Every new parent tends to go overboard when planning shower gift registries. It is natural to want everything you see, and manufacturers make sure that all the marketing materials entice you to buy the latest and greatest baby “necessities.” Fortunately for your pocketbook, most baby products are not essential — aside from maybe Wellements baby vitamins, if breastfeeding. The remainder of this article will focus on the actual necessities for your newborn’s first year of life.
Babyproofing Necessities (4 Months and Beyond)
Keep in mind babyproofing is not essential for at least four months; until then, your baby won’t be going anywhere without you. However, when the time comes, you will want to have several items ready to install:
- Outlet covers
- Drawer latches
- Cabinet latches
- Furniture anchors
- Fireplace bumper
- Gates for tops and bottoms of stairs
While not essential, corner guards for low tables and toilet locks are nice to have. Essentially, you want to prevent your child from any injuries or accidents.
Feeding Necessities
Many parents jump to products like teething oil Wellements, but that is not necessary for newborns. Instead, focus on items for immediate use. For example, if using a formula, you will need several items:
- Multiple bottles and nipples
- Several weeks worth of formula
- Bottle brushes and drying rack
- Multiple bibs and burp cloths
- Cooler or carrier for outings
If you decide to breastfeed, some items, like bibs and burp cloths remain, but other elements change. When breastfeeding, you will want several things:
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pillow
You will also want to check out Wellements vitamin d drops reviews. Some babies will require extra nutrients.
As your baby gets older, four to six months, you should invest in a high chair, infant spoon and bowl, and plastic bibs. These items will make life so much easier.
Nursery Furniture and Linens
People often go overboard with nursery furniture. Honestly, all you need for your newborn and to get you started is a crib and crib mattress or a co-sleeper. Beyond that, a changing table, glider, dresser, hamper, and monitor are all nice to have but not immediately necessary. One thing to avoid is using hand-me-down cribs. Regulations and standards are constantly changing, so do your child a favor and pick up a new crib.
When it comes to linens, stick with crib sheets, receiving blankets, and mattress protectors. Pillows, sleep positioners, and mattress padding are potential SIDS risks and are not crucial to your baby’s comfort or routine.
Hygiene Essentials and Diapering Needs
When it comes to baby hygiene and bathing, preparation is vital. The must-haves include:
- Baby shampoo and bath wash
- Washcloths
- Hooded towels
- Infant tub
- Bath seat (after six months)
- Nail clippers
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Baby comb and brush set
For your diapering needs, you need to decide if you want to go with disposable or cloth. Disposable diapers are convenient and require less work but are not as good for the environment. Cloth diapers are better for the environment and more cost-effective but time-consuming. In either case, you will probably need diaper cream at some point.
While not all-inclusive, this list does provide a decent headstart for new parents. Contact a local baby supply shop with more questions.
