Welcoming your baby into your family is both an exciting as well as overwhelming experience at the same time. As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, we bring you the ultimate checklist of baby essentials to help you get ready for your little one's arrival. You will want to have a few key items ready before your baby arrives home, like diapers, wipes etc., and some items can wait until the baby comes home. With this ultimate checklist of baby essentials, you can rest assured that you'll have all the top things your baby needs.
When Should You Start Buying Things for the Baby?
You may find yourself wondering when is the right time to start buying things for your baby. The good news is, there's no right or wrong answer. Whether you're the type of parent who dives into planning immediately or prefers to wait a little while, there are a few things to keep in mind. Start thinking about what you'll need for your baby and budget and save accordingly. When it comes to buying specific items, it's a good idea to wait until after your baby shower. You may receive many of the things you will need as gifts. Of course, the timeline for preparing for your baby's arrival is entirely up to you. Just remember to give yourself plenty of time to get everything you need and enjoy getting ready for your little one's arrival.
Essential Baby Items to Include in Your Hospital Bag
As the time to welcome your baby into your family draws near, don't forget to pack a hospital bag with all of the essentials you'll need for your hospital stay. Making sure everything is in order before the big day will reduce stress and give you confidence that you have what you need when your baby arrives. With the following essentials in your hospital bag, you'll be ready for your little one's arrival and can focus on bonding with your new bundle of joy. Be sure to pack:
- Clothing, including onesies, socks, and something to keep their head warm
- Swaddling blanket to keep your baby cosy
- Burp clothes
- Diapers
- Wipes
Baby Essentials That can Wait Until the Baby Gets Home
Some items are essential to have on hand right away, like diapers and wipes. There are plenty of other items, like a baby carrier and a bathing tub, that can wait until you get home from the hospital. Focus on the essentials and wait to buy other items till you're settled at home. This way, you can save money and reduce clutter in your home. To make things easy, we have compiled a list of things that can wait until the baby gets home.
1. Wardrobe
The cutest purchase you will be making is clothes for your baby. To start off, you will need:
- 4-8 onesies
- 3-4 sleepers
- 4-8 pants
- A few pairs of socks
Optional Must Haves
- Nursing-friendly tops or dresses for easy breastfeeding access
- Comfortable pyjama sets for both you and your baby for those early sleepless nights
- Sleepers with built-in mittens to prevent scratching
2. Diapering
There will be a lot of diaper changes, and even though it might seem daunting at first, with this list of essential items, you’ll soon be a pro at it. You will need the following:
- 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers
- 6-8 diaper covers
- Unscented wipes that are free of harsh chemicals and soft on your baby’s skin
- Diaper rash cream right away
Optional Must Haves
- Wet bag for storing dirty diapers
- Portable changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes
- Disposable or cloth diaper liners for protection against leaks
3. Nursery
Getting your baby’s room ready, starting from choosing the colour theme to the furniture that goes in it, is indeed a memorable experience.
To start right away, you will need:
- A crib or bassinet
- A firm mattress
- Some fitted crib sheets
Optional Must Haves
- Rocking chair or glider for comfortable feedings and soothing
- White noise machine to help your baby sleep better and longer
- A baby monitor for peace of mind and safety
- Dresser or storage for organising baby's clothes and essentials
4. Bath
You won't need to give your baby a bath right away, but when you do, all you really need is:
- A bathtub
- Gentle baby soap or cleanser
- A soft washcloth
- A hooded towel
Optional Must Haves
- Bath seat for hands-free bathing and added safety
- Soft-bristled baby brush or comb for gentle hair care
- Non-slip bath mat for added safety in the tub
- Unscented, organic almond, olive, or coconut oil to keep baby’s skin moisturised and supple
5. Feeding
You will be feeding your newborn frequently. Whether you are breastfeeding or planning on feeding formula, you will need a bunch of things to start off.
Breastfeeding moms will need the following:
- Nursing bras
- Nipple cream
- Nursing clothes
Formula-fed babies will need the following:
- Easy-to-clean, BPA-free bottles, both 4 Oz and 8 Oz
- Formula
Optional Must Haves
- Nursing cover for breastfeeding moms for added privacy
- Burp cloths to protect your clothes during feeding
- Breast pump and storage bags for breastfeeding moms
- Bottle steriliser for formula-fed babies.
6. Baby Gear
You will need the following:
- An infant or convertible car seat
- A diaper caddy to carry essential baby items
Optional Must Haves
- Baby carrier or wrap for hands-free carrying
- Lightweight and compact stroller for easy transport
- Baby swing or bouncer
- A play mat
7. Health Essentials
Some essentials are:
- Baby nail clipper
- Petroleum jelly for chapped skin
- A thermometer
Optional Must Haves
- Nasal aspirator to help clear your baby's stuffy nose
- Saline nasal drops that moisturise nasal passages and ease congestion
- Baby-safe probiotics to help support your baby's digestive health
- 3-4 pacifiers
Remember, the optional must-have items are optional and not essential, but they can certainly make the journey more comfortable for both you and your baby.
Things You Don’t Need at All
As new parents, it can be tempting to buy all the latest baby products and gadgets, but many of these items are unnecessary and can create clutter in your home. Here are some baby products that you can skip:
1. Diaper Changing Table: A changing table dedicated especially to diapers is not an essential. You can change your baby's diaper on any flat surface. Use a changing pad or a towel to make the surface comfortable and easy to clean.
2. Bottle Warmer: You can warm your baby's bottle by placing it in a bowl of warm water or running it under warm tap water. A bottle warmer is not a necessity and can be skipped.
3. Diaper Pail: While a diaper pail can help contain the smell of dirty diapers, it's not a must-have. You can dispose of dirty diapers in a regular trash can with a lid or a small plastic bag and dispose off them with regular trash frequently.
4. Baby Shoes: Babies don't need shoes until they start walking, so you can skip buying cute but unnecessary baby shoes.
5. Baby Food Processor: While it may seem convenient to have a special baby food processor to puree and blend baby food, it's not necessary. A regular food processor that you already have in your kitchen can do the job just fine. You can also use a fork to mash soft foods for your baby.
Wrapping Up
Your baby's basic needs are simple: food, sleep, and love. You don't need all the latest gadgets and gear to be a good parent. Start with the essentials and add more items as needed. Now that you have an idea of what the essential items are, you can start preparing for your little one's arrival with a bit more confidence. As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life, and that begins with having the right tools to support their growth and development. Remember, the years between birth and two years are crucial in honing talents and skills that last a lifetime. At Raising Superstars, we understand the importance of early childhood development. Our prodigy programmes can help boost your baby’s growth and development with amazing screen-free activities that help you encourage your child to take the first steps towards early learning.
