What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide to Shopping For Your New Baby
Melida Cohen
What is it do I really need to buy for my new baby? This is a question a lot of new moms must ask themselves. Having a new baby is a huge expense, and it is hard to stay on budget when you see all of the cute outfits in the stores. While all of the tiny things are really tempting to buy, please keep in mind that babies grow really fast. One of the biggest mistakes that new parents make is over shopping for clothes. Remember, you will probably keep baby in a lot during those first few months so cute outfits with matching hats and shoes may not get any use. Plus if you are going to have a baby shower you will receive a lot of cute outfits fit for your little bundle of joy. Below is a list of things that I put together as a guide for you to use while doing your shopping. Remember to do your shopping after your baby shower this way you will only buy what you need.
Health and Safety
Baby Care Products
- baby shampoo/baby wash
- diaper cream
- baby nail clippers or safety scissors
- baby oil/lotion
- baby brush and comb
- a couple of pacifiers
(even if you don't plan to use!)
Layette and Diapering
- newborn diapers
- baby wipes
- diaper pail
- burp cloths
- gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers
- receiving blankets
- swaddling blankets
- crib blanket
- newborn socks
- newborn cap
- hooded bath towels
- 4-6 T-shirts
- 1-2 sweaters
Baby Equipment
- baby carrier
- infant seat
- stroller
- bouncer seat
- diaper bag
Furniture and Accessories
- co-sleeper
- mattress
- changing table
- mobile
- changing pad
Nursing Necessities
- nursing pillow
- washable or disposable nursing pads
- rental, electric or manual breast pump
Below you will find a short list of things new moms will need to have on hand.
New Mother Care
- sitzbath herbs
- big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
- nursing nightgown or comfy cotton pajamas
- small tube of modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples
- nursing bras
Other Good Ideas
pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!
Also a good thing to know is that some of these accessories and gadgets are fun to have. Some of them even help make your life easier. However these are not must haves, all your baby really needs is your love and affection and your baby will grow and flourish. Remember you must have a car seat for baby, because the hospital will not let you leave without it! Plus you want to protect your little miracle in any way possible. Relax and enjoy this time with your precious baby because this time will never return.
If possible line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. This way you can spend even more time just worrying about the baby, while someone else worries about YOU!
About The Author
Melida Cohen is wife, and mother of 3 beautiful children ages, 1, 7, and 8. She is author of "Baby's First Year: Everything You Should Know but Probably Don't," and is currently a stay at home mom. Her goal is to empower new moms and mothers to be.
Visit www.CareForMyBaby.com and sign up now to get her great newsletter absolutely free. Visit her blog at www.CareForMyBabyBlog.blogspot.com to chat and get even more great baby care advice! Melida can be reached by email at MelidaCohen@CareForMyBaby.com.
