Dear Mom and Dad... When you become a parent you actually begin a wonderful and challenging journey at the same time into the world of unconditional love.
We know that preparing for the arrival of a baby can seem overwhelming, full of emotions and uncertainties, but with a well-laid plan and the right information you will be able to face the challenges with flying colours.
In this regard, we have created a "Supreme" Guide through which we will explore the essential points to prepare your home, your mind and your life to properly welcome your little one.
1. The choice of motherhood – the first impact matters!
The moment of birth and the first days with the newborn are crucial for the new mother, affecting her emotional state and health.
Educate yourself about maternity options, choosing one close to home with experienced medical staff and appropriate equipment.
Staff empathy is also essential, so choose a maternity hospital that supports natural childbirth and breastfeeding and gives you all the moral support.
Check other parents' reviews about their experience there to make sure you're making the right choice.
2. Connecting with a pediatrician
From the first day at home, it is recommended that the newborn be monitored by a doctor, so it would be good to find a reliable one even before the birth.
He will see the baby and the environment in which he lives and will help you understand what to expect from here on and how to react to the first signs of illness in the little one.
We advise you to choose a pediatrician who has a friendly approach, solid experience and with whom you empathize.
Also check its availability for emergency consultations! (it's not desirable, but if it happens you will be much calmer if you have someone to turn to).
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Preparing the optimal space for the baby - Home is the perfect place!
As a future parent, when preparing the child's room, you must know that the priority is functionality and safety, not the aesthetic aspect, at least for the first three years.
Regardless of whether your baby will have his own room or share a bedroom with you, it's important to make sure you've ticked off a few essentials:
- Walls: Apply a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper at least two months before the baby arrives to let odors disappear. Use non-toxic materials, regardless of choice.
- The floor: Even if the temperature is optimal, a carpet is necessary for the safety of the child, especially when he starts walking. Choose an antibacterial, non-slip and easy-to-clean carpet.
- Windows: Make sure you can control natural light to create total darkness when baby sleeps.
- Cot: This is the centerpiece of the room, ensuring safety, comfort and durability. On our website you can find ideas for classic cots and co-sleeping , which offer advantages such as easy access to feeding and better sleep for both mother and child.
- Changing table or chest of drawers: You will see that it is very useful for the mother's comfort and to avoid back pain, which most women face in this situation. It would be ideal if it had storage space to have the necessary accessories close at hand.
- Closet: A well-placed, safe and big enough closet for all the baby's things is also essential. Make sure it is fixed to the wall for safety and can be used as the child grows.
- Baby-nest: If you want to keep the baby next to you in other rooms, such as in the living room or on the terrace, this "nest" is a popular choice for the comfort and safety it offers wherever the little one is.
By organizing the space in this way, you will create a safe and comfortable environment for the baby, while also making your everyday life easier.
4. Clothes and more clothes!
Although we know it's tempting to buy a lot of cute clothes since the baby is still the size of a raspberry in the womb, it's important to keep a few essential aspects in mind.
Clothes should be made of natural fibers (cotton, muslin, wool) to avoid allergies, considering the sensitivity of the baby's skin.
Also, adapt the clothes to the season: don't buy items like hats or gloves in the summer, because the high temperatures bother the little one as much as you anyway, so why dress them up extra?
To get started, we recommend that you have several of the following items:
- Bodysuits and overalls with snaps to easily dress and undress baby.
- Leg pants and gradually regular pants.
- Natural fiber blankets .
- Pillow - It is important to choose a pillow specially designed for newborns to support proper head development and prevent plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). There are various models of pillows for babies, suitable from birth, which provide the necessary support and optimal comfort. If you want to explore available options, you can consult our section dedicated to bed accessories, where you will find different types of pillows for babies.
- Diaper for changing or sleeping bag , especially to help during the period of colic.
Last but not least, keep in mind that babies grow faster than you imagine, so we suggest you buy your favorite clothing models in various sizes.
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"We wash our butts, we want to be clean!" – essential hygiene items
When it comes to baby's hygiene, the products used are extremely important, so always go for baby brands and hypoallergenic products.
We suggest you put the following must-have products and items on your list from day one:
- Wet wipes for baby skin
- Baby Oil (After your little one loves a soothing oil massage while you speak to him in calm, loving whispers. He'll be fast asleep in no time!)
