Gearing up for a Baby

MOTHERHOOD

For those looking forward to welcoming a newborn into the family, here is list of baby essentials ranging from nappies and diapers to plug socket covers

The essential kit for a newborn baby is often confusing. Everyone is aware of the fact that the skin of the baby is delicate and it is quite difficult for people who have their first bundle of joy in their lives. It is not necessary that you have a bundle of essential things with you; a few basic things will do. A few basic, organised things will do wonders.

You can keep an eye on a few basic things if you do not wish to buy them before the birth of the baby.

Nappies and diapers: Make sure to have a stock of nappies for a few days at least, because newborns are supposed to change nappies many times a day. There are disposable diapers that can be used. Also, it is a good idea to use nappies made of cotton. Cloth nappies made of old cotton clothes can also be used. However, you must use soft, absorbent cotton material for the same. Nowadays, reusable nappies are available with different features. You may choose a nappy with drawstring, Velcro, etc.

Baby Clothes: Select baby clothes based on the weather and season. You can choose baby clothes as per convenience. But always make sure to keep clothes that have zips in them because clothes with zips can be put on and out with ease. In short, you must use clothes in which it is easy to change diapers.

Nappy liners, nappy, booster pads: Nappy liners come to the rescue in the case of poop. Any poop can be caught and liners can be removed as soon as the nappy gets soaked or washed. You are free to select your own liners. Liners can be washable cloths, flushable or disposable. If you want something that has extra absorbing power, then you may opt for booster pads or nappy pads. It would be a good idea to use this at night.

Baby wipes: Wipes are used for cleaning the bottoms of babies. You can choose to buy or make wipes by yourself. If you wish to make wipes, then you must use a washcloth, cotton wool and warm water.

A changing mat: This is a protective plastic sheet which can be placed on your bed as and when needed.

Cotton socks, mittens, hand towel: Cotton socks, mittens, and hand towels are necessary for every season. It is very essential to regulate the body temperature of newborn babies. So, keeping socks and mittens is essential. Mittens can be helpful to keep hands warm and also it prevents the baby from scratching itself. Hand towels are extremely useful for wiping the baby and can also be used when the baby burps.

Bibs, napkins, baby washing powder, baby shampoo and soaps, hair oil, baby cream: Bibs can be changed easily and they protect the clothes of the baby whenever they burp. Napkins are helpful to wipe up. The skin of a baby is delicate, and the clothes of a baby must be washed with good quality washing powder.

Baby soap and shampoo must be a formulated to suit the needs of the baby. It must be mild, fragrance free, and tear-free.

Hair oil and cream used for the baby must be organic. And if you are not sure, then you should certainly check with your doctor for recommendations.

Feeding bottle and other breast-feeding supplies: Feeding bottles are one of the must-have essentials of all. Irrespective of the way you choose to feed, a feeding bottle must be with you. Also, there are several equipment such as nursing clothes, breast pumps, sterilizer, bottle cleaning brush and thermos flask.

The nursing clothes must be of light fabric, and they must be loose enough to make way for breastfeeding. Some may choose to wear dark-coloured clothes instead of light ones in order to hide the stains of the milk.

Breast pumps are available with different features in the market such as electric, battery- operated, and manual. Based on your requirements, you may choose a breast pump that suits your needs.

A sterilizer is extremely important, whether you breast feed or bottle feed your baby. Sterilizers are to be used to sterilize teats, pacifiers, and bottles at least for a year. If the immune system of the baby is weak, then you must have one, or else you can choose to clean and rinse teats, pacifiers and bottles in hot, boiling water.

For cleaning purposes, you need a bottle cleaning brush along with a sterilizer. Using both will help to maintain cleanliness and hygiene for the baby.

Besides all the aforementioned essentials, there are many other things that you may consider for your baby. The essential items depend on your choice and budget. If you are not on a budget, then you may make many such essential items handy. Some of the other things that you may consider are: baby crib, mattress, blanket, sheet, mosquito net, baby monitor, rash cream, dustbin and garbage bags, bath tub, baby gear, etc.

There can be many essentials for a newborn. But the most essential thing that you can do for your baby is to make your house baby-proof. For example, mishaps may happen at stair gates. So, make sure to make your house a safe place. It might not always be possible to keep an eye on the baby, but by doing so, you are reducing the risk of any mishaps that may happen due to carelessness. There are many recent inventions that can be used to make your house a safe place for newborns. These are window and cupboard latches, plug socket covers, nightlights, corner protectors, fireguards, etc. Besides, you must have a first aid in your house, including a thermometer, and basic medicines as suggested by doctors when you have a baby at home. Make sure to include whatever you feel is important for the baby. More than these essential items, enjoy every moment with your baby because parenting is a beautiful journey.

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