Being a new mom can feel extremely overwhelming but you and your baby will figure each other out the more you spend time together. That said, there are some important things you need to know when trying to ensure that you’re creating a happy and safe place for your baby to grow. On that note, read on to learn 4 things every baby needs to be happy and healthy.
1. Baby-proofing Necessities
To ensure your baby lives in a safe environment, it’s important to have your home equipped with all the baby-proofing necessities before you bring them home from the hospital. Babies benefit from floor time, which is time they spend on their stomachs to build their motor skills and avoid any muscle imbalance as they age. It also won’t take long for your baby to begin crawling and exploring their surroundings.
Therefore, you must make sure you have the important baby-proofing tools that will keep your child safe. Drawer and cabinet latches are some of the items you need to invest in since babies will reach out to grab things early in their development.
Outlet covers are another essential item for when they start moving around the floor. You will quickly need to include furniture anchors, fireplace bumpers, and gates to block off staircases in your baby-proofing strategy.
3. Nursery Furniture
As a new mom, you may be overwhelmed with how much nursery furniture you have to choose from. Luckily, you don’t need it all; a lot of the items are optional. However, there are some very practical and necessary furniture pieces that you need to ensure your baby is happy and comfortable.
The first and most essential item is a crib. While many people opt for second-hand cots, it’s best to buy a new one for safety reasons.
The same goes for prams and pushchairs. Your baby will spend a lot of time in their pram, so you don’t only want to make sure that it’s safe, but that your baby enjoys being in there as well. The folks from Baby & Co explain that there are many affordable prams that are versatile for new moms.
It’s best to consider buying strollers or prams with travel add-ons to get that all-in-one pushchair. This will last longer and your baby will feel secure in the familiar pram, rather than having to get a new one as they grow.
3. Feeding Gear
Whether you plan on breastfeeding or investing in the quality baby formula, you will need plenty of feeding gear. Since it will still be a few months before your newborn tries solid food, you will need to invest in proper bottles, sanitary products to wash and dry the bottles after use, as well as a selection of cotton bibs.
You should also invest in a cooler for outings to ensure your baby’s milk is healthy to consume. Sanitizing these products properly is vital to keep your baby healthy during meal times.
Formula-fed babies will need approximately 7 to 8 bottles with the appropriate nipples that are comfortable for your newborn to latch onto. You may want to try several brands to find one your baby agrees with. Breastfeeding babies will require a nursing pillow for comfort as well as nursing bras and pads to make it easy for new moms.
It may also be beneficial to purchase a breast pump to keep your baby’s feeding times within a consistent schedule, making it easier for you to plan your day.
4. Baby Care Basics
All new moms are tempted to splurge on cute outfits for their babies. However, your newborn grows so quickly and it may be a waste of money. Your baby will be in cotton vests most of the time given how quickly these can get dirty. So, make sure you buy at least 6 or 7 vests to start with.
Other baby basics that you will need include changing gear. You don’t have to invest in a changing table if you don’t want to spend that kind of money, but you will need to spend a decent amount on diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, water-proof table pads, table pad covers, and a diaper pail.
Finally, don’t forget about the simple essentials to keep your baby clean and healthy. You will need to purchase hooded towels for bath time, a few washcloths, appropriate baby bath wash, shampoo, and lotion. It’s vital that you have a solid baby seat or tub for bath time to ensure your baby’s safety since they can’t sit up or hold up their heads.
More baby basics include nail cutters, a comb and brush set, and of course some toys that are both educational and comforting.
A baby needs security, stability, consistency, emotional support, structure, education, positive role models, and, above all, love. With the aforementioned 4 essential items, you can ensure you’re surrounding your baby with everything he or she needs to thrive. Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything out there, you just need to know about the basic necessities.
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