Baby Products Checklist -- What To Buy When You’re Having a Baby
Posted on 21/04/2011 in
Style
When it comes to caring for newborns, it’s important to recognise that they have special needs. Adult products may be too harsh for their delicate skin and their bodies need extra support when travelling and sleeping. From maternity wear for mum to baby essentials for feeding, clothing and bathing, here is the ultimate checklist for getting together the essential products before delivery to provide your little one with a very comfortable first few months.
Sleeping
- Bassinets (or a cot) are essential for the newborn.
- Choose a hard mattress for your baby as this has been proven to lower the risk of SIDS.
- Cover the mattress with fitted sheets.
- One or two blankets for warmth or a sleeping sack (which is worn like a closed dress and very warm) to reduce the likelihood that your baby’s face becomes covered by the blanket during the night.
- Generally babies do not need a pillow for sleeping until they are aged one or more.
Transport
- Stroller – for walking outdoors.
- Car Seat – a rear-facing baby seat for safety.
- A diaper and baby accessories bag that is large enough to fit all your baby products for a day out.
Bathing and Cleaning
- A baby tub for baths. Baby tubs cradle your baby in the right way, giving them the proper support while you are washing them. They can fit right into the wash basin or bath.
- Baby wash cloths. Organic cotton or bamboo are good, natural choices for your baby.
- Baby soaps and shampoos. These have mild formulations suitable for your baby’s skin.
- Baby brush. For tidying up your baby’s hair.
- Baby lotion. Moisturising your baby helps reduce dryness and itchiness.
- Hooded towels. Covers your baby’s head from the cold.
- Baby nail clippers. Extra small nail clippers for clipping nails.
- Gentle laundry detergent. Use this on your baby’s clothing to avoid harsh chemicals.
Feeding
- Mothers should have comfortable maternity dresses that accommodate breast feeding and can be easily washed when stained.
- Bibs for your baby will be especially useful when they start eating solid food, at around the three to four month stage.
- Breast pump. Helps you store breast milk for each meal time.
- Bottles and nipples. For feeding your baby.
Nappies
- Cloth or disposable diapers. Have plenty on hand as you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll go through them!
- Hygiene wipes. Use wipes for cleaning your baby after a nappy change.
- Nappy rash lotion. For soothing your baby’s skin if it become irritated by nappy wear.
- Re-sealable bags. For trashing used nappies after changing.
Furniture and Extras
- Crib and mattress. For older babies who have started to crawl, the crib gives your baby more space to move around.
- Lullabies and other baby music to help your infant sleep.
- An adjustable lamp or nightlight for the nursery.
Health and Safety
- Baby monitor. Helps you check on your baby if you’re in another room. If you’re moving around the house, you’ll be able to hear when you baby wakes and cries.
- Thermometer. For checking your baby’s temperature.
- Nasal aspirator. Reduces the mucus build up in your baby’s nose and helps with breathing.
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