As new parents, preparing for having a newborn baby at home can be quite hectic and tense. You are never really sure about what you need and what you don’t. Everyone seems to tell you that the basics are enough. This appears to be quite a vague statement.
Because who knows what the basics are? Different brands seem to emphasize the necessity of things that seem questionable but you don’t want to miss out. Every parent wants the best for their baby. We bring you the list of things that your baby actually needs.
#1 Diapers
Don’t be surprised to see this on the list. P0tty training does not happen with newborns. If you are apprehensive about getting them very used to diapers, don’t be. Newborn children require diapers because they have no control over their bowel or bladder movements. The food gets digested much quicker than we realize. Your baby will be soiling their clothes all the time. This runs a huge risk for infection.
To keep your baby comfortable and save you the trouble of washing their clothes more than you need to, get some good quality diapers. Make sure that you buy products that are safe for your baby’s skin and the environment.
#2 Swaddle
Swaddling your baby at night is not bad. On the contrary, it is highly recommended. Placing your baby in a comfortable yet compact swaddle is very important for their safety. Swaddles can help your baby sleep through the night. OK, maybe not through the entire night. But it will certainly help them sleep for longer stretches. Babies respond to even the tiniest stimuli around them because everything is very new to them.
There is something called the startle reflex which causes your baby to flail its arms and legs. Your newborn might not exactly like the swaddle but that is OK. They will get used to it and be comfortable in it. Make sure that you buy cotton materials and no synthetic fabric so they don’t overheat.
#3 Wipes
Investing in disposable wipes is a good idea. You are minimizing the risk of infection and maintaining maximum sanitation. There are plenty of good wipes available in the market that are eco friendly and can be recycled or biodegradable. These are generally kinder on the skin as well. Make sure that they do not have any unwanted ingredients which dries the skin of the baby.
Make sure to keep your baby moisturized at all times. You can alternatively use reusable wipes but make sure that they are sterilized after every use. You will need to boil them in water and wash them separately. Your baby has extremely sensitive skin so make sure that the products you use are not harsh on them.
#4 Feeding Bottles
It is very important to keep them sterilized and clean at all times. Have like 4 to 5 different feeding bottles so that you can sterilize them more often. Every time you wash them, make sure that you dry them out properly. This is very important to prevent infections from being transmitted to your child. The best option is to air dry them and make sure that they are exposed to some sunlight as well.
Get a selection of good quality feeding bottles that are not too heavy and perfectly sized for newborns up to six months before they will need new ones.
#5 Car Seat
A comfortable car seat is very important. It provides your baby with immense safety when you are out on the road. Make sure that the car seat is comfortable and compact. Read the instructions properly on how to place it in the car. Invest in one or two good car seats so that you can switch between them. Babies tend to be messy and you will find yourself having to clean up the car seat more often than you thought you would. Even if you have secured them safely in the car seat, look at them once in a while and make sure that they are OK during longer rides.
#6 Clothing
You don’t need to have a parade of fashionable outfits for your little one. Newborn children require comfortable onesies that do not swaddle them as such but also keep them feeling warm and tucked in. It is best to hand wash these clothes yourself. Just get six pairs of newborn baby clothes and that should last you enough before they grow out of it. Make sure that the material is cotton or any other natural fibres that do not overheat the baby. Wash them using detergents that are safe for your baby. Even though it is OK for babies to be n. aked, it is still advisable to keep them clothed most of the time so that they are warm.
#7 Bath Items
You cannot use the same soap or shampoo that you use on yourself for your newborn baby. The skin is extremely sensitive and requires dedicated baby products. The shampoo and the baby wash produced by good and reliable companies focus on maintaining the natural softness of the skin without causing them any harm or additional dryness. It is always good to use organic baby products.
Read through the label carefully. Make sure that you look out for any allergies. Use a little of the baby product first on the skin and watch carefully for any reaction.
Your newborn baby does not need everything in the world as soon as they come home. But you cannot miss out on the essentials that we have covered in this list. Make sure that you have purchased all these things well in advance. Get enough of them so that you don’t have to worry about going to the store anytime soon. Remember that what your baby needs more than anything else are your time, love and attention.
Shower them with the same and you will notice that you have done more than half your job. Everything else, you can buy at the store.