You have finally received the best gift, and now you are all over the place thinking about what you might need to take care of the little soul with your whole being. Being blessed by a newborn can be a whirlpool of emotions. One moment, you feel excited and rush to buy the cutest baby clothes for your little one, while the next, you are overwhelmed with a rush of responsibilities and ”what ifs”.
Well, first, you need to sit down and relax. Take a breath in and out. Now, take a moment to think things through.
Although newborns need a great deal of your attention and care, other than that, they don’t really need as much stuff as we see on commercial ads or on popular influencer mom websites. Begin with the essentials, and then you can move on to the add-ons.
In this article, we’ll break things down for you to find out what you must have as a parent.
Clothing Essentials
First things first, CLOTHES!
Without a doubt, the first thing newborns need is soft, comfy, and cute clothes that hug their babies like a soft cushion so they feel warm. Often, first-time parents begin preparing for their newborn’s arrival in the 2nd trimester. The excitement of it all is the real deal!
Skimming through the aisles of baby boy clothes and picking out the best outfit for your little one without even knowing whether it will fit, checking out the finger-length baby shoes and imagining the occasion where you will put those on your yet-to-be-born. Such little emotions and preparations can go a long way.
Here’s a list of clothing items that every parent needs:
Pajamas: To keep your baby comfortable.
Onesies: These are designed for ease of use and make diaper changes a breeze.
Socks: You won’t want your baby to have cold feet, right?
Winter Clothes: After staying in their mother’s warmth for nine months, newborns need time to adjust to the outside climate. Winters can be particularly harsh, so parents must cover their newborns in layers of warm clothing.
Hats: Hats can keep your newborn warm so they don’t get cold and catch a fever.
Diapering Essentials
Next comes diapering essentials, which are a must-have for obvious reasons. You won’t want to soil your clothes, sofas, or bed sheets after every hour. Many people think that diapers can make newborns uncomfortable and rash their skin, which is valid to some extent, but not in all cases. Baby’s skin is susceptible, so make sure to find eco-friendly and soft diapers and baby wipes that don’t contain any irritating substance that can cause rashes or discomfort.
Here are some diapering supplies that you need to have at hand:
Diapers: Try to find eco-friendly diapers that are soft and high quality.
Wipes: Babies can get sick with a slight exposure to bacteria or viruses. Keep your baby free of germs with wet wipes.
Diaper Rash Cream: Some babies can get rashes very quickly. Keep diaper rash cream close at hand to treat rashes before they get worse.
Changing Table: It can be difficult for mothers to bend and change the diapers of newborns when they are still vulnerable. Changing tables not only provide a good height for changing your baby’s diapers and clothes but also keep babies in place to make the process easier.
Diaper Pail: Pails are designed for superior odor control, making it easier to discard used diapers without harming the environment.
Feeding Essentials
Feeding supplies are another necessity for newborns. Newborns get hungry often, making it hard for mothers to breastfeed them every time. This is especially true when you are out in public and don’t feel comfortable doing so.
It is a common misconception that feeding supplies should not be used for newborn babies, who only need mother milk to grow healthily. Although the concept is true, several handy feeding essentials allow you to store your mother’s milk and feed the baby on the go.
Let’s find out what they are:
Breast Pumps: These pumps allow mothers to extract the milk and store it in feeder bottles for later use.
Feeder Bottles: For newborns, make sure to get 4-and 8-ounce bottles. The latest feeder bottles also contain insulation to keep the milk at normal temperatures and prevent it from going bad.
Nipples: Help your baby to easily feed on milk from bottles without spilling.
Burp Cloth: Burping is essential in the early life of babies; it can get really wet. Burp clothes help prevent discomfort for both babies and mothers.
Bibs: Baby droops, messy eating, and spitting up are inevitable, and bibs ensure the prevention of mess.
Baby Formula: Breast milk is indeed the first choice, However for many reasons, mothers chose to combi-feed. Baby formula is designed to meet all the infant nutritional needs.
