Getting ready to welcome your newborn baby is an exciting phase of your life, but it can also be daunting. There seems to be so many things that you ought to buy especially when you go out shopping in store or online. You will see hundreds of strollers, prams, feeding chairs, baby change tables and baby nursery furniture among others in every corner you look. The main question that comes to mind is always, which of these items do you really need? Here are a few basic guidelines on the basic baby items that every new parent ought to have ready before the young one arrives
Nursery
Most new parents find themselves decorating their baby’s room to make it look cosy and welcoming to the newborn. However, when it comes to setting up your baby’s crib, it is advisable to make it as bare as possible. Toys, blankets and pillows are great additions to the crib but they are dangerous as they can suffocate your baby in their sleep. When shopping for your baby nursery furniture, ensure that you go for a crib that has fixed side rails with the slats reasonably spaced. Ensure that you also get a firm mattress and a crib sheet that will fit perfectly.
Bathing
Although you will have to hold off washing your baby until their umbilical cord heals completely, you should prepare in advance for it. You should get soft sponge baths or wash cloths. Invest in hooded towels, mild baby soap, baby shampoo and a plastic cup for rinsing. You should also purchase a good plastic tub or bathinette.
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Diaper Bag and Diapers
There are two main types of diapers, disposable or cloth diapers. You should work with the type that works best for your child. You should start stocking up on diapers early enough as newborns usually poop a lot in their first weeks. Ensure that you get a great diaper bag that has the capacity to fit the diapers, baby wipes, diaper cream, an extra change of baby clothes and a bag to hold the dirty ones. You should also invest in baby change tables as well as a paper liner or changing pad to use when travelling.
Moving About
It is every new parent’s wish to cuddle their baby, but there are times when you will need to free your hands. You may consider getting a baby swing, baby carrier, wrap or sling to hold her as you run some errands in the house. If you need to take a walk with your baby when they are a bit older, you can consider going for strollers and prams, depending on your choice.
Feeding
Before your baby arrives, you have to decide whether you are going to breastfeed her or use formula milk. This will help you stock up well in advance depending on your choice. You can also stock up on the formula just in case your breast milk will not be adequate for her. You can invest in BPA-free or plastic bottles that come with tight-fitting lids, nursing pillows, milk storage bags and breast pump if you will breastfeed your child. You can also get feeding chairs well in advance as they will serve their purpose at the right time.
Conclusion
All the above are some of the most basic things that you ought to have before your baby comes. Blankets and clothes for your newborn are obvious and it is advisable to invest in unisex baby clothes if you have not yet established the sex of your baby. Getting all these baby items will set you on the right path to welcoming your newborn baby without stress.