Essentials for Newborn
As much as there are numerous to-dos before a baby’s arrival, it’s also a little difficult to know what you will exactly need for your newborn and what the best product is out there for you. Being a parent, it is easy to be caught up in a dilemma of newborn baby things, but it’s also an exciting process at the same time. Things like doing up the nursery to assembling gear for sleeping, diapering, and eating are what helps a parent prepare for the arrival of a newborn in the long run. Therefore, it is wiser to spread out your list of things, little, every week by week to eliminate last-minute panics.
To help you prepare for your newborn’s arrival, here is a list of things to help you stay afloat in your journey.
Baby Wardrobe Essentials
In the list of newborn baby essentials, it’s the clothes that you must need to buy first. They must be cozy, comfortable and have safe, cute little motifs if any. It is advisable to buy soft fabrics that have no embellishments because they can create choking hazards or cause skin irritation. But most importantly, consider the climatic conditions before purchasing the following items.
• Tops:
When it comes to dressing a newborn baby, it can be a little tricky considering that your little one is tiny and delicate. So, it is better to buy a set of tops and singlets that have envelope necks or with front openings. Avoid dresses that have buttons on the back or that go over the head.
• Pajamas:
One-piece pajamas are something babies can be greatly comfortable in. Opting for cotton fabrics can be a good decision because it’s soft and comfortable. In addition, it also balances a baby’s body temperature at an optimal level during sleep.
• Sleep Suits:
For ease of changing and dressing, full sleep suits and bodysuits are specifically designed for newborn babies. It keeps them cozy and safe while making it easier to go to sleep on their own. You can buy a full set of sleep suits with press-up buttons from neck to ankle.
• Caps:
Caps are another essential item that must be included in a newborn baby’s checklist. Buying a soft cap or hood will help to keep the newborn baby’s head warm. Besides it also gives a feeling of being safe.
• Socks:
A newborn baby’s feet must be warm all the time. Buy a minimum of 4 pairs of cotton socks with adorable patterns to keep the feet of your little one warm and comfortable.
• Swaddle Clothes:
When it comes to snuggling your baby, swaddle clothes are the best to have in your newborn’s wardrobe. These clothing essentials are breathable and provide warmth to the baby, preventing them from colder or harsh temperatures.
Baby Nursery Essentials
While it is wise to cuddle with your baby in your room for the first few months, it is also necessary to plan his napping area. And when it comes to contemplating about your newborn’s room, cute decals and adorable wall colors are just what pops in your mind. Let alone that, you will also need furniture and comfy bedding to provide ease to your newborn’s sleeping time. Here are a few essentials for your newborn baby’s sleep.
• Blankets:
A pair of good quality, lint-free blankets and sheets are ideal for your little one’s bedding. Buy blankets that are soft, warm yet breathable. Quick-dry sheets and mattresses are must to ensure that your baby has a comfortable bed for a goodnight’s sleep.
• Crib:
While your baby prepares for a peaceful sleep, a Moses basket or a lightweight crib is the first essential item that you must add in your newborn baby items list. Opt for firm mattresses, use light, quick-dry sheets and tuck them securely. Use double-layered pillows that are neatly stitched and firm enough to avoid any hazard during sleep.
• Baby Monitor:
When you are ready to let your little one sleep in the nursery, you will require a baby monitor to keep an eye on your napping child. Therefore, it is must that you certify it has a rechargeable and a long-lasting battery.
• Mosquito Net:
It’s a known fact that babies are extremely delicate and sensitive to dust and mosquito bites. So, it’s important to buy a mosquito net when it comes to the safety of your newborns. It will protect your baby from insect bites and other diseases.
Baby Diapering Essentials
At first, changing a diaper may seem like a daunting task, but once you get a hang of the newborn baby must-haves, you will pick it up at a rocketing speed. Diapers hold a primary position in the newborn baby essentials.
• Nappies:
Reusable cotton nappies are the safest option for your baby’s sensitive skin. But these nappies easily tend to get soiled and so, you will have stock them up so that you don’t run out of them before you throw them into the laundry. Nowadays, you will find reusable nappies & diapers made with a biodegradable lining that can be removed and flushed out.
