If you’re preparing to welcome a new addition to your family, you could be forgiven for thinking that you need to spend thousands of dollars on nursery paraphernalia and new-fangled gadgets. The truth is that you don’t have to buy every baby accessory on the market. Here’s an essential guide to things you’ll actually need for your newborn.
Clothing
Babies go through a huge amount of clothes, so it’s beneficial to stock up before your bundle arrives. Make sure you have plenty of vests and sleepsuits, as well as suitable layers for going out and about. Many parents like to buy a special outfit for bringing their baby home, but the most important thing is to have plenty of basics. You don’t have to spend a fortune on baby clothes, and it’s often best to wait until your children are older to buy more expensive clothes, as they grow so quickly and babies are prone to producing plenty of mess.
Safe sleeping
Safe sleeping is vital, so make sure you have a cot or a crib. Most parents choose to have their babies in their room for the first six months or so. There’s a huge range of options available on the market now, so it’s useful to visit some stores, note down the makes and models you like and read reviews before you buy. As well as buying a cot for your baby, it’s also advisable to buy sleeping bags. These sleep sacks can reduce the risk of breathing problems and they’ll also keep children warm without the need for extra layers.
Baby monitor
When you put your baby down for a nap or you settle them into their cot for the night, you want to enjoy peace of mind that they are safe. Modern baby monitors enable you to keep an eye on your baby without checking on them every minute. With video technology, you can watch TV, cook dinner or catch up with your partner without any worries. If you haven’t decided which product to buy yet, check out these video baby monitors on Consumerjar. It’s always beneficial to read reviews and to ask any friends, colleagues or family members that have children for recommendations.
Diapers and wipes
Newborns need changing on a regular basis, so it’s useful to have a supply of diapers and wipes on-hand. You’ll also need a changing bag to take out with you, and many parents find it helpful to have a changing station in their child’s nursery. If you are buying diapers in bulk, compare prices online, as this could save you a lot of money.
Transport
Before your baby arrives, you’ll need to think about getting from A to B. The first trip will require a car seat, and once you’re settled, and you’re ready to show off your new arrival, you’ll need a pram. Car seats play a crucial role in keeping babies and young children safe when traveling on the roads, and it’s worth researching different models carefully before you decide which product to buy. Look at safety ratings and check out features that are compatible with your car.
When buying a pram, there are various factors to consider, including your budget, the versatility of the product and the features it boasts. Some modern prams are part of modular systems, for example, which enables you to buy a car seat, a pram and a stroller in one go. It’s a good idea to look at different options in-store and to think about how long you want to keep the same pram. Some products, for example, can be adapted and modified to take your child from newborn to toddler. In addition, it may be worth looking at slings and baby carriers. If you live in a busy city, or you enjoy going for days out, it’s useful to be able to carry your baby around with you without taking a trunk full of stuff every time. Many parents also find having a carrier helpful when they’re trying to get things done at home, as they enable you to tend to your baby while also having your hands free.
Toys
Newborns don’t require a fully-stocked playroom, but they will start to respond and react to lights and sounds soon after you bring them home. Start with a couple of toys and expand your collection as your baby grows.
If you’re counting down the days until your new baby arrives, you might be wondering whether you really need to buy everything you’ve seen in magazines or online. Babies do need a lot of stuff, but you can buy a lot of items as you go. Start with essentials for newborns, and then add products as and when you need them.
Leave a Reply