Are you ready for a baby?
Preparing for a baby is quite hard. You think you have everything prepared, but every day you will realize you have forgotten some necessary things. I know I have! I decided to write down the things you need for your newborn and what brands I loved the most.
Sleep
- Crib or Bassinet
You will need a crib and/or a bassinet. You should also get a mattress, sheets, and water-resistant undersheets to protect the mattress.
- Swaddles or Sleepsack
The baby will initially sleep without pillows and a blanket. Use a swaddling sleepsack or a swaddling cloth to keep the baby warm. I used the Halo sleepsack for the first 3 months. I used this specific one http://amzn.to/2n42Xzh
- Night light
Didn’t use one while the baby was in the same room as us, but as soon as he slept in his room, I needed one.
Travel
- Car seat
You need an infant car seat. For the first year, the car seat must be rear-facing.
- Stroller
- Diaper bag
A diaper bag should have a pocket for baby wipes and a waterproof changing pad.
- Sling / Baby carrier
I bought the Ergo baby (4-way) and Baby k’tan. The Ergo baby is great for babies after they are a few months old. For newborns, the k’tan is a better fit (it’s a preassembled cloth sling) and keeps the baby close to the chest.
Nursing
- Chair
The chair must be comfortable with armrests for nursing. It is not necessary but we found it useful for feedings at night.
- Nursing bras
Buy a minimum of 2 (preferably more). I bought some bras from Bravado brand.
- Nursing pads
Make sure you buy some without plastic.
- Breast pump
Your insurance might give you a free one. Look at your insurance coverage online, it will tell you.
- Nipple shield
I bought the Medela contact nipple shield (16mm). You only need this if your baby has a small mouth and has trouble latching to your nipple in the first month.
- Nursing pillow
I recommend the Boppy brand, but I didn’t get one since I use just regular pillows but lots of moms recommended the Boppy brand.
- Feeding bottles
I used the Medela Calma bottles for newborns, and Dr.Brown’s bottles for when he got older (anti-colic).
- Lanolin cream Lansinoh (HPA Lanolin)
The hospital usually gives a cream for your sore nipples when breastfeeding but the Lansinoh brand works much better.
- Burp Cloths, and Bibs
Buy lots of cloths!
- Microwaveable Bottle Sterilizer
Avent is good or any other brand.
- Pacifiers
Make sure they are specifically for newborns.
Bathing
- Plastic bathing tub
For the first 2 months, just used a tiny bucket and mug (Be next to the baby at all times!)
- Wash cloths and Baby Towels
- Swaddling cloths
Buy cotton/muslin for day time swaddling.
- Baby Soap + Shampoo
Diapering
- Contour changing pad
Buy a changing pad with contours so that baby doesn’t roll off the sides http://amzn.to/2nAz8Kp
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
I used pampers at first then switched to Huggies after three months. Both are pretty good.
- Trash can
Trash can should have a lid (to contain the smell!)
- Baby Lotion / Rash ointment / Unscented baby oil
Clothing / Grooming
- Basic infant clothing
The baby needs onesies, footies, rompers, bodysuits, and winter clothing (if born in winter). Don’t buy fancy clothes for the first three months, they don’t need it.
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby hairbrush and comb
- Mittens, Socks, and Hats
Buy mittens to prevent the baby from scratching its face.
- Thermometer and Tylenol for Infants
These are all the things you need for your newborn. If you want to add more things you need for your newborn to the list, leave a comment.
