Here is a rundown of the essential baby care products you will need…
Now that you’ve discovered that are pregnant, you are probably starting to think of what items you will need for your new bundle of joy. You may feel confused or overwhelmed. Don’t worry. In the following article, we will discuss the essential baby care products you will need for your baby.
Face it, you love to shop…and now you have another excuse to get out there and start buying! Part of the fun of having a baby is shopping for cute little dresses or suits and decorating the nursery. But what products do you really need? It can be overwhelming, but it will all come together in time. Remember that’s what baby showers are for. You should start preparing your list early so that you know which items you still need to purchase on your own. Gift certificates are always a great suggestion, that way you can hand-select your baby’s items. And then there’s online shopping, which opens a whole new world! Confused? Don’t be! We will give you a rundown of the essential baby care products you will need to make your baby safe and happy…and to make your life a lot easier as well!
Baby Furniture
Of course the most exciting part of shopping for baby is fixing up the nursery. We’ll leave the color scheme and theme to you but here is a list of the items you will need to furnish your baby’s room.
- changing table
- diaper pail
- rocker or glider
- bassinet or cradle
- crib/crib mattress
- dresser
- bookshelves
Other Items Needed For Nursery
Now that you have the basic furniture covered, here are some of the other items you will need for your nursery. It is a good idea to have your nursery fully stocked before your due date so you will have everything in place when you return from the hospital with your newborn.
- fitted sheets
- waterproof mattress cover
- baby monitor
- smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- electric outlet covers
- crib, cradle and/or bassinet bumpers
- nightlight
- room thermometer
- baby swing and/and or bouncy seat
- baby mobile
- stereo or music system
- CD’s (lullabies, baby tunes and the like)
- books
- wall decor
- white noise machine
- baby clothes
Changing Table Essentials
There are plenty of options for changing tables, but it’s a always a good idea to have one with storage available, or have some type of shelving unit next to the changing table. We do not advise that you have overhead shelves filled with supplies anywhere in the room where they could easily fall on your baby. Baskets, bookcases, dressers and changing tables with drawers are always viable options. A lot of new parents forgo the changing table and use changing pads on the floor or dresser. It is entirely up to you, but you must consider your baby’s safety at all times. Never leave your baby unattended and always keep one hand on your infant while changing or bathing.
- plenty of diapers (*hint, if you are opting for cloth diapers as opposed to disposable, you should have at least three dozen on-hand)
- baby wipes
- wiper warmer
- diaper rash cream
- changing pad covers
- hand sanitizer
- first aid supplies
- thermometer
- cotton balls and q-tips
- baby lotion
- bath towels or hooded towels
- baby nail clippers
- baby washcloths
- nasal aspirator
- onesies and sleepwear
Bathing Necessities
You will notice that some of these items overlap with the above list. It is your discretion as to what room you decide to bathe your baby in, but it is highly recommended that you have all supplies on hand before you begin to bathe your infant. Again, always keep one hand on your baby at all times for safety.
- baby bath
- gentle baby soap
- baby shampoo
- 2-4 soft towels
- hooded towels
- baby washcloths
- baby hairbrush
- bath thermometer
- cotton swabs and q-tips
- gauze (for a circumcised male)
- clean clothes
- diapers
- baby lotion
- first aid kit
- baby nail clippers
- nasal aspirator
- rectal thermometer
Travel Items
Obviously, you won’t be home-bound forever, although it may feel that way for the first few weeks as you and baby are bonding and settling into a routine. You will want to make sure you have the proper items required for travel and that your diaper bag is always fully stocked.
- baby sling
- stroller or pram
- car seat
- diaper bag
- pacifiers
- diapers
- changing pad
- blankets
- wipes
- diaper rash cream
- spare clothes, onesies, socks and booties
- bibs
- breast pump
- nursing pads
- nursing cover
- bottles and formula if not breastfeeding
- hand sanitizer
- plastic or biodegradable bags
- baby sunscreens or sun hat
- first aid kit
Medicine Cabinet Items For Baby
Of course you will want to make sure you have all the first-aid/medical supplies you may need for your newborn. Below is a list of some of the essentials.
- digital thermometer
- bandages and gauze pads
- heating pad
- calamine lotion
- hydrocortisone cream
- baby non aspirin liquid pain reliever
- rubbing alcohol and peroxide
- tweezers
- adhesive tape
- scissors
- bulb syringe or nasal aspirator
- cotton balls and q-tips
- oral syringe
- heating pads
- electrolyte solution
- first aid manual
- baby nail clippers
- small flashlight
- baby sunscreen
- baby insect repellent
- baby lotions and creams
- baby wash and shampoo
- emergency numbers
Feeding Essentials
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you are going to need items to feed your newborn. Here is a list of some of the basic items you will need.
- breast pump
- bottles
- nipples
- formula
- nursing pads
- bottle liners (if using disposable bottles)
- bottle warmer and sterilizer
- bottle brush
- burp cloths
- nipple cream
- nursing pillow
- nursing cover
- milk storage bags
- bowls, utensils and plates (for older babies on solids)
Miscellaneous Baby Care Items
Below are a list of general care and safety items you will need for your baby.
- baby gate
- high chair
- sunshade for car windows
- raincover for stroller/pram
- baby gym
- playpen
- age-appropriate toys
- blankets
- humidifier
- cupboard and door safety latches
- toilet seat locks
- teething toys
We know this sounds like a lot (and it is), but don’t stress yourself out. You have months to prepare, and remember, you will have a baby list as everyone loves to give gifts to expectant parents. Enjoy this time as you shop for these essential baby care products.