• Rash Cream:
Another vital item is a rash cream. A good-quality diaper rash cream always comes handy to prevent rashes and other infections due to constant nappy changing.
• Wet Wipes:
A newborn baby’s bottoms need to be dressed gently and hygienically. Wet wipes help in retaining the moisture in your little one’s skin while leaving the area smelling fresh.
• Changing Mats:
They can be your greatest friend when it comes to changing diapers. These mats prevent staining the bed linen and other materials while changing your baby’s diaper. Always prefer to get an easy-to-clean mat as they are convenient when you travel with your baby.
• Dustbin:
Disposing diapers anywhere and everywhere isn’t advisable. Hence, you need to have a separate dustbin and garbage bag to collect soiled diapers. It helps you throw them away all at once, while at the same time maintaining a decent level of hygiene.
Baby Bath Essentials
Initially, newborns only need a quick wipe using a sponge, soft piece of cloth or cotton wad. This is a very special time as it provides a great window of opportunity for parents to bond well with their babies. These are the few essentials you will need for your baby’s bathing time.
• Bathtub:
You can choose an ideal bathtub for your little one based on the size of the baby and your comfort. Plastic tubs are easier to clean but you can also go for foldable tubs, which come of great use while travelling.
• Towels:
Pick a couple of soft, cute textured, cotton bath towels. Cotton towels act as great absorbents, is gentle on the skin and soaks water instantly.
• Hair Oil and Massage:
Oils like almond oils and coconut oils should be used to massage your newborn baby on a day to day basis. If you’re planning to buy oil bottles, then opt for organic-based ones. However, it is advisable to take recommendations from your baby’s doctor for further reassurance.
• Baby Cream:
Moisturisation with a good-quality baby cream will keep your little one’s skin soft and supple. Go for mild creams that can be applied to the baby’s body every day after bath.
• Baby Wash and Shampoo:
Bathing your newborn can be a task when it comes to washing and shampoo. Use a mild, tear-free shampoo and baby wash. For the first time, you can buy a small bottle and use it to test for any skin reaction. If there are no issues, you can replenish them and continue using the product.
Baby Feeding Essentials
Irrespective of the way you choose, be prepared to feed your little one around the clock. This could mean either breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and for that, you’re going to need a bunch of baby essentials for mealtime. Here are a few important baby supplies that you need to stock up:
• Breast Pumps:
There are different types of breast pumps such as electric, battery-operated and manual breast pumps. You can choose anyone depending upon your requirement. Pumps with an open and closed system and pumps that work on one or both breasts at the same time.
• Sterilizers:
Sterilizing teats, pacifiers and bottles are extremely important during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby until they turn a year old. Opt for electric sterilizers as they are easy to use and can kill up to 99.9% of germs.
• Feeding Bottles:
When it comes to feeding bottles, there are different varieties available in the market that you can choose from. Pick the material you feel best suits you and your baby. Besides, anti-colic nipples on feeding bottles are widely known to be best for newborn babies. These bottles reduce the amount of air a baby swallows.
• Thermos:
A thermos or flask is also an ideal container to store hot water for your newborn baby. You can store boiled water in the thermos and also use it to mix formula milk in it.
• Bibs:
Tying a bib around the baby’s neck is useful during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby. Muslin cloths are useful to wipe milk spills, soaking up the drool and keeping your clothes clean while feeding your baby.
Baby Health Essentials
Regardless of how old your child grows, they need grooming. This applies to babies as well! But, if your newborn happens to fall ill, you’ll want to have things handy instead of running around for the essentials. Make regular visits to your little one’s pediatrician to keep the baby’s health in check. It is also important to clip your baby’s nails using baby clippers only. But most importantly, you should use a hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean at all times before or while managing your baby.
Prepping for your newborn’s arrival is certainly exciting and thus, shopping all these above-listed essentials are the most important things. With the above-mentioned items, we have broken down the vast newborn baby care checklist that you will need to remember to ensure your baby is healthy, happy and comfortable.
