You’ve worried about how to keep your baby safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the pregnancy. Everything suddenly changes after childbirth.
When pregnant, you eat healthy foods so your child eats healthy foods. You keep yourself and your baby safe while driving by wearing the Tummy Shield and buckling up. And you don’t have to worry because the baby stays in one place and he can’t run away.
After your baby is born, you will need additional items to keep him or her safe, comfortable. The problem is there’s all this baby stuff and they all look cool and useful. It’s hard to know what’s really essential for a baby’s safety and comfort. Shown below are some of the accessories you should consider for your beloved child.
1. Diapers
When they say that your baby will need about 10-12 diaper changes a day, they are not kidding. There are times when you will change a diaper only to have to switch to a new one almost immediately. And keep an eye on those boys, many first-time parents end up with an inconvenient shower while changing a diaper.
You may choose between cloth or disposable diapers. Now, there is one that is in between. It has disposable material on the inside, and reusable material on the outside. When traveling with children, always use disposable diapers. Ensure you have enough sanitary wipes, either disposable or cloth.
2. Clothes
Baby clothes are typically sized by age beginning at birth or at 0-3 months. Since infants are hard to predict until the moment they are born, it is best to be prepared and have both sizes on hand right from the start.
When you buy clothes, have at least a few items that are the next size up, so that you will not be caught unawares when they grow up. They grow unbelievably fast.
Plan to change out the child’s clothing at least 2 to 3 times a day as the child frequently spits up or otherwise messes up its attire. What is important when choosing clothes are – ease of putting on, enough space in the neck area for them to slip it on over their heads, soft natural fabrics, and an elastic waistband.
The next item that will be required for you to be able to leave the hospital is the car seat.
3. Car Seat
You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital if you do not have a car seat. Car seats for infants are generally child carriers with a base that remains in the car. This allows you to easily move your baby about. These child car seats are usually rated between 5 to 30 pounds and some are rated up to 22 pounds. However, it is quite common these days for infant car seats to go up to 30 pounds.
If you want to cut costs, you could use a convertible car seat in place of the infant car seat, which is rear-facing by default and becomes forward-facing at a later point. These car seats are rated from birth or weight of 5 pounds but do keep in mind that your baby will seem so small inside of these large seats.
Also, be sure to check the date of expiration. Yes, car seats actually expire.
Once you get home, your next concern is food.
4. Baby Food
In the event you are breastfeeding, then you probably have already begun and have gotten advice from the hospital’s lactation consultant. A nursing pillow will help keep you comfortable while assisting you in positioning your child for feeding.
In case you are bottle-feeding, you will require multiple bottles and brushes to thoroughly clean the inner and outer surfaces. There is a choice between stainless steel, glass, or plastic bottles. A nursing pillow is also useful when bottle feeding.
Once adequately fed, your baby will desire to sleep, which is why your next essential product is a convenient place for your baby to rest comfortably.
5. Co-Sleep, Bassinet, or Crib
You may choose to start with a bassinet, co-sleep with your baby in your bed or go right to a crib. The professionals behind SlumberPod point out that regardless of what you choose to place your child to sleep in, the following things should be considered for the baby’s safety. First, the only bedding you need is fitted crib sheets and a waterproof mattress cover, Next, make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the bassinet or crib. Last, wearable or swaddling blankets to keep your baby warm without increasing the risk of SIDS associated with traditional blankets.
Moreover, there are a couple of other essential products and accessories that you also need, such as a stroller, bathtub, baby monitor, window guards, teether keys, bibs, burp clothes, a rocking chair. It is also very important to be able to differentiate the necessities from the non-necessities. Things like toys and baby jewelry are nice accessories to own, but they should never come before the most important things. Consider getting enough to cater to your baby’s primary needs before getting the “nice-to-own” accessories. Remember, it’s safety, health, and comfort first.