Baby Essentials | What You REALLY Need Starting Out
What do I need for a new baby?
The same thing that makes parenting a little easier today is also the same thing that causes the most confusion: the internet. As soon as a couple finds out they are pregnant, the Google searches begin. “How many times should I feel baby kick?” “Are baby hiccups in utero normal?” “Best nursery themes,” and the list goes on. While looking for reassurance, many couples find themselves worrying even more after reading hundreds of discordant answers.
So, we’re here to say: take a break from the searching! Most likely, it’s all normal. And if you’re really concerned, your obstetrician’s office will probably be glad you gave them a quick call instead of resorting to the internet.
When it comes to preparing for your little one’s arrival, have some fun getting ideas from Pinterest, but don’t let it be a source of stress. YOU are what baby needs most. There’s not a single baby mobile, noise machine, or soothing color scheme that can replace snuggles from Mom or Dad. There are plenty of gadgets out there to make things easier, but after being in the baby business for a while both as a NICU nurse and newborn photographer, I can honestly say that keeping it simple is the best way to go. Get the essentials, and you’ll be good to go!
What are the essentials?
If you’re looking for the trendiest baby products, you won’t find that here. We want to give expecting parents a tried and true list of baby essentials that has stood the test of time – plus a few helpful tips. Thankfully, products have adapted over the years (no more safety pins and thin cloth diapers), but basically, the list is the same:
Changing
Diapers & Wipes – Start off with just 2 packs of newborn diapers. Request sizes 2-4 from gift givers as your baby will need those the most. (For cloth diapering, about 30 in size 1 and 2.) Some babies skip the newborn size altogether, and they may only spend a month or two in the smaller sizes. For wipes, opt for the sensitive or scent-free wipes for their delicate skin.
Diaper Cream – Aquaphor, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Desitin Rapid Relief and Cetaphil are some of the best. Start with a small tube in case one brand does not work for your baby. Weleda Sensitive Care cream is expensive but can knock out the most stubborn diaper rashes.
*Note: See your pediatrician if the rash does not start improving after a few diaper cream applications or if you see white pimply bumps as you may need prescription ointment.
Changing Pad – One sturdy pad for the changing table, and one folding pad for the diaper bag.
Clothing
Onesies – Buy traditional onesies that button at the crotch and have shoulder flaps (you can fold over the flaps to pull the onesie off downward instead of over baby’s head in the instance of a diaper leak.) For 0-3 months, start with about 14 onesies – you can buy some in bulk packages.
Pants & Jacket – About 14 pairs of pants, plus several jackets in case of spit up.
Socks & Caps – Printed socks are cute, but they’ll drive you crazy. Babies are experts at kicking off socks, so stick to easy-matching solids for your sanity.
Feeding
· Feeding Necessities
– Before you buy a huge package of bottles in every size, buy 6-8 bottles for formula feeding and 3-4 for nursing/pumping. Try a few different brands to find out what your baby likes (especially if you’re also breastfeeding). Then, buy more in that brand as you go up in nipple sizes. Some favorites are: Dr. Brown’s, Tommee Tippee, Medela Breastmilk Bottles, Avent, MAM, Munchkin Latch, and Nuk.
· Bibs & Burp Cloths
– Plain & simple, or cute & stylish – whatever your heart desires!
Soothing
· Bouncer, Swing, or Infant Seat
– Many newborns love a simple swing or bouncer as much as a high-tech version. Also, some babies prefer either swinging or bouncing/rocking. Give it a test run before investing in an expensive one.
· Pacifier
– The hospital will provide a couple.
· Security Blanket or Lovey
– A little animal with a small blanket attached will help your baby self-sooth at bedtime.
Bath Time
· Gentle Baby Soap
– Try unscented or traditional baby soap at the beginning.
· Hooded Towels & Wash Cloths
· Infant Bath Tub
Bedtime
·
Crib – Invest in a
new one for safety reasons.
·
Mattress Protectors – Layer two sets – protector, sheet, protector, sheet – so you can pull one off and have the other ready in the middle of the night.
·
Sound Machine – A simple one works just fine.
·
Swaddling Blankets – You can use the receiving blankets from the hospital. The easy zipper or Velcro ones work great, so you aren’t fumbling at night.
·
Sleepers – Opt for zippers or gowns. Snaps are just too hard with squirming babies at 3AM.
Travel
·
Pack ‘n’ Play – No need for a super fancy one unless you use it every day.
·
Car Seat – Make sure it is new/up-to-date. There is an expiration date on all modern car seats. Do not use hand-me-downs or car seats that have been in a crash.
·
Stroller – We love strollers that let the car seat click into the top.
·
Diaper Bag – Keep diapers, wipes, changing pad, nose syringe, extra clothes, bottles, formula, pacifier, and baby toy stocked in here.
Safety
Monitor – Choose the one that works best for you. We’ve found that the camera monitors are amazing, but most go out after a couple years. The cheaper ones may not have all of the extra capabilities, but they hold up just as well.
Nail File / Baby Clippers or Scissors
Thermometer – This is one of the items you might want to “splurge” on. The instant digit ear or temporal thermometers are fast, easy, and accurate. Pacifier thermometers might seem nice, but they don’t work. Traditional digital thermometers work, too, but they take longer.
*Do NOT use glass, as they may break or injure baby.
Nasal Aspirator – You can use the blue one from the hospital.
Cool Mist Humidifier – For when your little one has a cough or cold.
Atwell Acres, LLC