Obtaining gear and essentials for the new baby can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if it is your first time. New parents may don’t have a clue what to buy or where to start. Shop smart, and don’t just buy everything that the baby registry suggests. Think and weigh if the item is essential to the baby. Make sure that the things you bought will make your job as a parent a whole lot easier. Listen to the suggestions of the experts or other parents because it might help you put a list.
Baby Care Basics
Pacifiers
Nasal Aspirator
Thermometer
Nursery
Baby Crib
A crib is essential to have since your baby needs a safe place to sleep. Parents can feel comfortable since the baby has a safe sleeping environment. When purchasing a crib, always remember that it should have a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Parents will not be worried about sudden infant death syndrome. Do not put many items besides the baby since this is one reason for suffocating and sudden infant death. Try to put the baby beside you or near you to fully monitor him or her. Check if there are defects in baby cribs because they can cause injuries or, worst, death. [1]
Changing Table
A changing table is convenient because it keeps your nappy-changing supplies in one place. The primary benefit of having a changing table is adjusting the height that is comfortable for you. Changing a baby can put a considerable strain on your back and knees since you will be changing several times a day.
Humidifier
Humidifiers have two types: warm mist humidifier and cool mist humidifier. Pediatricians recommend a warm mist humidifier since they emit warm air that can kill germs and viruses. Warm air also helps the baby breathe by minimizing the mucus build-up and opening the respiratory passages. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, releases cool or room temperature air. Doctors will only recommend a cool-mist humidifier when the baby is suffering from croup. Croup is a common illness for children that causes hoarseness. Treatment with moist air is highly recommended as a home treatment and is widely used.[2]
Vaporizer
Vaporize creates warm mist by boiling the water and releasing the air as steam. Vaporizers and humidifiers are somewhat similar, but a vaporizer is better for people that have indoor allergens. It creates a mist that has fewer contaminants than a humidifier.
Baby Rocker
Owning a baby rocker can help the baby sleep easily. These are designed to have the same sensation as if they are still in their mother’s arms. It also comes with toys that the baby can enjoy. The sway movements of the baby rocker resemble the feeling inside before the baby was born. Your kid is perfectly safe since it comes with a safety belt.
Dresser
Hamper
Baby Monitor
Having a baby monitor can reduce the anxiety and stress of the parents. This baby monitor helps the parents monitor the baby easily. It also avoids the risk of waking up the baby.
Breastfeeding Gears
Electric Breast Pump
This product is convenient for mothers that are working. This breast pump is also beneficial if you have baby twins. Consider these things when purchasing a breast pump: double pumps, easy to use, clean, assemble, and speed.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
Nursing Pillow
Nursing Bras
There is a huge difference between a regular bra and a nursing bra. The nursing bra does not have an underwire that causes aching and swelling of your breast. This is good for the health of both the mother and baby because it can reduce the risk of having mastitis. In a study conducted by Fetherston, at least fifty-one percent have mastitis within the first two postpartum weeks. [3]
Nursing Pads
There are five nursing pads: disposable, reusable, silicone, homemade, and hydrogel pads. The best option is reusable nursing pads.
Cotton Bibs
Burp Cloths
Nipple Cream
This is helpful when the nipples are dry, sore, and cracked. This is safe for both mother and baby since it is purely organic.
The use of lanolin showed a better result than any other creams in the study conducted in Brazil. It lessens the pain of the nipples when using lanolin cream. [4]
Formula Feeding Gear
Baby bottles with newborn nipples
Bottle Sterilizer
Sterilization of the baby’s bottle is necessary for your baby’s health. It can reduce the risk of having infections coming from bacterias and germs.[5] It is a top priority when it comes to the health of the baby. In the United Kingdom, a statistic was conducted in 2010 that the primary method for sterilizing baby bottles is using a sterilizer.
Dry Formula Dispenser
Bottle Dying Rack
Bottle Cleaning Brush
Insulated Cooler
Solid-food Feeding Items
High Chair
Infant Feeding Spoon
Infant Bowl
Baby Food Mill
Bathing Necessities
Bath Seat
Baby Comb and Brush Set
Bath Thermometer
Faucet Guard
Baby Clothing
Baby Hangers
Diapering Gear
Diaper Pail
Changing Pad Cover
Grooming Gear
Nail Set
Babyproofing
Childproofing can make the house much safer for the baby. It can prevent the baby from having injuries. Try to check your place on the baby’s perspective to know what to babyproof.
Gates for Stairs
Cabinet, Drawer and Furniture Latches
Outlet Covers
Corner Guards
Toilet Lock
Baby Travel Gears
Car Seat
In 2016, Alexander Kunst surveyed to determine if there is brand awareness for car seats. It shows that 58% of the United States respondents know the baby car seat brand Evenflo.
Baby Stroller
Baby Carrier
Diaper Bag
SunShades for Cars
Other Baby Necessities
Infant Seat
Heavy Blankets to Lay on the Floor
Teether
Basket for Toys
Final Thoughts
Being ready is part of being a parent. You will need things to provide for the necessities of your baby. It can be expensive, but it is worth it because it can provide your baby’s comfort and safety. Start purchasing the essentials one by one if the baby is still not born. Having this essential can lessen the parents’ stress and tiredness, which means more time for bonding. It will give joy and fulfillment to the baby and parents. Try to put a list for your baby essentials. Since some of the items are expensive, try to ask your family, friends, and colleagues to give them as a gift to the baby shower, or they can hand over some secondhand items.
[1] Mummalaneni, Vaibhav, et al. “Social media analytics for quality surveillance and safety hazard detection in baby cribs.” Safety science 104 (2018): 260-268.
[2] Moore, Michael, and Paul Little. “Humidified air inhalation for treating croup: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Family practice 24.4 (2007): 295-301.
[3] Fetherston, C. “Characteristics of lactation mastitis in a Western Australian cohort.” Breastfeeding review: professional publication of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia 5.2 (1997): 5-11. Fetherston, C. “Characteristics of lactation mastitis in a Western Australian cohort.” Breastfeeding review: professional publication of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia 5.2 (1997): 5-11.
[4] Mariani Neto, Corintio, et al. “Comparative study of the use of HPA Lanolin and breast milk for treating pain associated with nipple trauma.” Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia 40.11 (2018): 664-672.
[5] Towle, D., et al. “Baby bottle steam sterilizers for disinfecting home nebulizers inoculated with non-tuberculous mycobacteria.” Journal of Hospital Infection 92.3 (2016): 222-225.