There’s a lot to think about when you are about to bring your little bundle of joy home, however, babies are not at all demanding creatures. At least when it comes to stuff. Most people tend to buy an abundance of newborn items and pile up clothes that the little one doesn’t even have the chance to wear as it overgrows so fast. In the first vital six weeks of their lives, babies require a few essentials that every parent should get.
Here is a thorough list of all the crucial amenities your baby will need in the first weeks.
1. Diapers
It’s vital to have in mind that babies would go through a minimum of 4 diapers daily. What’s more, if they don’t get changed in time, they might feel uneasy and cry, so to avoid that from happening, stock yourself with enough disposable or cloth diapers. Start with small packs and try to get the most quality disposable diapers on the market. If you notice some form of a rash, then your baby might get irritated, so you should change the diapers immediately. Also, get wipes, and a suitable diaper rash cream, and make sure that you set up an adequate changing table or pad in your nursery.
2. Baby clothes
The most important thing here is not to think about fashion but opt for comfort and softness. Aim to buy quality baby clothes that are durable, and roomy so the baby could twist and turn with ease. For the first few weeks, your baby will wear the newborn size, then go to 3 months, and so on, but once you notice your baby is developing faster, you could go for a bigger size sooner. The most crucial essentials you would need when it comes to baby clothes are around 8 onesies or bodysuits, 5-7 sleepers or sleep sacks, 5 baby leggings, 5 pairs of socks, and some baby hats.
3. Feeding supplies
Firstly, if you want to breastfeed, aim to get a good breast pump and store cups for your milk. Also get a nice and cozy nursing pillow, nipple cream, and burp cloths. No matter if you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, you would in both cases need bottles. Newborns usually start with a 4-ounce size bottle, but quite soon you may switch to an 8-ounce. Get proper brushes so you could thoroughly scrub crevices in the bottles and clean other bottle parts as hygiene for the baby is of utmost importance. Moreover, it would be handy to get some bibs to keep the baby dry, and an insulated bottle carrier so you could feed your baby on the go.
4. Baby gear
There’s no denying that baby gear is rather expensive, but once you invest in certain items in the start, such as a stroller and car seat, it would serve you a minimum of a year. Your little one might get most things as a present from friends and relatives, but the things a baby needs to have at the start are a crib, a changing table, a car seat, and a stroller. Next, you could get a baby carrier, a baby swing, and maybe nursery gliders to maximize the baby’s comfort.
5. Sleeping
As you should aim for your baby to sleep in her crib at early stages in her life so she would get used to it, you must adapt the crib and the room for her comfort. Some parents opt for a bassinet, but as babies use them for only a couple of weeks it’s more lucrative to make them use the crib.
Get an adequate mattress that fits the crib, opt for cotton bedding sheets and make sure you wash them at high temperatures without using a softener. Except for your baby, avoid placing any pillows, toys, bumpers, or quilts in the crib, as they might increase the possibility of accidental suffocation.
6. Other crucial small amenities
Some other things that will make the baby’s life more soothing are a baby monitor, baby bathtub, towels, and washcloths. It would be nifty to have some grooming essentials like a baby comb, nail clipper, nasal aspirator, and a baby thermometer in case of a potential fever, etc.
In the end, most other things are more parents’ desired items, than what the baby truly needs. Pay attention to your baby’s safety and try to purchase only renowned and top-notch items.