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“What do I really need for my baby,” a common question every pregnant or new mom asks from herself. If this is your first baby, you are probably and excitedly creating a newborn baby checklist. You are also and probably already feeling bewildered by the array of products online or in stores. With so much choice available, how do you know what you really need for your newborn? Which items will end up being an expensive waste of money? Here, we look at the absolute essentials for any new mom so you can make the right decisions.
What do I need for my baby? – Your answer is here:
1. Cot bed
Perhaps the biggest question of all is where your newborn will sleep in those first weeks and for a year. While you could decide to opt for a Moses basket, it’s important to remember that as soon as your baby is capable of rolling over this will no longer be a suitable option. A cot bed is ideal for a long-term purchase and will give you great value for money. It gives the facility to move the base up and down to suit the age. Also movement capabilities of your child, and then the option to remove the sides so that the crib turns into a toddler bed as your baby grows, a cot bed is the perfect budget option for any growing family.
2. Stroller
Getting your newborn home from the hospital is the first challenge you’ll face as a parent. A car seat is an essential item for anyone who intends to travel by vehicle with their baby. There are many travel systems out there that convert from a pram to a stroller. Thus it’s possible to find a model that will adapt to the needs of your baby as they get older. Visit this link to find the top-performing strollers on the market which are also compatible with bassinets so they can be used from birth and well into toddler-hood.
3. Clothing
You’ll certainly need sufficient clothing for your newborn but it can be all too easy to go overboard. Remember you’ll only need a few clothes in the first size since your baby will grow very quickly. It makes sense to only have a few romper suits in newborn size and then invest in more clothing in 0-3 months size so that there is sufficient growing room.
4. Diapers and wipes
One thing which is certain is that your baby will go through a lot of diapers. More than you imagine! So make sure that you have several large packs in the house ready for your newborn coming home. Also, invest in some bulk packs of baby wipes. You’ll find that you use these for everything from cleaning your newborn’s bottom to wiping their face clean after a feed.
5. Bubble bath and shampoo
Although it’s technically possible to bathe your newborn in the bathroom tub, this can be quite tricky. It’s best to invest in a baby bath for the first few months until your little one can sit up unaided. Also, buy a bottle of baby bubble bath and shampoo to set you up for those early weeks.
6. Breast pads
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’ll probably need to buy some breast pads – leakage can be a problem in those early weeks and you don’t want any embarrassing stains on your clothing! If you’re planning on bottle-feeding, you’ll need some formula milk, some bottles, a bottle cleaning brush, and some sterilizing equipment.
You won’t need much for your newborn, but make sure you have these key items and you’ll be ready for the challenges that being a new parent will bring!
