Must Haves Items For New Baby
There is not a lot that you need when you have a new baby. People will be trying to sell you stuff left and right but in all reality, humanity has survived without any of that for thousands of years. But, there are some things that are very helpful and as we prepare for our 4th kid, I am starting to dig some of this out of the closet and remember how great (and not great) some of those purchases have been. To help simplify the process, we’ve put together a list of must-have items for new babies.
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Shortlist
Dyper: https://amzn.to/3DBVxNe
MagneticMe: http://rwrd.io/cobgrz1?c
Swaddle: https://amzn.to/44QZHg7
Bassinet: https://amzn.to/3rPOu0J
Car Seat: https://amzn.to/3KjYYMn
Pregnancy Pillow: https://amzn.to/3rTipVY
Sophie the Giraffe: https://amzn.to/47hP1J2
Baby Carrier: https://amzn.to/3rJLEu7
Diapers
Diapers and wipes Diapers and wipes are a must-have for any new parent. Whether you choose to use disposable or cloth diapers, make sure you have plenty on hand as newborns can go through up to 12 diapers a day. Wipes are also essential for keeping your baby clean and fresh. Be sure to stock up on both before your baby arrives.
We like to use these wipes because they don’t have that weird diaper smell and they’re more natural: DYPER – https://amzn.to/42HOmOT We also like to buy bulk for obvious reasons 🙂
We use these Water Wipes for the same reasons: https://amzn.to/3ZlGP5l
Clothes
Baby clothes Newborns grow quickly, so it’s essential to have a range of sizes and styles of clothing to suit your baby’s needs. Look for clothing that is soft, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. Onesies, footed pajamas, and bodysuits are all popular choices for newborns. I love the onesie sacks for newborns. There is no struggle to get the legs through the leg holes or the head through the head hole. We might only use these for our next child. If you can find clothes that are magnetic, that is awesome too.
Crib or bassinet
A safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep is crucial. A crib or bassinet is a must-have item for your baby’s nursery. Make sure the crib or bassinet meets safety standards and that your baby is always placed on their back to sleep.
We don’t do anything too techy so something like this basic bassinet is all we’ve ever used for our 3 kids and it worked fine for us. https://amzn.to/3JQfJNX
Car seat
Unless you are having a home birth, a car seat is a non-negotiable item. You need to get the baby home! Even if you are having a home birth it is a good idea to have a car seat just in case. Make sure you choose a car seat that meets safety standards and is suitable for your baby’s age and weight. Be sure to install it correctly and adjust the straps properly to keep your baby secure while on the road.
We use a basic carseat like this one. https://amzn.to/3TKRvte
All those things combined only cost around $400. That’s not bad to bring a human soul into this world. Obviously there will be other things you’ll need along the way but in general, you can borrow or buy used and save even more. If you’re worried about having a kid because it will break the bank, stop. You don’t have to buy all the doodads and whatnots. Stick with the basics and you can save a ton of money.
Baby Carrier
Baby carriers are awesome for keeping baby close while also getting stuff done around the house.
OPTIONAL (IMO)
Breastfeeding supplies or bottles
If you plan on breastfeeding, you’ll need supplies such as a breast pump, nursing bras, and nipple cream. If you plan on bottle-feeding, make sure you have bottles, nipples, and formula on hand. Be sure to choose BPA-free bottles and nipples. I don’t know a ton about this subject (since I’m a guy) so it’ll be up to your wife to figure out what works for her. My wife just got a simple hand-pump for the rare occasion that she’d be away from the baby for an extended period of time.
Eventually you will need bottles when the baby gets older and starts drinking regular milk but for the first 6 months, mama makes everything they need.
Burp cloths and bibs
Newborns often spit up, so it’s nice to have burp cloths and bibs on hand. Burp cloths are perfect for cleaning up after a feeding, while bibs will help keep your baby’s clothes clean during mealtime. Honestly, a regular hand towel or cloth napkin works fine for this and we never used bibs. We embrace the mess of childhood.
Baby bath supplies
We almost never bathe our babies. They aren’t even playing in dirt yet so I don’t get the point. A nice warm wash cloth gets the job done. But if you are bored and want to have a little fun with the baby go for it. We’re working on our fourth baby so I doubt a bath will be happening until they can sit up on their own.
Baby monitor
People love these but we’ve never used one. I don’t really get it. Peace of mind I guess but if you’re nervous just go peak in on them. Infants are rarely left alone anyway. We just listen for the baby and when they cry, we get them. I’ve seen parents constantly checking the monitor and I’m not sure if that is healthy for anyone.
Diaper bag
You can get one of these if you want but my wife has a large purse that easily fits a couple diapers and wipes. When I’m alone with a baby, I just shove a couple in a backpack. We also always keep an extra supply in our car just in case. We don’t really do a lot of running around with a new born so I don’t see this as essential.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers can provide comfort to babies and can also help soothe them to sleep. Look for pacifiers that are age-appropriate and easy to clean. Some babies don’t take to these very well and we’ve found breast-feeding is much more effective.
Preparing for a new baby can be a daunting task, but having the right supplies can make it easier and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Be sure to stock up on the essential items mentioned above to ensure you’re ready for your baby’s arrival. Remember that every baby is different, so don’t be afraid to try different products to find what works best for you and your little one.
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