What you need for baby | A New Parent’s Guide
The journey to motherhood may often become confusing when you go from a mother-to-be to a new mom. Let’s say you are just having your first child. You may know that you will need to purchase many items that take a significant part of your budget but don’t know what is really necessary and what is just an add-on. It is challenging for a new mom to know what you need for your baby and what you don’t need for your baby.
Choosing High-Quality Items
Taking care of an infant is delicate, and you might end up doing more harm than good when using the wrong products. Aside from knowing what to buy, you will also need to ensure that each product is safe, FDA approved, and comes from a reputed brand.
You should take some time to read some reviews to help you make a short list of high-quality items that your baby might need. Knowing which brands and products are ranked positively enables you to stay away from a product that might alter to soon or even accidentally harm the baby.
AllKidsReviews.com is a resource you might turn to many times to find out which are the most popular baby products and why specialists and customers love them – so go take a look at those cribs, pajamas, baby bottles, and much more!
What you need for baby | A New Parent’s Guide
The baby’s first year is the most challenging one as you are just learning how he or she is asking for food or sleep. In the meantime, you should set up a comfortable and safe environment for the baby. Here are 5 things you need for your baby.
1. Crib
The baby needs to sleep up to 10-16 hours per day, so you should consider a baby crib. Most newborns only need a co-sleeper which can be put next to your bed and allow you to securely transfer the baby to their sleeping space after feeding.
However, cribs and mattresses will be useful once the baby is 3-6 months old. Given that the baby will perceive the bed as his own, you should purchase the crib in a gender-neutral color if you plan to have more children. Don’t go for second-hand cribs as some don’t meet the typical safety standards. Drop-side cribs also have been banned in the US since 2011, because they caused infant deaths.
2. Bedding
Another thing You will need for your infant is a firm quality mattress and bed sheet. In baby stores, you can find small sheets. However, you will only need three to five bedsheets and a waterproof mattress.
There’s no need to purchase pillows, blankets, or quilts as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Wearable blankets aren’t safe either, and they are not even necessary if the area where you live has a balanced climate. Swaddling blankets may make your life easier as they fold over the infant’s arms.
3. Bottles and Formula
You will eventually introduce your child to formula, so you should get several baby bottles ahead. Many experts recommend that you keep five different bottles close and notice the baby’s preferences. However, two similar products should do.
Make sure that the bottles are made of BPA-free plastic and use gas-reducing technology and disposable liners. However, you shouldn’t keep formula in the house for longer than two to three weeks if you plan to breastfeed.
4. Breast Pump
Your insurance provider could check if you qualify for a free breast pump. You can also purchase one that can turn useful whenever you’re breastfeeding and leaving home. Some hospitals rent pumps which comply with safety standards.
Manual pumps are cheaper than others but tiring and time-consuming. Electric models are quick and can be used on both breasts simultaneously. There are even backpack-style models that include a small cooler bag for milk storage.
5. Safety Kit
Safety kits are critical item that you need for your baby. He or she might need medical attention, and you will need to act quick when looking for solutions.
- Digital thermometer: Any fever can put a baby’s life at risk in the first week. An accurate digital thermometer should be part of your medical kit.
- Essential medicines: Get some infant-friendly essential oils, infant Tylenol, and gas drops.
- Baby monitor: This transmitter-and-receiver gadget helps you keep an eye on your child from another room. Audio models are almost as efficient as the pricey gadgets with video features are.
- Diaper ointment: The top picks include vitamins A and D. They don’t require a prescription. You should use them to prevent potential rashes.
- Baby nail clippers or scissors: You will need to use safe tools to trim your baby’s nails.
- Baby bulb syringe: You might use this along with saline drops to clear your baby’s stuffy nose.
- Soft-bristled baby brush: This brush protects your little one from cradle cap.
- Baby-friendly laundry detergent: You may either use baby-friendly products or products specially designed for sensitive skin.
What you need for baby | The Don’t List
With all the items people suggest, it is easy to get overwhelmed and spend too much money! Check out these 5 items you don’t need for your baby.
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1. Plastic Bath Tubs
Bathtubs for infants are difficult to store and maintain since you should wash them almost obsessively. You will need to give the baby a bath every day. Yet, a newborn only requires a safe bath, not an exclusive one. There are soft inserts that can fit your regular sinks and help you wash your little one safely for a lower price than a designated tub. Once your child outgrows the sink, you can use them in the bathtub.
2. Wipe Warmers
Another thing you don’t need for your baby are those fancy wipe warmers. Wipe warmers were developed to keep your child warm in a room that might seem cold after taking a bath. Stable room temperature can easily replace the wipe warmers. You don’t need to warm wipes which aren’t available for outdoor use.
3. Diaper Bucket
The diaper buckets or diaper disposal pails like those from Diaper Genie are expensive and also require pricey bags which you cannot replace with alternatives. These are dirt buckets especially made for storing used diapers.
However, if your infant is fed on formula, diapers will get sticky within a few hours. If you breastfeed, the baby’s feces won’t stick and will just add up. Alternatively, you can use a tightly tied grocery bag for stinky diapers. A diaper bucket doesn’t necessarily keep your home healthy or clean.
If you breastfeed, the baby’s feces won’t stick and will just add up. Alternatively, you can use a tightly tied grocery bag for stinky diapers. A diaper bucket doesn’t necessarily keep your home healthy or clean.
4. Crib Bumpers
Crib bumpers are another thing you don’t need for your baby. Crib bumpers are textile sleeping sacks which are designed to keep the baby’s arms and legs safe. Their purpose is to prevent any head bumps and accidents that your baby might have while asleep. Some experts caution that babies tend to grab them and consequently risk suffocating.
5. Baby Food Blenders
Baby food blenders make the more expensive versions of regular stick blenders. If you keep them clean and safe, your regular stick blenders are suitable for baby use and save you big money.
What you need for baby
You baby should be a joy. Avoid turning a happy event like having a child into a financial burden by buying products just because some mothers, ads, or so-called experts recommend them. Also, refrain from stocking up on clothes, socks, bed sheets, and much more as your baby grows quick and you will need new ones.
Now that you know what you need for your baby and what you don’t need for your baby, its time for the best part. Find a balance and enjoy motherhood!