Excitement is when you first find out you're having a baby - and the flurry of planning begins. I challenge you to find anything more exciting than buying your first teeny, tiny wondersuit, or marvelling at the incy size of a nappy. However, as exciting as all this shopping is, it can also be daunting, so we've put together a list of things you need for a new baby to make shopping for a baby way easier.
List of things you need for a new baby: What to buy
Baby's need a few essentials to make their lives comfortable and your life simpler. What to choose can be mind-boggling, so start with the safety essentials and then move on to what tickles your fancy. Our Newborn Baby Checklist is a great place to start. Go here to find out what the baby essentials are - and start preparing your budget.
Sleep time
For the first few years of sleep, your baby will require a cot with a new, close-fitting mattress and cot sheets and blankets. SIDS guidelines recommend these options. A cot should have smooth, evenly spaced bars with no edges or spaces to trap baby's fingers, toes - or head. A teething bar along the top rail can be great if you've got a baby who's a muncher and you'd like to pass the cot down the family. Baby's don't need a pillow, and when settling your baby, always make up the bed so their feet are at the base of the bed.
Cot bumpers are not recommended, but there are sleep solutions such as sleeping bags that can help limit baby's movement so you all get a good night sleep.
Pyjamas aren't really necessary for a newborn, a wondersuit is normally all a baby needs to settle down to sleep.
A bassinet or moses basket isn't essential, but as babies are so teeny tiny, they can look swamped in a large cot. Use the same criteria to choose a bassinet as you did with a cot - no places for fingers or toes to get caught and a sturdy base to raise it off the floor. If you're using a family heirloom basinet, it's a good idea to buy a new mattress.
Baby monitor
A baby monitor can provide you with peace of mind when your baby's sleeping. Look for a monitor with a few channels to minimise interference (some will pick up other baby monitors in the area, or even taxi radios)
In the car
A good car seat that will suit a baby from birth is essential. Consider your needs and wants. For example, do you want a capsule for your baby or would you prefer a convertible car seat that goes from rear-facing to forward-facing as your baby grows? Car seat guidelines can be found here.
Sunshades for the windows of your car are great for long journeys. Even though the baby should ideally be in the middle of the car for safety's sake, the sun's UV rays can penetrate the car windows.
On the move
Prams come second to cots in terms of use - so you'll want one that suits your lifestyle and is easy to use. First of all, consider where you'll use it. Will you go straight from the house to using the pram, or will it be folded into a boot? Do you have a lot of stairs to go down? Are you in a hilly area? Is your local path concrete or gravel? Who'll be using the pram - you and your partner? These are all considerations you need to make before choosing the size pram, the type of wheels and whether it has an adjustable handle (to make pushing easy for taller and shorter parents).
Take your time when choosing. Push the pram around the store, switch it from rear-facing to forward-facing. Fold it up. How easy is it to go from one mode to another? How easy is the surface to clean and, most importantly, will it fit in your boot - particularly if you've also got a load of groceries.
Baby slings and carriers
There are two types of slings or carriers you can use: a baby carrier which you can use in place of a pram to transport baby from place-to-place, or a sling which is great for baby-wearing to keep baby close to your heart. Either way, you'll want to make sure it's ergonomically comfortable for you. Try it on and tie up all the straps - and decide how it feels. Imagine it's filled with a couple of kilos of a wiggly baby - you'll need comfort over fashion.
Change table
A specially designed change table can make life easier. It's at a great height to easily change baby without hurting your back, and they provide storage so all your baby change needs are to hand (nappies, wipes, creams etc). For the first year of baby's life, they're also great for dressing baby after a bath too.
A nappy bag
A well-stocked nappy bag is essential for stress-free outings with bub. It'll need to be roomy enough to carry spare nappies, wipes, spare clothing, and food and toys as baby grows. Ideally, it should have separate compartments so you can find things easier. And, you'll need a portable, wipe-clean change mat for changing baby on the go. Always pack in a few plastic bags for storing dirty nappies and clothes.
For the ultimate organisation, unpack and restock your nappy bag when you get home - that way it's always ready to go when you are.
Nappies
Whether you choose to use reusable nappies, disposable nappies or a combination of both, it helps to do your research and stock up before baby's born. The first six weeks of baby's life zoom by so the better prepared you are with the essentials the smoother life will run.
Clothing
Let's face it, you don't need any inspiration to buy these - it's hard to resist going out and buying your first teeny size 000 items within minutes of the test proving positive. But it's great to have a nice wardrobe of baby clothes ready to go before the baby's born. Some singlets, socks, wondersuits, hats and cardigans for a winter baby are great. Buy in neutral colours such as white and you can add colour when the baby's on the scene.
Before baby's due date wash the clothes separately in soap flakes and hang in the sun to dry.
Bathing
A baby bath can make bathing a slippery newborn so much easier. Look for a bath that's easy to use and empty - don't try to carry a full bath over to the bathtub to empty - you'll pay for it later with backspin.
Other items to consider:
- Chest of drawers for clothing
- Cot mobile
- Comfy chair for night feeds
- Night light
- Nursery decor
This post was first published on Kidspot and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
Also read: Baby on the Way? Here’s Your Ultimate Second Trimester Checklist!