-
Step 1
Having a baby is a life changing experience, and it can add up to be an expensive change for the most part. For the rest of your life you will be worrying about your child and trying your best to shield them from any possible harm. There are many material items that baby will need, but the most important thing of all that you can give is love. A child needs to be surrounded with lots and lots of love and great people.
Now is the time to evaluate yourself and the people that you are around and make any positive adjustments if necessary. Weed out all the bad people in your life right now, so when you welcome your child into the world you only have great people around you. You want positive people around you and ones that do not bring you down.
That being said there are plenty of material items that your baby will need and ones that are just to help make your life easier with a baby. Here is a list of items you may want to include on your list .... -
Step 2
* CAR SEAT *
A car seat is a must even if you have no car. That may sound weird, but most hospitals will not allow you to leave the hospital unless you have a car seat. Many of the hospitals or other organizations can even help you obtain one if you need any assistance. Make sure you properly fasten it into the car and buy one that is appropriate for newborns.
* DIAPERS AND WIPES *
You will plenty of these! Baby's need lots of changes every day and you can never have enough diapers and wipes. When you are stocking upon diapers make sure you do not get to many newborn sized diapers because baby will grow very fast. Make sure you are buying the right size for baby and it is not to tight on her/him. Wipes are a must to clean up their messy bottoms and even clean them up from time to time. A diaper bag to tote all the essentials you need for baby on outings in ideal also. -
Step 3
* BOTTLES *
If you are choosing to bottle feed they are extremely important from day one. Even if you are opting to breastfeed you can choose to pump your milk and place it in a bottle so that dad can help with feeding baby. It gives a chance for the father and maybe grandparents or others to bond with your child as well.
* CLOTHING *
You will need plenty of clothing for a baby. Baby's can go through several outfits a day by spitting up on them or soiling them. So it is deal to have plenty of clean items that fit them comfortably at all times ready for them. Some of my personal favorite items for newborns are ~
Onsies ~ The ever famous onsie has to be one of the best inventions for babies.
Gowns (for boy or a girl) ~ I love these because it makes it so easy to change their diapers and it keeps them nice and warm. There are no buttons to snap and it covers them completely.
You also want to make sure you have plenty of socks, and appropriate clothing for which ever season it is. -
Step 4
* BLANKETS *
You will want to make sure you have plenty of blankets to swaddle baby in or just simply place on them to keep them warm. Receiving blankets are great for newborns and trust you, you will need a few. Baby's tend to spit up quit often and even soil their clothing and blankets so make sure you have afresh clean one at all times for back up.
* STROLLER *
Not everyone will find this item as a must have, but I believe it is. You will be having to take baby back and fourth to the doctors office quit a bit the first year so it is much easier to push around a stroller then lug around a carrier. It is a great way to take baby on walks and even go shopping at the mall or any other place as well. -
Step 5
* CRIB AND MATTRESS *
You need to have a safe bed set up for baby. If at first you want to use a bassinet so baby can be next to you at all times then that is great. Once baby is a little older or even from day one you need to have a safe crib and mattress. Make sure you learn the appropriate way to set up the crib like where in a room is best, what to place and what not to place in the crib etc. You want it to be baby's safe haven.
* FIRST AID KIT *
It is always ideal to have a first aid kit in your home and have the items you may need on hand at all times. Items like a thermometer, baby ibuprofen, nasal aspirator, medical supplies for common injuries (as your child grows you will need them), baby nail clippers, etc. As your child ages you will definitely need to include bandages, cold pack and other items. Also include your child's doctors phone number and other medical emergency numbers. -
Step 6
* BABY TOILETRIES *
Items like baby shampoos, lotion, powder, and diaper rash cream all all essentials for baby as well. Just as is a soft and comfy towel and washcloth's to bath baby. A baby brush and comb set are also great especially for baby's with lots of hair.
* BABY BATHTUB *
Using a bay bathtub is important rather then using a regular bathtub. It keeps baby elevated so they do not slip down and sink like they would in a regular tub. Of course you must watch baby closely in a baby bathtub also to prevent any possible accidents. -
Step 7
* BOOKS AND TOYS *
Of course these may not seem as essential items but they are. It is important to spend time from day one interacting with your child. Reading to them is a great way to spend time with them and interact together from day one. Your child will develop a love for books and that is going to help them out for years to come. Educational toys are also helpful for you and allow baby to be entertained while you get a shower in or clean up and do baby laundry during the day. Attach a baby mobile to their crib or other attachable toys to their crib so they can have something to look at.
another important thing to get plenty of right now is SLEEP! You are going to need all your energy to help you take care of your newborn. If you are feeling extremely tired during the day nap with baby as often as you can. Let the house go a bit and catch up on your sleep. The first few months are hard to get adjusted to but in the end it is all worth it as you look into your baby's eyes.
