Parenting during the first three months is a real challenge. While you recover from the tiresome birth process, you now also have to care for another living, breathing being: your baby. And for first-time parents—particularly mothers—this can be overwhelming.
Luckily, tools exist to help you care for your child. First, consider writing your essentials down in a baby registry. Then, share the registry with your friends and family.
Here’s what you need to consider while shopping for your baby’s essentials for the first three months.
Highlight on Hygiene
Your baby’s health and hygiene must always be at the forefront of your mind. Your toddler will not grow into a healthy and happy child if they develop and grow accustomed to bad hygiene habits during their early years.
Babies are prone to diseases and infections because they are young and delicate. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child stays healthy, and with the following items, your baby is guaranteed a germ-free childhood.
Clothing
Some babies have sensitive skin, so it’s best to pick a fabric that won’t irritate them. Also, consider a newborn’s newly cut umbilical cord and ensure that this area doesn’t chafe. Cotton and bamboo rayon are soft, non-irritating, breathable fabrics for infant clothes.
There’s a variety of baby clothes to choose from: short- and long-sleeved onesies, baby sacks, and pajamas. Experienced parents advise buying zipper pajamas. Compared to button-up pajamas, these are easier to remove during frequent diaper changes. You can also buy accessories like socks, mittens, and hats.
While it can be exciting to shop for baby clothing, it’s best not to buy too many clothes. An infant’s growth during their first three months is quite rapid and unpredictable, so they’ll likely outgrow most of the clothes you purchase quickly.
Diapers
Buying diapers for a newborn baby is a no-brainer. Infants require tons of diaper changes during their first few months. So it’s essential to prepare these to prevent your child from getting serious infections, rashes, and developing other health issues.
If you’re planning to purchase cheaper and more eco-friendly diapers, then a cloth diaper is your best choice. These have softer and gentler textures, perfect for a baby’s delicate skin. However, the less absorbent material makes cloth diapers less convenient, and requires more water and electricity to clean.
On the other hand, disposable diapers have more absorbent material and allow easier and more convenient clean-up and disposal. These are also more breathable than cloth diapers and have more size options. However, due to their material, these are more harmful and damaging to the environment and may not be suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Other diaper essentials you need include are:
- A diaper bag to carry diapers and other items around
- Diaper pail to store soiled diapers
- Baby changing pad to make diaper changes safer, cleaner, and more comfortable
- Baby wipes to help clean up during diaper changes
- Diaper rash cream for irritation and dryness
Bathing and Upkeep
Bathing your child can be a nightmare, but keeping your baby fresh and clean is necessary. Doctors recommend giving sponge baths to one- to two-week-old infants. However, experts also advise against bathing babies too often, as this can lead to skin irritation and dryness.
Baby soaps, body washes, and baby lotions are essential to nurture and moisturize your toddler’s delicate skin. Remember to check a product’s ingredients before buying. Avoid purchasing soaps and lotions with fragrances and synthetic dyes, as these may cause allergic reactions to your toddler’s tender skin.
Soft baby washcloths and sponges are great bathing essentials to scrub off any excess dirt and grime on your child’s skin. You can bathe your child in a baby bathtub, or you may opt to do so in your sink—after cleaning it, of course.
You may also consider buying an infant grooming kit. A grooming kit ensures that your baby’s hair and nails are always tidy and clean. These kits commonly contain:
- Baby nail clippers
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Nasal aspirator
- Medicine dropper
- Tweezers
Focus on Feeding
Along with hygiene, you must also consider how your baby is getting the proper nourishment they need. Your child must consume food containing nutrients and minerals to ensure optimum infant growth and development.
There’s long been debate about whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is better for babies. While breastfeeding is considered the best nursing method for both parent and child, there are some mothers who are unable to lactate and will bottle feed instead. Whichever you choose, you will need specific essentials for both feeding methods.
Breastfeed
Breastfeeding your child doesn’t require many tools because it is a natural maternal bodily function. However, you may need a breast pump to prevent pain in the nipples and engorgement of the breasts.
You may also need a breastfeeding pillow if you’re still adjusting to this feeding method. This pillow provides a comfortable position for your baby while they are feeding. Breastfeeding moms are also advised to have the following essentials.
- Nipple cream to relieve pain and dryness in the nipples
- Nursing pads to soothe and cool sore nipples
- Nursing bras to give easier access to breastfeeding
- Nursing cover to provide privacy while breastfeeding
Bottle Feed
Though it is not the primary option, bottle-feeding your baby is still considered healthy and can provide your baby with the necessary nutrients. If you opt to bottle feed, you must consult your doctor about infant formulas, which brands are better, and how much your baby would need. You will also need baby bottles, bottle nipples, bottle brushes, and soaps for cleaning.
Apart from these, burp cloths are also a must. These are essential for cleaning up your baby during their mealtimes. As the name suggests, burp cloths are used to wipe off any particles your toddler might spit out when they are burped. Since babies can be messy, expect to use one burp cloth daily.
Nighttime Necessities
Sleep is crucial for infant development. While their sleeping patterns may differ, the average newborn baby sleeps for at least 14 hours a day, only waking up when it’s time to eat.
For the first few months of their life, experts advise placing a baby in the same room as their parents. Doing so allows parents to address any situation immediately and prevents the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So it is high time to get a few nighttime necessities for your sleeping baby.
Cribs and Cots
While placing your baby in the same room as you is advised, it’s not wise to place them on your bed. Babies must have separate cribs, cradles, or cots where they can rest safely and peacefully.
When choosing a crib or cradle, consider its sturdiness and height. Doing so will ensure your child’s safety. In addition, experts recommend purchasing cribs with stationary sides to prevent potential injuries.
Bedding
Using firm mattresses that fit your crib or cradle will prevent your toddler from accidentally being trapped or pinched. In addition, waterproof pads on the mattress prevent bathroom mishaps in the middle of the night. Sheets, coverings, and light blankets are also needed.
Contrary to popular belief, baby pillows for newborns is a big no-no. You should not place pillows in your toddler’s crib. Doing so may lead to accidental suffocation and sudden infant death.
Saddle Up With Safety
You can never be too cautious about your baby’s safety. It’s always better to be prepared. Consider placing corner guards on your furniture’s edges and outlet blockers on your sockets to avoid mishaps.
Placing night lights in your room would also be a good idea. This will lighten up your room and prevent accidental tumbles and falls. Night lights can also make your baby sleep better. And having a baby monitor in your baby’s room allows you to check up on your child occasionally, even when you’re not around.
Don’t Forget Playtime!
Last but not least, you also want your baby to have fun. Keep your toddler entertained with baby toys such as teethers, rattle toys, softballs, and swingsets. Your infant can also have their own playing space with play mats and playpens.
If you plan to take your baby out on a stroll or to a park, it’s best to have an infant carrier or convertible car seat. An infant car seat protects your child while in the vehicle and ensures that you bring your baby home safely.
Grab Your Baby Essentials at Ashtonbee
With these baby essentials, you are guaranteed to have a safe, healthy, clean, and happy baby. Wondering where you can purchase such necessities? Look no further! Get your baby essentials at Ashtonbee.
Ashtonbee offers a wide array of baby essentials that you might need! From baby feeding essentials and nighttime necessities to safety locks and playtime toys, you and your tiny tot can find everything you need here.
Browse through our selection and start your parenting journey with us!
