Becoming a new parent can be quite challenging. This is especially true given the current global health crisis that’s going on. However, this shouldn’t negate the overwhelming joy and excitement you might feel when you welcome your first child. On the contrary, it should make the event all the more special. Finally, you get to witness and feel a certain sense of hope after more than a year of coping with the pandemic.
At the onset of the crisis, most experts predicted that there would be a baby boom. While this hasn’t really been realized, the country’s birth rate is still inching its way up. It’s been reported that the current birth rate for the U.S. is at 12.001 births per 1000 people. This essentially means more babies are still being born despite the circumstances.
Bare Necessities
If you’re one of the lucky few welcoming your first child into the world, know that there’s still much to be done. The biggest challenge that almost all new parents face is figuring out the best baby products for their child, which can be a little overwhelming at times.
Many people would usually ask for a baby registry checklist from their doctor to a baby gear store and get everything that’s on it. However, it’s important to note that not all of these checklists provide a comprehensive guide on what your newborn might need for the first few weeks and even months. Some of these might be lacking, while others can be too excessive and over-the-top.
Regardless, it will prove to be a lot less convenient as time passes. It’s always best to stick to the bare necessities that have been tried and tested over the years. Here are some of the essential items you will need to prepare for your newborn.
Keep it Simple
Most new parents would often buy all the cute outfits they can get their hands on for their child. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you should keep in mind that your baby will easily outgrow them at a rapid pace.
Rather than grabbing those intricately designed clothes at the baby store, opt for the simpler ones instead. Typically, your baby should have at least five soft outfits, three sleep sacks, five pairs of socks, and a newborn hat. Of course, you should also consider how often you’ll be doing the laundry since baby clothes can get messy very quickly.
Doo-doo Duties
Diapers are a no-brainer for any new parent. It’s a fairly basic and straightforward item that readily available almost everywhere. However, there are also different kinds to consider, like cloth and disposable diapers, which can be stressful for new parents.
For the first few weeks, you can always do a combination of the two types. This will help you figure out what works for you and your baby. While newborns will usually go through at least eight to ten diapers a day, avoid stocking up during the first weeks. Similar to clothes, babies can also outgrow diapers quickly. Always have enough packs for at least two days, along with disposable wipes and a diaper rash cream.
Baby Bubbles
When it comes to bathing your baby, doctors would normally recommend a sponge bath for the first two weeks. After that, babies don’t necessarily have to take daily baths because it could cause their skin to dry out. Three times a week should be enough for the first few months.
As for the products, you shouldn’t have to go through any stress when picking them out. Along with a baby sponge, just some bottles of simple newborn-friendly soap and lotion will do. It’s also important to have at least three baby washcloths and one hooded towel. Make sure these are soft to avoid irritating their skin. You could also consider buying a baby bathtub, but the sink is more than enough.
Feeding Time
Feeding supplies can vary depending on which route you’re planning to take. Some new parents would stick solely with breastfeeding, while others would want to go bottle-feeding to incorporate baby formula for their child. One thing’s for sure, though. You’re going to need an entire stock of burp cloths.
Breastfeeding is extremely uncomplicated, but there are a lot of helpful tools you could consider. Nursing pads, nipple cream, and a breast pump are some items that can be useful for breastfeeding moms. If you’re bottle-feeding, have at least five to eight bottles at the ready to avoid any last-minute cleaning when your child gets hungry. Consult with your doctor as well when choosing formula brands.
Parental Instincts
For other pieces of gear and furniture, that can be left up to your decision. You can choose between a crib, a cradle, or a bassinet for your baby’s bedding. A changing table is not entirely necessary, but it can be quite a good addition. From baby monitors to car seats, make sure that your decisions are informed by always keeping your newborn’s safety and security in mind.