15 ESSENTIALS FOR PROPER BABY CARE

There are many things to do when preparing for a baby’s arrival. The first thing is shopping for essentials to meet the baby's needs. From gathering gear for eating, sleeping, and diapering to setting up the nursery, it is easy to remain busy buying must-haves to satiate newborn baby needs.

While it is exciting to think about the whole lot of things a newborn baby needs, getting started with just a few basics can help new parents meet their baby's needs.

The key lies in figuring out which baby items are fine to forget and which are the essential ones parents cannot live without. Do not stress as here’s a breakdown of all the essential baby things parents will need to take good care of their baby. Have a look below:

Things to Buy For Newborn Babies

New parents should have an idea of their baby’s needs and thus buy all essentials in advance. Especially first-time moms, they must grab onto the best baby things that can make their life comfortable and happier in this new phase. What products are essential can differ according to the newborn baby's needs. Some common items that parents cannot do without are:

1. Baby Crib and Mattress

A Moses basket or lightweight crib with a well-fitted and firm new mattress is among the most important things on the newborn baby bedding essentials list. Do not go for the fluffy mattresses, as they can suffocate and smother the newborn. It is best to purchase firm mattresses for the comfortable sleep a baby needs.

Use light sheets on these mattresses and tuck them appropriately. Make sure the pillows for a newborn are double-layered, perfectly stitched, and sufficiently firm to avoid suffocation if the newborn turns in the crib.

2. Disposable Diapers and Cotton Nappies

The accessories list for a newborn is incomplete without diapers and cotton nappies. Do not buy diapers in large quantities. Instead, purchase sample packs of two to three brands to try each on the newborn. Depending on what suits the baby’s comfort, buy the remaining in bulk. Disposable diapers are handy when leaving home with the baby.

Using reusable cotton nappies for a baby’s sensitive skin is safe, but change them as soon as they are soiled. So, stocking up on them is crucial to avoid running out before tossing them in the laundry. Get the ones with biodegradable lining as they are easy to remove and flush down

3. Nursing Items

If new moms think that nursing clothes have nothing to do with their baby's needs, they are wrong because these will determine how comfortable a baby feels while being breastfed. So new moms should choose the best-quality tops, nightwear, and nursing bras. Nursing covers and clothes in darker fabrics are always the best because they conceal breast milk stains. Tops for nursing mothers should be loose enough, or they must have buttons to make breastfeeding easy. New moms can also use nipple shields and breast pads to soak up excess milk that leaks and makes the baby feel uncomfortable while breastfeeding. 

Besides that, a breast pump, 5-6 burp clothes, a freezer-safe container or bottle to keep the pumped breast milk, and nipple cream to reduce the soreness in the first few weeks are a must. 

4. Clothes for the Newborn

A major inclusion in the list of things to buy for a newborn baby is clothes. To meet a newborn baby's needs, opt for cotton-based, comfortable clothes with safe motifs, only if preferred.

Clothes in soft fabrics are best. Avoid those with heavy embellishments, glitter, ties, ribbons, buttons, and sequins, as they can cause skin irritation and choking hazards.

The most useful clothes to buy for baby needs are:

• Get a dozen full-body sleep suits featuring press-up buttons for easy dressing and changing.
• Purchase five to six sets of singlets or tops with open fronts or envelope necks.
• Get at least three pairs of socks in cute patterns and cotton material to keep the baby’s feet comfortable and warm.
• Cotton caps are also needed to cover the newborn baby’s head to keep them warm and to offer a feeling of being secure.
• Swaddle clothes or wrap-around cotton blankets are a must. These are breathable and warm clothing essentials to protect newborns from cold temperatures.

5.  Safety Gear

Baby-proof your home to prevent accidents and mishaps when creating a safe and secure environment to suit your newborn baby's needs. Opt for a good quality carbon monoxide smoke detector for the home. Stair gates and playpens are also required to avoid falls and to keep the baby safe in a specific area of the house. Cupboard and window catches, nightlights, plug socket covers, furniture corner protectors, and fireguards are a few recent inventions to babyproof a home. 

6. Bathing and Cleaning

A few bathing and cleaning essentials a newborn needs:

• Bathtub: Choose a bathtub of the ideal size to make it comfortable for your newborn. Go for the plastic convertible tubs as they are easier to clean and can be expanded as the baby grows.
• Towels: Get 2 to 3 light-colored, soft towels made of absorbent material as they are gentle on the sensitive baby's skin and soak water instantly.

Other important things to include in the list of things to buy for a newborn baby are baby cream, hair & massage oil, and baby shampoo.

7. Baby Gear

Mealtimes or outdoor visits will not be fun and exciting without the right baby gear. How about getting a baby carrier for carrying the little one outdoors? Rockers, bouncers, baby swings, and prams are also required as the baby grows.

8. Nail Clippers

A baby’s nails can grow amazingly fast. Initially, it is difficult to cut those tiny nails; therefore, investing in a large-grip clipper is a wise idea. Get a magnifying glass and arrange for good lighting for optimum accuracy.

9. Feeding Bottles

For bottle-feeding mothers, arranging for a minimum of four to six feeding bottles and a brush for cleaning them is essential. Do not forget a steam sterilizer to sterilize the bottles for healthy feeding.

10. Baby Bag

Baby bags are essential, so new parents can have everything handy to care for their baby's needs. A good baby bag can carry all the bits and pieces required when leaving the house with a baby.

Opt for a bag with a changing mat and proper space for tissue papers, wet wipes, nappies, bottles, and clothes. The bags in a simple style with several compartments can be the best.

11. Medicines

A newborn baby can fall sick after just a few days of birth, so keeping medicines handy as per the doctor’s instructions is crucial. Ask the child specialist about medicines for common problems like colic, cold cough, and fever. Always keep a saline nasal drop, nasal aspirator, gripe water, teether, and electrolyte drink at home. Also, include a first-aid kit and thermometer in the accessories list, and keep a list of emergency numbers ready for more information. 

12. Mosquito Net

For areas where mosquitoes are a threat, it is best to use cots with mosquito nets to safeguard newborn babies. Besides protecting them from mosquito and other insect bites, these nets also provide infants with apt ventilation. 

13. Baby Storage Unit or Cupboard

It is crucial to arrange storage space for all the new things that a new parent requires. Depending on the space available in their homes, parents can buy different storage systems as per their budget.

14. Rack or Clothesline

Though racks and clotheslines are common in every home, getting a few extras will make it easier for parents to dry those end numbers of clothes and nappies throughout the day. Make sure to dry baby clothes in the sunshine to eliminate any remnant moisture and odor.

15. Toys

A newborn does not require several fancy toys, but it is good to have some musical toys, soft toys, and rattles to keep them entertained. Parents should opt for toys that can be attached to the strollers or soft colourful blocks that can attract a baby. 

Where Can I Buy All Baby Essentials?

Preparing for a baby’s arrival can quickly become expensive for parents who do not plan their purchases. So, first, create a list of everything that is required so as not to miss out on the essentials to meet the newborn baby's needs.

The thrift stores are best for buying larger newborn essentials like strollers and furniture. Online stores are also a good option for buying baby clothes and other essentials within an affordable range. 

Or, people can also visit Wellness Forever for self-help and health guidance on newborn babies and their requirements. This popular medical store in India deals in massive stocks of high-quality, genuine, reliable baby products and supplements. Happy parenting!