Being first-time parents can be a nerve-wracking prospect for clueless couples who are caught unprepared with the ordeal of parenthood. If you’re one of them, knowing about these baby must-haves will make parenting easier for you.
Prepare your baby must-haves in advance to save yourself some headaches. Not knowing your baby’s sex is not a reason to stop you from shopping for baby must-haves before your child is born. Opt for neutral colors so you will prevent instances where you have to cloth your baby boy in girl clothes or vice versa, or be forced to shop again for appropriate things for your baby to use.
Make a list of things to buy that include the 10 baby must-haves (listed here in helpful categories) that first-time parents should prepare.
Here are a couple of items that will help in feeding/nursing.
1. Milk Bottles and Bottle Warmer
Although you would want to breastfeed your baby, you still need milk bottles to store breast milk when you go out. It would be awkward to whip out your breast to feed your baby or suffer milk leakage on your clothes. BPA free milk bottles are safe.
A bottle warmer is also handy for warming up milk as microwave heating is not advisable to prevent the possibility of scalding baby’s mouth with very hot milk.
2. Breast Pump and Accessories
Breast pumps can be a lifesaver when you encounter nursing problems. Some babies do not latch on the breast right away, so you need to pump the milk out into the bottle for the baby to feed on.
Here are a couple of items that will help with bathing.
3. Bath Tub with a Sling
Newborns are very fragile and have no neck control, so it is important that the bathtub is equipped with a sling. Sponge bathing your newborn using warm water and washcloths is recommended for the first month.
4. Cotton Hooded Towel Set and Cotton Washcloths
The washcloths will be used to sponge bathe your baby. Babies shiver easily so you have to wrap your’s in a hooded towel to transfer the baby from the bath into the room. Cotton is the recommended fabric because it is gentle on the baby’s sensitive skin.
Here are a couple of items that will help with health and safety.
5. Thermometer
This is a thing that you should not go without. Buy a set of thermometers to measure your baby’s body temperature like the one pictured above.
6. Infant Nail Cutter
Don’t attempt to use your own nail cutter for your baby. You don’t want to harm them in anyway. Pick one made especially for babies. If you have vision problems, you can choose a nail cutter with a magnifying glass to help you get a clearer visual of your baby’s nails.
Here are a couple of items that will help with playtime.
7. Baby Swing
Babies can be fussy sometimes. Instead of calming your child down by carrying them in your arms, use a baby swing. A baby swing with music and motion can entertain the baby and lull him to sleep. It is also great for feeding when the swing motion is off.
8. Baby Gym or Activity Mat
Keep the baby entertained by buying a musical baby gym or activity mat. Toys with sounds and mirrors will keep the baby occupied so you can attend to some chores or just relax.
Here are a couple of items that will help with travelling.
9. Car Seat and Stroller System
Having a car seat for the baby will keep them safe and secure in the car while you drive to travel anywhere that you need to go. Whether you are shopping for things in the mall or just want to take the baby out for a walk in the park, a stroller system will make things a lot easier for you and more comfortable for your baby.
10. Baby Carrier or Sling
If your baby is old enough for a carrier or a sling, then ditch the stroller. It is safe, reliable, and will make navigating the crowd easier for you. Having a baby carrier is also handy when you go to establishments where elevators or escalators are not present.
In Conclusion
Buying baby essentials will put a hole in your pocket if you don’t know how to cut costs. Look for great things on sale or use coupons like eBay redemption codes to get savings on must-have baby stuff.
Featured photo credit: Baby Carrieror Sling via flickr.com
