We know how excited parents can get over the aspect of having a new baby. And we also get how this excitement can oftentimes translate to a ton of shopping or even a mile-long wishlist. But did you know that babies, especially newborns, do not need a whole lot of stuff? And not everything you see in baby stores considered essential?
So we’re helping you out with your baby checklist by sharing with you a few things that you should know before buying your baby’s essentials. Here’s your chance to check your list twice, mommies!
Baby Crib and Linens
What you really need:
- A crib or co-sleeper
- Fitted crib sheets
- Waterproof mattress protectors (can also be optional)
What you need to know: Yes, those pillows, bumper pads, and quilts are cute and seem so cozy, but the truth is, experts do not recommend having extra pillows, loose blankets, or even stuffed toys with your baby as these might play a major role in SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). So it’s best to buy and use a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheets for your new bundle of joy.
Baby Clothes
What you really need:
- Side-tie tops – sleeveless and short-sleeved – 4 to 6 pieces
- Pajamas – 4 to 6 pieces
- Bodysuits or onesies – 4 to 6 pieces
- Sleepsacks or swaddles – 2 to 3 pieces
- Socks or booties and mittens – 2 to 3 pairs
- Muslin cloths or burp cloths – 6 to 12 pieces
*Number of pieces will also depend on how much laundry you are willing to do on a daily or weekly basis.
What you need to know: Newborns tend to grow fast so it’s no surprise that they can also outgrow their clothes in a matter of weeks. You can also opt to purchase a few pieces in staggered sizes to ensure that your baby has something to wear. Sleepsacks or swaddles are also recommended to use instead of baby blankets. Plus, if used right, studies have shown that swaddling babies allow them to sleep longer and better and can even help relieve their anxiety and colic.
Breastfeeding Items
What you really need:
- Nursing bras – 2 to 3 pieces
- Nursing pads – 2 – 3 boxes
- Nipple cream
What you need to know: Breastfeeding does not really require much in the first few days aside from hard work, perseverance, and a little breastfeeding know-how. Experts recommend that moms should let their newborns directly latch and feed as both mom and baby will directly benefit from the skin-to-skin contact. This means that other breastfeeding “essentials” such as breast pumps and bottles can be bought at a later time (such as around the 6-week mark).
Bathing Items
What you really need:
- Hooded towels – 2 pieces
- Washcloths – around 4 pieces
- Baby bathtub (and a bath seat)
- Baby bath wash and shampoo
- Baby comb and nail clippers/file set
What you need to know: Bathing a baby can be a daunting task, so new parents might find it easier to use a baby bathtub and even a bath seat. But other items such as bath toys and even a baby bathrobe are unnecessary for newborns. Bath toys can come in handy when they’re older and beginning to hate bath time, while tiny bathrobes might be hard to use for younger babies, as it can be hard enough as it is to put them in their real clothes.
Diaper Gear
What you really need:
- Newborn diapers – 1 or 2 packs
- Diaper rash ointment
- Waterproof changing pad
- Newborn-friendly wipes
What you need to know: Newborns have sensitive skin that could react to harsh ingredients found on typical wet wipes. Here’s a tip: use wipes that are specifically made for newborns, such as Pampers Sensitive Wipes. It’s ultra-soft and strong, does not tear easily, gentle on the skin, and is clinically tested to be as mild as cotton wool and water.
Here’s another tip for parents: you can minimize your baby’s risk for newborn and diaper rash by protecting from three things: wetness, heat, and skin irritants. And Pampers Baby Dry for Newborn offers triple pwet-ection that protects newborns from all three causes of diaper rashes – wetness, heat, and skin irritants.
- Pampers Baby Dry for Newborn has Magic Gel that locks in pee so that it doesn’t resurface or touch the baby’s skin when pressure is applied, allowing babies to stay dry longer.
- Pampers Baby Dry for Newborn has micro-pores that can allow air to circulate and hot air to escape. This could prove to be more comfortable for newborns especially during hot and humid weather.
- Pampers Baby Dry for Newborn has a layer of baby lotion. This then helps serve as a mild protective barrier and an additional layer of protection from skin irritants and friction. Thereby minimizing the baby’s risk for skin irritation.
Newborns tend to have sensitive skin that can get easily irritated, so parents need to ensure that they use the right products, such as diapers, that not only prevents skin irritation but also protects against it. And for MomCenter moms, Pampers Baby Dry for Newborn is one of their preferred and recommended newborn diapers. Thanks to its power protections that’s also sulit for power-parents.
Do you have other tips for newborn essentials, mamas? Share them with us!
*Published with Pampers
