If you have a little one coming, surely you have a long shopping list to go through. Raising a baby, especially in the first few months, requires extra care and patience. Furthermore, you need a long list of things to complete your nursery. In this article, we will list every possible essential you’ll need—from clothing and feeding, to bathing.
Baby Clothes
Parents can get lost in the fun when shopping for baby clothes. But before you get caught up in cute and colourful clothes, remember what you and your kids need—ease and comfort. The American Academy of Pediatrics has some advice when buying clothes for your babies.
- Purchase a variety of clothes for your kids. You should dress your little kids according to the season. Above anything else, your kids should be comfortable in their clothing.
- Look for clothes that zip in the front instead of the back. Furthermore, a snap between the legs makes diaper changes easier.
- Avoid clothing with ribbons and strings to prevent them from getting wrapped around your baby’s neck.
- Stretchy fabrics are best for kids to ensure their clothing is not too tight around their necks, legs, and arms.
In addition, consider the sizing for each piece of clothing. Baby clothing is usually labelled with an age range. Don’t splurge on clothes in one size because kids grow fast. In a short period, they can outgrow their clothes. Here is a list of baby clothes you can consider for purchase.
- Sleepers
- Leggings/Pajamas
- Bodysuits
- Outside layers/Jackets
- Hats
- Socks
Baby Products for Sleep
A newborn baby can sleep up to 20 hours a day. That’s why giving them a safe and comfortable sleep is essential. There are many baby sleep care products available in the market. Here are some must-have sleep essentials you should get for your baby.
Baby Crib
There’s a great danger in co-sleeping with your kids. A baby crib will ensure your kids a safe sleep. Many parents start with bassinets to place their kids nearer to them at night. But eventually, you will have to transfer them into a full-sized crib. There are different types of baby cribs. Choose one according to your baby’s needs and your budget.
Getting a convertible crib is the best choice if you want to splurge on a high-quality crib. When your kid grows into a toddler, you can transform these into a big kid’s bed.
Beddings and Mattresses
You may fancy a soft and bouncy mattress, but it is not a safe choice for your newborn baby. Your kid’s bone structure is still developing, and putting them on a soft mattress can cause deformities. Instead, get a firm mattress that can support your kid’s weight and keep their spine aligned.
For beddings, keep it simple. Your kids don’t need extravagant bedding. Fitted sheets are the best for little kids. This will ensure that the bedding will not smother your kids, which could increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is a must-have when you have little kids. It allows you to keep an eye on your kids while you’re in another room or busy doing chores around the house. There are two types of baby monitors. The more traditional one uses audio queues to tell you what is happening in the other room.
You can also consider a baby monitor with a video feed. This feature gives you more confidence about your baby’s situation since you can see what is going on through the device.
Baby Products for Cleaning
It is safe to say that cleaning or diaper time is not everybody’s favourite. It’s messy, smelly, and gross at the same time. An average infant uses 12 diapers daily, so there’s no escape. Here are some baby care products to help you with cleaning your babies.
Diapers
Of course, the first on the list is diapers. During the first year, disposable diapers are easier. Since your kids will be making a mess most of the time, changing and throwing out diapers will be a routine for parents. Because of this, you can also consider cloth diapers. These are reusable, giving you significant savings instead of buying disposable ones in bulk.
Babies have sensitive skin, so their diapers shouldn’t cause irritations or rashes. When buying diapers, look for brands and materials that are dermatologist-tested. If possible, choose natural baby products and organic materials.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are another cleaning essential. Parents know you can’t go anywhere without them. Remember, when buying baby wipes, the best-sellers are not always the right ones. Make it a habit to read the labels to ensure no harsh chemicals are in the product.
Also, fragrance-free and paraben-free baby wipes are the safest choices for your kids. Harsh chemicals can harm your baby’s skin, so go natural as much as possible.
Changing Pad
You’ll be changing diapers a lot, and having a dedicated changing pad or a standalone changing table will make it easier for you and safer for your kids. Changing pads are suitable for small spaces. You can fold and turn them into a diaper bag, which is also convenient for travel.
A changing table is more suitable if you have a nursery for your kids. Consider changing tables with wheels so you can move them around the room.
Baby Products for Feeding
Feeding time is essential because it helps your kids grow strong and get proper nutrition. We’ll list down some of the most needed feeding essentials for your little one.
Feeding Bottles
You’ll use a lot of feeding bottles in the first two years of your kids. When purchasing, consider different bottles and nipple sizes. A newborn baby will require a small nipple size to prevent them from choking on the milk. Smaller bottles can also be used for other liquids like water.
Also, remember to choose BPA-free and non-toxic feeding bottles. Silicone bottles are the best for kids. They are durable, lightweight, and non-toxic. But you can consider other safe plastics, glass, and stainless steel bottles, too.
Formula
Breastfeeding should still be the number one source of nutrition for newborns. But if you don’t breastfeed, there are several formulas to choose from. Supermarket formula works for most babies unless your kids have special needs. Consult your paediatrician first if you want to be sure of your choices.
High Chair
When your kids are ready to transition into solid food, a high chair is an excellent addition to their feeding gear. Full-sized high chairs will last your kids up to their toddler years, and you can use them when another baby comes. If you want a cheaper option, booster and portable seats are more affordable.
Baby Products for Bathing
Hygiene is important to keep your kids healthy. Products adults use may not be suitable for little kids. Here’s a list of baby bath essentials to help you purchase the correct one for your kids.
Soap and Shampoo
There are tons of baby-safe soaps and shampoos available in the marketplace. Choose products with plant-based ingredients and are paediatrician-tested. You’ll also want to avoid artificial fragrances. Natural products are best for your kids to prevent any allergic reactions.
Bath Towels and Washcloths
When it comes to infant bath towels, consider the material’s texture. It should be soft on the skin. Adult towels can be too heavy on your kids. Small bath towels are specifically designed for your kids, so you can easily wrap and dry them comfortably.
Bath Toys
You need to keep your kids distracted during bath time so they can enjoy the experience. It is easy to find baby bath toys. Rubber duckies are popular for a reason. Always clean and dry them so moulds don’t develop.
Also, don’t buy too many toys. You don’t need many. Only purchase what your kids will use as more will only clutter your bathroom.
Get Your Newborn Essentials at Ashtonbee
If you’re searching for baby care products, then look no more. Ashtonbee offers a wide collection of premium baby essentials. We have everything, from baby accessories, pillows, baby toothbrushes, high chairs, playpens, baby bikes, to even safety needs.
We hope this quick list helps you complete your checklist for baby essentials. Browse our products and shop with us today!
