What are some essential baby items that every parent should have?

Parents are always looking for ways to save time and money while caring for their children. They want to give them the best start possible. This means buying the best baby gear they can afford. The average American spends $1,200 per year on diapers alone. That’s why it’s important to prepare early for the arrival of your little bundle of joy.

There are several things you should consider buying before your child arrives. These include car seats, cribs, strollers, high chairs, and other essentials.

Baby Wear

  • 6 - 8 Onesies/Bodysuit - A onesie is a great way to dress your baby. Not only does it keep them warm, but it makes changing easier. Plus they make cute outfits!
  • 4 - 8 Pairs of Footed PJs - Footed pajama sets are perfect for helping regulate your baby’s body temperature as they keep his arms, legs, and toes covered. They are also an ideal choice for babies this age because of their easy-to-use snaps and zippers.
  • 3 - 4 Nightgowns - baby sleep gowns are comfy sleepers perfect for easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes. 
  • 2-4 Newborn hats - While newborns are adorable, their heads are actually quite large compared to the rest of the body. All that skin can let lots of heat out, which is why newborn hats come in handy. To keep the babies warm during the first few months, it's important to cover their heads with a hat, especially when you take them outside.
  • 4 - 8 Baby Socks or Booties - Baby Socks are not only adorable but also important as newborn babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature. 
  • Baby mittens – one of the easiest ways to protect your baby from scratching is to trim their nails regularly, but that can be a little overwhelming at times. Baby mittens can be really handy not just for cold days but to prevent scratching.
  • Bunting bag or snowsuit to keep your baby warm in the winter.
  • 2 - 3 cardigans or jackets 
  • 4 outfits for dressing up
  • Gentle Laundry Detergent. Look at the ingredients list for what baby laundry detergent contains and what it doesn't. Here are some specific things to look out for Fragrance-free, Plant-based or chemical-free, Hypoallergenic, No brighteners.

Diapering Essentials

  • Unscented Baby wipes - It's a fact of life that babies poop. And, as parents, we all know it can be a bit of a challenge to keep our little ones clean and dry when they're in diapers. Diapers are designed to absorb liquid waste and trap moisture so that it doesn't leak through the fabric and get into the baby's clothes. But if you use regular household soap and water, your baby will still need to go number two. So, how do you keep your baby clean without using harsh chemicals? The answer: baby wipes. There are many different types of wipes available today, including cloth, disposable, and even waterproof versions. Some wipes contain antibacterial agents, others don't. You'll probably find yourself reaching for a wipe more often than you think. For example, after a bath, wiping down the tub and surrounding area is a good idea. After a meal, cleaning up spills around the table is smart too. If you're going away for the weekend, packing a pack of wipes in your suitcase is a must. And, of course, there are wipes specifically made for infants. These products are safe for a baby's delicate skin and won't irritate sensitive areas like the eyes or ears.
  • Disposable diapers or Cloth Diapers - 2-3 boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers or 6-8 cloth diaper covers and plenty of extra inserts since newborns can go through up to 15 baby cloth diapers a day. Remember that cloth diapering does not mean you have to give up your baby's comfort and well-being. Cloth diapers are just as safe, if not safer than disposable ones.
  • Baby ointment, diaper cream, or lotion? The baby's skin is delicate and sensitive. When babies are born they have no natural protection against bacteria and germs that can cause infections. To prevent this from happening, mothers use various products to protect their babies' skin. These products include lotions, creams, and ointments. There are many different types of these products but what do they really contain? Do any of them actually work? What should you look out for when choosing a product?
  1.  Baby Lotion - Lotions are usually used after bathing your baby. They are applied directly onto the skin and help moisturize the skin. Lotions are typically made of water, oil, emulsifiers, preservatives, and fragrances. Some lotions may even contain alcohols, which dry out the skin.
  2. Diaper creams are similar to lotions, except they are designed specifically for babies who wear diapers. They are often used before putting on a diaper and are meant to keep the skin soft and moist. Diaper creams are typically made of water and oils, along with other ingredients like emollients, humectants, and preservatives.
  3. Ointment -This is a great product for babies that have skin irritations or rashes. This product is usually used for cuts and scrapes, but can also be applied to other areas of the body like the scalp, ears, and bottoms of feet.
  • Diaper Bag - A diaper bag or baby bag is a type of handbag that is designed to hold and transport diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, toys, clothing, and other items needed by an infant. 

Baby Bath Time Essential

Baby Grooming/First Aid Kit

  • Nail clipper or Nail Scissors
  • Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous or Nasal Aspirator
  • Baby thermometer
  • Eye dropper or medicine spoon
  • Pacifiers
  • Infant Tooth Brush
  • Infant Acetaminophen
  • Baby gas drops

 

Feeding Essentials: What You Need to Know

The first step in feeding your baby is to find out what he or she likes. This will help you know when and how much to feed, as well as which foods are best for babies of different ages.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food for babies. It provides all the nutrients needed by infants. Breastfed babies usually gain weight faster than formula-fed babies. In addition, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast cancer later on in life.

Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding is another option. Many mothers prefer bottle-feeding over breastfeeding because it allows them more flexibility in terms of scheduling meals and activities. However, bottle feeding may cause nipple confusion, so it is recommended that new

Nursery Essentials

The nursery is the place where you will spend most of your time with your baby. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and make it as special and unique as possible. The first few months are such an important part of your child’s life, so don’t rush into decorating too quickly. Take your time and enjoy every moment.

Baby Gear

  • Infant car sear or convertible car seat - The convertible car seat is a type of infant car seat that can convert to a booster seat for older children. It has been designed to protect infants from injury in the event of an accident, and it also provides additional protection for older children who are not yet big enough to use a regular car seat.
  • Stroller - collapsible and lightweight so they can easily be transported in the trunk of a car or on public transport. 
  • Baby Carrier - Babywearing can be pretty awesome once you've got the right one for your baby and your own needs. There are many types of carriers available today, including slings, wrap, ring slings, backpacks, backpacks, and even strollers. Some parents choose to wear their newborns in a sling while others prefer using a carrier that attaches to their waist.
  • Play Mats - Babies love to explore and learn through touch, so it is important to provide them with a variety of materials that they can use to discover and develop skills. Playmats are an ideal way to do this as they offer babies a safe place to explore and learn. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Baby Swing or Baby Bouncer - A baby bouncer is usually lighter and more convenient than a baby swing, but they both give the same help to parents.
  • High Chair - Babies usually start sitting up in a high chair at about 4-6 months old. They must have some level of postural stability, which means they can hold their head steadily and sit up straight with support. Good high chairs provide additional support for this stability.
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