AD| If you are going to be a new parent soon, then you need to make sure that you have everything you are going to need. It’s easy to forget about certain things, especially if you are having your first baby, but that’s why lists are invented so that you can go back and alter them. It’s important that you have everything you need before the arrival of your baby, otherwise, you’re going to have a nightmare on your hands at the last possible second. This is something that you should try to avoid at all costs. As such, if you want to find out more information about some of the things that you’re going to need as a new parent, keep reading down below.
Baby Milk
The first thing that you are going to need is a couple of packs of baby formula. It doesn’t matter if you have decided to breastfeed, you never know if this is going to work or not. Some people don’t get on with breastfeeding, some mothers can’t do it, some babies can’t do it, and in some cases, there isn’t enough milk produced. Any of these could be reasons that you hadn’t thought of as to why you can’t breastfeed, which means you need to have a backup plan. Baby formula can be bought in most stores, so it’s a good idea to get a couple of packs of the same kind just in case.
It might be the case that your baby needs to be combination fed. This is where you feed them from a bottle some of the time, and they have breastmilk the rest of the time. We know that this might not be exactly what you had in mind, but it’s better to be prepared.
Somewhere To Sleep
The next thing that you’re going to need to think about is somewhere for your little one to sleep. Co-sleeping is not recommended by most experts, however, it is entirely up to you how you choose to sleep with your little one once they are here. If you’re not going to have them sleeping in your bed though, you need to decide whether you are going to get a crib or bassinet. You can have either of these next to your bed if you would feel more comfortable with your new baby closer to you so this isn’t an issue.
If you’re stuck as to what you should choose, we highly recommend that you complete some research on the subject. This should give you a good idea as to what is best, but keep in mind your baby might not be like the others. Each baby is unique, so just do whatever you feel is right, and when the baby is born, make adjustments where necessary.
Clothes
Another thing that you are going to need is clothes. You can’t just wrap your baby up in a blanket and call it a day, they are going to need various items of clothing. Sleepsuits, bodysuits, and everyday clothes are all going to be essential. The good thing about this is that you can use their clothes to get them into a routine. Bodysuits are worn at all times with all clothing, so this is going to be regular to them. However, when they wake up in the morning, you should put them in their normal clothes, get them dressed as you would yourself. When it is time for bed, this is when you should change them into their sleepsuit.
If you do this, then you are going to be getting them used to it, and eventually, they will know that when the sleepsuit goes on, it means it’s time for bed. Trust us when we say that an established routine is going to be a lifesaver for you.
Blankets
Of course, you need items in order to keep your baby warm and blankets are the best option. You need to make sure that you aren’t putting thick blankets on babies though because they can overheat, and this increases their chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can buy warm, and yet thin blankets online if you know where to look.
Do you know how often newborns are sick? A lot, which is why you’re going to need at least four blankets. You don’t want to run out because they are all covered in sick and need washing! Four should be a good amount because it gives you time to wash the others in the meantime.
Bathtime Items
Finally, you are going to need to make sure that you have items for bathtime. You need baby shampoo and body wash so that there are no harsh chemicals in it that could be dangerous to your little one. Make sure to check the label to ensure that this is the case. We also highly recommend getting some bath toys to make their time in the bath more enjoyable. Obviously, this is only going to be a concern when they get a little bit older, but it’s good to have them around in case they develop earlier than expected and want to play.
We can’t recommend having a bath seat enough. It makes the whole experience a lot less scary, especially when you are a new parent because your baby can’t slip and go under the water. It puts your mind at ease a lot, and might even make you look forward to bath time rather than dreading it.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need as a new parent. There are plenty of things that you’ve got to think about because having a baby is not cheap. A lot of these items can go on your baby registry, so you don’t have to worry too much about this as there will be people to help you buy some of these items. Good luck, and we hope that you are happy with your new little bundle of joy when they arrive.
What is on your must-haves for first-time parents list?
Check out my other mother and baby essentials posts:
- Hospital bag essentials
- Third-trimester essentials
- Breastfeeding essentials
- Weaning essentials
- Taking a baby swimming for the first time
- What maternity clothes do I really need?
- Newborn essential products for the first month
