Being a parent is an exciting yet challenging journey. Parents should be committed and prepared, especially when buying baby essentials. Though purchasing baby feeding essentials is exhilarating, a parent should still be thoughtful about their choices.
Baby Feeding Essentials Checklist
One of these essentials includes feeding supplies. Feeding a baby can be through breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, solid foods, or a combination. Choosing the right feeding essentials should depend on the baby’s needs. If you’re wondering how to figure out the things you should put on your checklist, worry no more because this article has covered you.
Here’s a list of items you should include in your baby feeding essentials checklist:
Burp Cloths
It is essential to buy a burp cloth for your baby. A burp cloth is used to protect your clothing while your baby burps. It can also wipe your baby’s face while and after feeding.
Choosing a lightweight burp cloth that fits nicely over your shoulder would be best. For starters, you can buy at least two to three burp cloths. Remember, you should wash them frequently since you will always use them.
Bibs
Bibs are helpful if your baby is a spitter or drooler because they can keep your baby’s clothes dry by protecting it from milk, formula, or other fluids. With this, you must ensure you choose the right style and fabric.
Here are some of the available stylish and functional bibs you can consider:
- Newborn Style Baby Bibs: These have two adjustable snap fasteners situated on the side of the neck for easier access when taking off from your newborn.
- Bandana Bibs: These are suitable for infants or toddlers, especially if your baby has started teething.
- Large Baby Bibs: These baby bibs can cover more of your baby’s clothes because of their broad front.
As mentioned, you must choose the right fabric when purchasing bibs. For one, you must ensure that the fabric feels comfortable, light, and gentle on your baby’s skin. It would help if you chose quick-drying bibs.
Nursing Covers And Pillows
You must ensure that you and your baby are appropriately sheltered when breastfeeding. You can consider choosing a nursing cover with a strap. This way, you can easily tie it around your neck.
As for nursing pillows, primarily, there are two types you can choose from. These include:
- Belted: This type has a strap around the waist, enabling you to walk around with it.
- Non-Belted: This non-belted nursing pillow has different styles, but donut and crescent styles are the most popular.
If you want to, you can consider getting U-shaped cushy pillows that can give your baby a place to rest aside from your arm. It also offers convenience because it can prevent you from straining your shoulders and neck. Most importantly, it can take some of the weight.
Formula
As a mother, you should select the appropriate formula for your baby. You should consult your baby’s healthcare provider when choosing a formula. They can help you select the proper formula that is good and safe and offers proper nutrients for your baby. Furthermore, they can guide you in choosing from various types of formulas, including ready-to-use liquid concentrate and powdered formulas.
Baby Feeding Bottles And Teats
When purchasing feeding bottles, it will help if you buy a few more than you need. You must have at least eight to ten feeding bottles with both 4- and 8- ounces. The bottles can be made from glass, plastic, and silicone. Choosing an anti-colic will help control the air that your baby swallows.
For the teats, there are several options based on your baby’s age:
- Stage 1 Nipples: These nipples can be used from zero to three months old.
- Stage 2 Nipples: These are for three to six months old.
- Stage 3 and 4 Nipples: These are designed for six months old and over.
You will also need many nipples. When buying, consider the shape and size of the nipples. You should try different nipples until you find your baby’s liking.
Breast Pump
As a mother, you should select the appropriate formula for your baby. You should consult your baby’s healthcare provider when choosing a formula. They can help you select the proper formula that is good and safe for your baby. Furthermore, they can guide you in choosing from various forms of formulas, including ready-to-use liquid concentrate and powdered formulas.
Milk Storage
For expressed breast milk, it’s ideal to use a plastic breast milk storage to compactly store breast milk. In addition, you can pump directly into the bag. If you travel with your baby, you can use a milk powder dispenser for powdered milk with three separate compartments. For your milk bottles, consider getting an insulated bottle carrier to keep your bottle of milk warm or cool.
Top Baby Feeding Essentials Your Checklist Needs
The following items are just a few. They can help you prepare when feeding your baby. All you have to do is to maintain its cleanliness regularly using several other hygienic devices such as a bottle warmer, sterilizer, and a bottle dry rack if needed. Choose the right feeding essentials to satisfy your baby’s needs fully.
