With the abundance of parenting blogs and information on the internet today, it can be hard to determine what it is you’ll actually need for your new baby. So many recommendations are tinged with advice and opinions on what other parents just couldn’t live without. While it’s great to learn through others’ experiences, it’s also good to have a starting place, a common sense list you can then build off of. Here we share a bare minimum list of things you’ll actually need.
Baby Blankets
From the moment your little one is born, she’ll need to be wrapped in blankets. In fact, one of the first things new parents often learn is how to ‘swaddle’ or wrap their baby up firmly. This helps to make her feel secure after being tightly embraced in the womb for so long. It can even help soothe her and put her to sleep!
Even when you’re not swaddling your baby, you’ll need to keep her warm and covered. You’ll need about two thicker fleece blankets and several small cotton blankets, depending on the climate where you live.
Clothes
In the first few months of baby’s life, she’ll practically live in her one-piece sleepers or baby-gros as they are also called. These normally need to be layered over a cotton vest or onesie. Be sure you have at least 6 sleepers and 6 onesies to start off with. You may find yourself changing your baby numerous times throughout the day.
You’ll also need at least 6 pairs of baby socks and a warm hat. For going outside, if there’s any chance of a cold breeze, be sure you’re prepared a few sweaters, a jacket or a warm full-body suit. Again, this really depends on your climate.
Bedding
Baby’s bedding varies depending on whether you plan have her sleep in a crib, in a bassinette, moses basket, or just with you. Plan for cotton sheets and blankets.
Small, soft towels or cloth diapers for cleaning up spit-up and protecting your shoulders are also essential.
Feeding Accessories
These depend on whether you plan to breast or bottle feed. If you’ll be giving your baby formula milk, you’ll need around sterile bottles and a good supply of infant formula- do your research before buying a certain brand. It’s also a good idea to learn how to prepare formula in advance.
If you plan to breast feed, you’ll want to have a good nipple ointment on hand for those tender first few weeks. A nursing pillow, comfortable nursing bra and small manual breast pump can also be very helpful.
Diapers
This category includes diapers (new-born size of course), wipes and baby powder. You can choose from disposable or cloth diapers, but be sure to have a good powder and diaper rash cream as well. Choose a natural, talc-free powder or just use plain corn starch. You can also substitute Vaseline for more costly diaper rash creams- it works just as well to seal out the moisture and keep baby rash-free.
Baby Blankets
From the moment your little one is born, she’ll need to be wrapped in blankets. In fact, one of the first things new parents often learn is how to ‘swaddle’ or wrap their baby up firmly. This helps to make her feel secure after being tightly embraced in the womb for so long. It can even help soothe her and put her to sleep!
Even when you’re not swaddling your baby, you’ll need to keep her warm and covered. You’ll need about two thicker fleece blankets and several small cotton blankets, depending on the climate where you live.
Clothes
In the first few months of baby’s life, she’ll practically live in her one-piece sleepers or baby-gros as they are also called. These normally need to be layered over a cotton vest or onesie. Be sure you have at least 6 sleepers and 6 onesies to start off with. You may find yourself changing your baby numerous times throughout the day.
You’ll also need at least 6 pairs of baby socks and a warm hat. For going outside, if there’s any chance of a cold breeze, be sure you’re prepared a few sweaters, a jacket or a warm full-body suit. Again, this really depends on your climate.
Bedding
Baby’s bedding varies depending on whether you plan have her sleep in a crib, in a bassinette, moses basket, or just with you. Plan for cotton sheets and blankets.
Small, soft towels or cloth diapers for cleaning up spit-up and protecting your shoulders are also essential.
Feeding Accessories
These depend on whether you plan to breast or bottle feed. If you’ll be giving your baby formula milk, you’ll need around sterile bottles and a good supply of infant formula- do your research before buying a certain brand. It’s also a good idea to learn how to prepare formula in advance.
If you plan to breast feed, you’ll want to have a good nipple ointment on hand for those tender first few weeks. A nursing pillow, comfortable nursing bra and small manual breast pump can also be very helpful.
Diapers
This category includes diapers (new-born size of course), wipes and baby powder. You can choose from disposable or cloth diapers, but be sure to have a good powder and diaper rash cream as well. Choose a natural, talc-free powder or just use plain corn starch. You can also substitute Vaseline for more costly diaper rash creams- it works just as well to seal out the moisture and keep baby rash-free.
