A List of the Essential Baby Care Items for First-Time Mommies
Your baby is on its way, so as a first-time parent you feel both stressed and excited. Every parent wants the best for their little ones, so the process of preparing for your baby’s arrival will definitely take you some time. So, if you haven’t started yet, maybe it’s time to take a pen and paper and make a list of all baby care items you will need. Aside from milk, clothing, a place to sleep and a safe car seat, here are some other newborn baby care products you should consider buying.
Diapers and diaper bag
Your baby will need a diaper right when he/she gets out of your belly. Whether you will buy disposable diapers or cloth ones it’s all up to your personal preferences. During the first week, your baby will probably have at least six wet and four poopy diapers per day, so think about which ones will fit this situation better. Aside from diapers, some of the other baby care items you will need are diaper cream, baby wipes, a changing pad, and a bag for dirty diapers.
Feeding
Breastfeeding or formula? There is no wrong or right way, the important thing is to be comfortable with your choice. As a part of the feeding process, you will need milk bottles with tight-fitting lids. You can choose glass, or if you prefer plastic make sure they are BPA-free. You will also need bottle sterilizers for thorough bottle cleaning, bottle/nipple brush, burp cloths, and nursing pillow. In case you decide to breastfeed, you may also need a breast pump and milk storage bags.
Bathing
Usually, bathing is not very recommended until the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals completely. This is to avoid infection and further complications. In case you want to bathe your newborn, make sure you protect the area with a special bandage but still be careful and keep the place dry. Sponge baths are a great way to keep your baby clean at least in the first days. For a baby bath, you will need a plastic tub or bassinette, washcloths, hooded towel, baby shampoo, mild baby soap and a plastic cup for rinsing.
Medicine cabinet
Things will never go as planned when you have a baby. In case your little one gets sick, it is a good idea to have a small medicine cabinet that will include some basic items that you will find handy in such a situation. A digital thermometer is a must, but make sure you buy one that can be used under the arm or in the rectum as the forehead or ear thermometers are not accurate on babies under 12 months. Also, you will need a cool-mist humidifier, nasal bulb, nasal saline drops, antibacterial cream, small bandages, and safety nail scissors.
