All parents prepare for the baby in different ways. Someone buys everything in advance. And some prefer to buy only the most basic things and bring everything else into the house after the baby arrives. But in any case, before the family grows or in the first few days after this big moment, they buy many different things that parents will need.
Preparing for the birth of a baby requires much more than buying a crib or baby changing table. Parents, older children, and even pets must prepare themselves emotionally for the changes to come. The arrival of a new family member is a time of absolute happiness. However, this little one will turn your life upside down. Expecting a baby is a time filled with pleasant chores and worries, among which there is a place for shopping to choose everything you need for your new baby. Even if you prefer online shopping, making a list of necessary things for the newborn is always a good idea.
Why should I buy baby stuff ahead of time?
Despite prejudices, many modern parents begin to think about buying baby products a few months before birth, carefully planning and including the most necessary things in the list. This approach keeps nerves and saves money because, with time to spare, you can compare prices, not miss promotions, and choose the best options. Also, it will save you from the situation when the necessary product or its color is not available, it can be delivered only in a few weeks, and the goods are needed today.
Newborn baby essentials list
There is nothing more exciting than shopping before your baby is born. However, such enthusiasm can lead to buying useless things. Preparing a list of necessary items is advisable and sticking to it to avoid spending extra money. But you can certainly treat yourself to additional purchases. Among the major ones:
- Crib
- A changing table
- Bedding
- Baby Bathtub or Bath Seat
- Towels
- Diapers and wipes: We advise you not to buy too many small-size diapers, as babies grow very fast.
- Clothes. Newborns grow at lightning speeds. This fact should be the main guideline for the mother-to-be. Do not buy a large number of clothes in one size. At first, enough two or three things for each type. In the future, it makes sense to buy new items as the child grows, approximately once every three months.
Baby feeding accessories
Breastfeeding does not require any purchases for feeding the baby. Buying a breast pump for the mother is desirable, especially at establishing breastfeeding. Still, you can not anticipate the amount and quality of breast milk and understand whether it will be enough for the baby. In addition, if the mother may need to stop breastfeeding completely or make a temporary transition to formula feeding, in this case, new parents should buy a minimum set of accessories:
- the baby formula recommended by your pediatrician (preferably choose organic baby formula);
- 2-3 bottles made of glass or special plastic with a set of pacifiers;
- a bottle brush for cleaning;
- a baby bottle sterilizer;
- a bowl or container for preparing milk formula.
Where is the baby going to sleep?
So the first question you need to ask is where the baby is going to sleep. The answer to this question is important to know what to do and buy. Let’s look at the options:
- In the parents’ room: if you so decide, you should buy a crib of the right size for the available room space and figure out where to place it.
- In the baby’s room: the ideal option would be to furnish the entire room in time for the baby’s birth.
During the first months of life, sleep will be the baby’s main “occupation,” so parents should pay special attention to the proper organization of the nursery.
The biggest purchases in this category are the crib and the changing table. Don’t forget about mattress pads and waterproof liners.
Here we also include blankets used at home and outside during the walks. It is better to separate these products by buying a set for each task.
Stroller or baby carrier?
Another big question parents need to decide is whether to buy a stroller or a baby carrier. Here, it’s worth considering how you plan to take your walks. A stroller and a baby carrier can be most convenient because they will fit any occasion. Think carefully.
Preparing for the birth of a child is much more than a shopping trip. You have to realize that everything is going to change and that you can’t control everything. Despite the fears and uncertainties that may arise, there is nothing more beautiful in the world than having a newborn baby!
Follow your doctor’s recommendations, have scheduled checkups, and listen to yourself, but don’t get yourself all worked up. Go out with friends, have a baby shower, or go to a family photo shoot to remember your pregnancy. All these pleasant moments will help you to wait without anxiety to meet your baby.