When you walk into any large baby store, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available for babies. You may wonder if you need all this stuff. Eventually, you may need to register for your baby shower. This task can feel daunting. A good idea is to ask friends with babies which items they enjoyed or needed most and which got little use. This can be a good starting point.
In the early months, babies need very little to be happy. Basically, they need something to wear, somewhere to sleep and a safe place to ride in the car. A car seat is one of the first things you will need to purchase. Most states have laws requiring a car seat before you can take your baby home. An infant seat that is rear facing is best for a new baby. Make sure the seat is installed in your car properly. Some police departments offer a service where a safety officer will inspect the seat to be sure it is installed correctly.
The baby will need a place to sleep. This can be a full sized crib, cradle or bassinet. If you buy a crib, you will want a new one. This ensures that the crib meets all current safety regulations. Make sure to get a mattress that fits snugly inside the crib. There should be no gaps on any side between the mattress and the crib. You will need a mattress pad and at least three fitted crib sheets. These should fit tightly onto the mattress and not be loose at all.
You will want a few receiving blankets to swaddle the baby in the early days. Babies like to be swaddled. It reminds them of the womb. Avoid using any comforters, pillows or stuffed animals in the crib. These can be a suffocation hazard. Take the pretty comforter that came with the sheet and bumpers and either drape it over the rocking chair or hang it on the wall.
The baby will need something to wear. You may want a cute outfit for coming home from the hospital. Otherwise, stick with sleepers or pajamas. These are softer and more comfortable for the baby. Onesies are T shirts that snap in the crotch. They are inexpensive, comfortable and easy to clean. You will want about a half dozen of each, sleepers and onesies. Depending on the weather, you may want a hat, socks or a warm winter suit for going outside in cold weather.
A sling is a great piece of equipment for carrying your baby with you. Slings come in a variety of patterns and colors. They allow you to hold your baby close to your body, while keeping your hands free. Babies love slings because the position mimics the feelings in the room. Slings can be used in a variety of ways and can be adjusted as your baby grows. Most can be used for babies up to thirty pounds.
You will need a good supply of diapers for your baby. Newborn disposable diapers come with a notch cut in the top for the umbilical cord. You should plan to use between 8 and 10 diapers each day. Consider buying in bulk to save money. If you will be using cloth diapers, get a good supply of diapers and covers, especially if you plan to wash them yourself, rather than using a diaper service. You will also need baby wipes. Look for unscented wipes for sensitive skin.
A baby monitor is a common piece of equipment that you may or may not need. If your home is small, you will hear your baby without the need for a monitor. However, if your home is large or you will be on another floor, you may want one. Monitors come in a variety of styles, from sound only to sound and video. Make sure the frequency used on the monitor is different from that used on your cordless phone. If they are the same, you may get interference.
You will find a wide variety of other products available for your baby, including swings, entertainers, bouncy chairs and activity centers. You may want some of these things, but they aren’t necessary, especially while your baby is small. Ask friends and family members which they liked best to help you decide, or just go with what you like best.