What to Buy for When the Baby Comes

Preparing for a new arrival to the family can be a daunting task if this is your first child. You may have been given plenty of advice from friends and family members to prepare for the birth and the care required for a baby. Having a baby shower is a good way to make sure you get all the items you need, and your loved ones will be more than happy to help. However, even if you plan to buy everything yourself, you need to have at least a basic idea of what you will need. Here is a list of some of the most important items you will have to buy.

Crib

You need to make sure you purchase a crib that meets today’s standards for safety. You should try to avoid using old cribs handed down over generations, no matter how sentimental it might be. These will not meet modern safety specifications, so buy a brand new one instead.

Changing Table

Now, you can always use a mat on the floor or the bed to do the changing. However, this will be messy and it can be quite a backbreaker to keep bending down. A changing table at the right height will eliminate such problems, and it will be easy to clean. It will also come with shelves and holders for diapers, baby wipes, baby powder, and anything else you might need.

Feeding Accessories

While you will not need sipping cups or a feeding chair just yet, you will need to buy Thermos baby bottles and a breast pump. Mothers often find it hard to keep breastfeeding, so it is much easier to pump breast milk and use a baby bottle to feed the baby. For convenience, you should also consider buying a baby bottle warmer. There are travel models that you can use on the go.

Baby Carrier

This is important if you are going to be doing a lot of travelling around. If you are going to buy a sling baby carrier, you need to make sure that it is adjustable to the size of your baby. It should have straps for the wearer’s waist, shoulders, and chest. It should be comfortable for both the baby and the wearer.

Car Seat

Of all items on this list, this is the one you must make sure to have in time for the birth. The car needs to be equipped with the baby seat so that mother and newborn can be picked up from the hospital. While you can purchase a car seat that doubles as a baby carrier, it is best to have one of each as these are explicitly designed for different purposes. Make sure that the car seat has a five-point harness so that you can be sure the baby will be safe and secure. Note that car seats for newborns are different for older children. A newborn’s car seat only faces the rear.

These items will be what you use most often, and will need from the time the baby is born. You can make a list of these and other items that you need, from disposables to strollers and other equipment. If you are having a baby shower, your friends and family can help by getting an item from the list.

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