Natural Breast Milk Production Supplements: Explore essential baby items every new parent needs, from sleep aids to feeding tools. For breastfeeding moms, consider natural breast milk production supplements to help boost milk flow and ensure a healthier feeding experience. These supplements offer valuable support for both mother and baby. Check out the full guide for more helpful tips and product suggestions to prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Bathing Essentials
Bathtime can be a fun section of the day for both parents and babies. While giving a bath, keep your baby engaged with various plays and earn some cute giggles that swell your heart with adoration.
Prepare your essentials and jump into the bathtub with your little one.
Baby bathtubs: Baby bathtubs prevent babies’ drowning and help parents give them a bath quickly.
Baby Shampoo and body wash: Regular shampoos and body washes are teeming with chemicals harmful to babies’ sensitive skin. Give your baby the care they deserve with baby supplies.
Hooded Baby Towels: Hooded baby towels cover the baby from head to toe, keeping them warm and protected from cold air.
Baby Lotion: Regular washing can dry out a baby’s skin. Keep your baby moisturized and fresh with baby lotion.
Grooming Essentials
Ensure your baby’s hygiene with grooming supplies. Babies need the utmost care, especially in the early years. Keep your lovely babies healthy by tending to their grooming needs.
Often, baby’s grooming supplies are omitted from the essentials list, but I never understood the reason. According to doctors, babies need grooming and care to maintain not only their aesthetic but also their overall health and well-being.
Here’s what the grooming kit might include:
Baby Nail Clippers: Regular nail clippers are too big and harsh for little hands and feet. Get a baby nail clipper designed to trim delicate nails safely.
Soft Bristle Brushes: When babies grow, their hair can seem untamed if not combed regularly. Use a soft bristle brush to tame the baby’s hair without harming its soft scalp.
Mild Baby Powder: Sometimes, baby powders are thickly fragrant, which can cause nasal and breathing problems. Choose mild baby powder to keep the milking odour neatly blanketed.
Nursery Essentials
A baby’s room screams for cute and adorable decor that makes you coo at every sight. Nursery items and furniture are vital to keeping your baby comfortable and well taken care of.
Here are some baby essentials for a nursery:
Crib or Bassinet: It can be dangerous to put babies directly over the beds. They are unpredictable little creatures who can glide over the mattress and drop down the bed if not looked after. Cribs prevent falling and keep your baby safe.
Crib Mattress: Choose a soft mattress that fits snugly inside the crib. Make sure it is not too short, making the baby uncomfortable.
Crib Sheets: To cover the mattress. Remember to change sheets at least twice per week.
Rocking Chair: Rocking chairs work wonders in placating children and lulling them to sleep.
Baby Monitor (Optional): Keep an eye on your baby wherever you go. A baby monitor prevents mishaps and lets parents monitor their kids while doing house chores or other activities.
Teething Toy: When your baby starts growing teeth, get them teething toys to help them develop strong teeth.
Transportation Essentials
Taking babies out can be a real hassle if you don’t have any transportation essentials. While you are strolling around the public park, driving to the shopping mall, or out of town, it is impossible to carry your baby all the time. Transportation supplies provide a breath of fresh air to your hectic baby care routine. Just put your baby in the stroller, and you are good to go.
Here are some essential transportation supplies that you need to know of:
Stroller: Strollers are unskippable to keep your baby safe while out on a stroll.
Baby Car Seat: Keeping babies in your lap or lying in the backseat can be dangerous in case of any mishap. Install a baby car seat to keep your baby secured on the car seat.
Baby Carrier: Tighten the belt and carry your baby on your torso. Baby carriers are the most handy transportation essentials when you want to keep both hands free.
Summary
First-time parents can feel a rush of mixed emotions. It is normal not to know what you need and what your baby will need. In this chaos, drop on our guide of basic baby essentials, as discussed above, and let peace wash over your nerves. Whether it’s about your baby’s clothing needs, feeding necessities, or transportation supplies, give a rundown and be aware of what you need.