- Scab cream – most newborns have this problem. Scabs on the baby's scalp are not only unsightly but can become increasingly unpleasant and irritating if they multiply, so make sure you use a cream to help remove them quickly and effectively as soon as you notice they have appeared.
- Round Tip Nail Scissors
- Baby brush - for caring for your baby's delicate hair and massaging the scalp
- Bath tub - a foldable model with support cushion is very useful and convenient to use both for you and for the newborn
- Lanolin cream for nipples - take our word for it that it's a must-have in your newborn kit if you're breastfeeding naturally. It supports the optimal hydration of the skin, helps to relieve the pain of cracked nipples after breastfeeding and the rapid healing of wounds. You'll thank us later. 😊
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Good dad - quality products
Although exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is recommended for nutritional and health benefits, we know that not all mothers can or choose to breastfeed.
In such cases, formula feeding is a viable and equally valuable option. The most important thing is to find the way that works best for you and your baby.
To help you prepare for the "meal", here are some essentials:
- Breast pump : An electric pump can be very useful for nursing mothers, especially in the early days when the baby is learning to feed properly at the breast.
- Bottles : Choose high-quality bottles suitable for each age stage to reduce the risk of choking.
- Sterilizer for baby bottles
Regardless of the type of feeding you choose and any informal advice you receive, we recommend that you consult your pediatrician for any concerns about your baby's nutrition.
7. "Means of transport" babies
Newborn essentials also include those needed for walks and exploring the world outside the home.
- The stroller you choose should be versatile (3 in 1), made of quality materials, safe, easy to handle, compact for transport, and equipped with wheels for different types of terrain and storage spaces.
- For car trips, an ergonomic, lightweight car seat ("shell") made of modern materials (such as carbon fiber or polypropylene foam) compatible with the weight and length of the baby and your car is essential. The safety and life of the little one depends on a correct choice.
- The ergonomic carrying system has also become a norm among mothers for its many advantages and is recommended by orthopedic doctors for the proper support provided to the legs and spine. It is important that it is certified, durable and made of quality materials, to ensure the comfort and safety of both the child and the wearing parent.
8. Dividing tasks between parents
Do you think that with the appearance of the new member in your family you will be able to put aside traditional roles and limiting habits?
Maybe it's time to talk openly about the new responsibilities, make a list and make sure you're both comfortable with the new duties.
The constant support provided by the new father helps the mother to recover more easily after giving birth and to maintain her mental health. Even if dad is responsible for supporting the family financially and has a demanding job, his involvement in household activities such as preparing a quick meal, washing the dishes or changing diapers can make a big difference.
Even small gestures, such as offering a glass of water while breastfeeding, are important. Take our word for it that these actions are not particularly demanding for you, but they mean a lot to your partner.
When both parents work together to keep the house in order, the whole family benefits. For children it is all the more important because over time they will adopt positive role models and learn that both men and women are important for the well-being of family life.
9. A fulfilled mother, a happy family!
A new mother's mental health is influenced by both pre-existing conditions and the changes brought about by pregnancy and childbirth. Bringing a new life into the world is a transformative experience, but also full of challenges.
Recognizing these challenges and seeking appropriate support are essential to your well-being.
Pregnancy and the postnatal period can bring intense emotions, from joy and love to anxiety and sadness. It is important to know that you are not alone! These emotions are common, normal, and are caused by physical and hormonal changes.
In addition to your partner's support in household activities, it is crucial to find other ways to get out of the routine and recharge your batteries. Be open about your feelings and problems, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Prioritize self-care: rediscover old passions and hobbies (listen to your favorite music, cook something sweet, paint), pay attention to hygiene and sometimes relax with a hot bath.
A good idea is to join a group with similar interests – babywearing moms, support moms group, a sports or dance club that adapts activities for moms with babies.
Maintain a balanced diet and include regular exercise in your routine. These habits not only improve physical condition, but also contribute to mental well-being.
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How did the time pass? - immortalize unforgettable moments
We are sure that, in addition to the challenges and responsibilities of parenthood, you will also experience the most beautiful moments, which deserve to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Think ahead of time how to immortalize these precious moments.
Choose a professional photographer for a photo session with the baby and for the christening day album.
Find a patient person to empathize with and capture your little one's every smile, keeping the memories alive and colorful.
We hope that this guide touches on all the essentials regarding the arrival of the new member of the family and will help you prepare as well as possible for the arrival of the little one!
