- Water / milk bottle
Having a baby is a blessing but taking care of this sensitive being can be stressful as they are completely dependent on the parents’ assistance. Make sure you have all the essential items to take care of your newborn, especially if it is your first experience being a parent. Keep these things handy and you are good to go.
