Whether you are first-time parents or not, welcoming a newborn is both challenging and exciting. Aside from preparing to give birth, you also have to get ready for the stuff your baby will need.
If you are shopping for vital products such as cute baby accessories, make sure to cover all your baby’s essentials. Apart from purchasing a baby car seat, what else does your little one need?
Here are some vital things experts advised parents to prepare.
Diapers and Diaper Bag
Whether you want disposable or cloth diapers, it does not matter. The point is you have to decide what will work best for you and your baby. So, if you choose the latter, remember to stock up. When your baby is about a week old, you can expect that she will be pooping after every meal. By then, you will need to change diapers six times a day.
Aside from diapers, you will also need to buy a diaper bag and pail covered with a tight lid that can store the following:
- Diapers
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby wipes
- Paper liner or changing pad
- Dirty/used diaper bag
- Extra clothes
- Newborn hat
Bathing Needs
You should wait until your newborn’s umbilical cord falls off before you bathe her. It means you have to wait for at least two weeks before the baby can take a bath. While waiting, remember to clean your baby’s diaper area gently. As such, make sure to shop for the following:
- Bathtub for babies
- Medicine cabinet
- Rinsing plastic cup
- Mild and hypoallergenic baby soap
- Baby shampoo
- Hooded baby towel
- Washcloths
You can get these baby stuff and cute baby accessories online. Most sellers have different attractive designs you can choose from.
First Aid Kit for Baby
Bear in mind that you have basic first aid available. Invest in the following for your newborn:
- Underarm or rectal digital thermometer
- Mist humidifier – to add air moisture and clear the air from irritants that can cause a stuffy nose
- Infant acetaminophen
- Safe baby nail scissors
- Baby bandages
- Antibacterial cream
- Diaper rash cream
- Nasal bulb
- Nasal saline baby drops
Feeding Bottles and Feeding Accessories
Before you give birth, decide if you will be breastfeeding or using formula milk. Either way, the most important thing is having a support system. You and your partner or family members must be ready to care for the newborn properly. As such, it is necessary to stock up on the following:
- BPA-free or glass feeding bottles with lids
- Feeding bottle sterilizer
- Extra nipples
- Nipple and bottle brush
- Nursing pillow
- Burp cloths
If you decide to breastfeed, make sure to buy milk storage bags and breast pumps. If you are using formula milk to feed your newborn, ask your doctor what milk brand is best to try.
Final Takeaway
These are the essentials you need to prepare ahead of time to keep your baby comfortable and cared for. Take time to shop for what your baby needs. Check the materials used to make the baby accessories before you buy anything. Most importantly, welcome your baby with open arms. After all, nothing beats the comfort and assurance brought by the love of the family.