There are some things every baby needs, and there are less essential items that everyone thinks they need but hardly ever use. In this article, we’ll show you which products are truly essential. If you’re a soon-to-be new mother, this is the ultimate list of newborn baby essentials you must have.
Knowing which products are essential for your newborn and which are a waste of money isn’t always easy. A newborn may not need things like brand-name clothing, but there may be some things you’ll need that haven’t crossed your mind yet. Then there are some things that are just nice to have because they make your sleep-deprived life a little easier.
To shift through which products are essential for your newborn, think about your lifestyle. Diapers, for example, are a must-have for many people in the 21st century. These could make your list unless you plan to use cloth diapers, which many environmentally-friendly parents opt for in an effort to cut down on landfill waste.
Bathing products are also essential for anyone who doesn’t know how to make their own soaps and cleansers. Where many people used to create their own bath products, baby cleansers today are explicitly made to keep babies safe and clean.
New moms don’t really know what they’re getting into until it happens, which is why taking advice from more experienced mothers is the easiest way to know precisely what essentials must make your shopping list. These baby essentials are all things you’re going to need eventually, so you might as well prepare before your newborn arrives. Don’t worry, even minimalist parents find these essentials as must-haves.
Above all, the safety of your newborn is imperative. Make sure you use each product the right way or you could risk the safety of the child. Babies are still in essential developmental phases and what happens during this time of a child’s life could make or break their future.
These are the top products that every single new mother, whether you’re a minimalist or not, will need to purchase before the baby comes. Many expecting moms like to put these items on their baby registries, while others say these items are way too important to leave up to someone else – especially if you have a particular theme or design in mind for your nursery. Most parents opt to select the more important essentials like a crib themselves and leave some of the less important items for the registry.
Whatever you choose to do, use this list as a guide and check off your newborn essentials after you buy each one to ensure you don’t mind anything. Here’s the only list every newborn mother should have:
A crib is your baby’s sleeping place, and newborns will sleep a lot. While some parents decide to instead use a co-sleeper or keep the baby in bed with you, a crib allows your baby a place of their own to catch some zzz’s. Don’t skimp out on the crib either. Second-hand options may not be safe, and many new cribs come with a manufacturer’s warranty that may come in handy.
Don’t forget your other crib essentials, such as a waterproof mattress pad and crib sheets that will fit the mattress pad snugly. If you can’t buy a waterproof mattress pad, look for waterproof mattress protectors. Buying two protectors is recommended in case of an accident. Avoid pillows though, as they’re considered a SIDS risk for newborns.
Whether you choose cloth or disposable diapers, begin stocking up way before your baby arrives. This is one of the most important things you’ll need for your newborn and stocking up in advance could save you a late-night trip to the store when you run out of diapers.
This essential doesn’t go bad either, so many parents find you can never have enough in storage. If your baby grows out of the size, you can always give the leftovers away to another new mom. Other parents opt to instead only purchase a couple of cases of diapers in case the baby is larger than expected or ends up growing quicker than you thought.
Swaddlers is a popular diaper brand among parents and new moms especially because they’re super absorbent. They even turn blue when it becomes wet, which alerts you when it’s time to change the diaper or if there’s a spill.
Wipes and diaper rash cream also go hand-in-hand with this essential. Many products are formulated especially for protecting a newborn’s delicate skin. Moms also adore baby changing pads, especially if they can take them on the go.
A cloth that you wrap around your newborn, a swaddling cloth or blanket is important for keeping your child comfy and warm. Where loose blankets are frowned upon when it comes to sleeping babies, a swaddling cloth or blanket tucks in your newborn and reduces the risk of suffocation. Babies love to be swaddled, and you’ll find a soft blanket is the best thing to calm a crying newborn.
Your newborn will need clothing. Although brand names aren’t important because children grow out of them too quickly, there are a few things you will need to make it through the first year including:
Being able to move around with your baby strapped to your chest will soon become essential whether you go into public or simply attempt to clean the house. Newborns will enjoy snuggling up to mom, and you can cook or get things done as you see fit. The Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier is a wrap mom love because it keeps stranger’s hands and debris off your baby and is easy to use.
Most new moms breastfeed for the first 4-6 months of their child’s life and begin implementing formula and baby food around the 4-month mark. It’s okay to use formula earlier if needed as well. Breastfeeding moms don’t really need a lot of extra equipment. If you plan to breastfeed, you may need a few breastfeeding essentials as well, including:
Burp cloths are another must-have that goes in with baby food. New moms may not know yet, but babies burp up nastiness constantly and the mess will stain your clothes. Having a burp cloth on hand is always vital.
Gentle baby cleansers make bath time fun for kids and are safe to use on newborns. The soap won’t hurt if it gets into the little one’s eyes, and they’re safe to use daily. Many parents also consider buying a baby bathtub the family can use from newborn until toddler years. These make bath time easier, especially if your home only has a shower or lacks bathtub space. Newborns are easy to wash in the sink as well, so many traveling parents find a small tub that will fit in the sink instead.
Depending on where you live, lotion may also be essential. Not everyone needs to use lotion daily, but if you live in a dry climate, it may be more important. Babies are also known to have more sensitive skin that gets dried out easier than adults, so you’ll want to keep their skin soft and smooth.
When your baby starts crying, a soothing toy or pacifier can save the day. However, because every family and child finds a different thing soothing, many parents begin with a Wubbanub. These toys are great when you don’t know what your baby will prefer yet because they’re both a comfort toy and pacifier in one. Not only can your newborn spit out the pacifier as many times as they want without it getting lost, but you also have an entertaining toy your baby can hold onto.
Depending on your lifestyle, you may have a few other essentials come up. Then there are some things that are just nice to have. Consider the following items for your baby
The most important baby essentials for you will depend on your lifestyle, but there are a few things every new mom needs. Check off the items on this list as you buy. With this trusted guide, you can build a complete kit of essentials that should make life easier for both you and your newborn.
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