Dear mom... Now that your baby has arrived, you're probably thinking about everything you need to buy him. If the moment of the meeting has not yet come, the emotions are all the greater and you seem to feel the need to buy everything you hear from relatives or friends.
We know that it can be overwhelming and that you think that maybe you need a lot more things, but before spending money on things that may be useless, we want to present you a list of essential, optional and things that don't matter at all.
Essential products for a newborn
In this category we have included the products that are necessary in the first months of your baby's life. However, do not buy large quantities at first, before testing which ones are best for your chicken. For example, a baby likes a certain brand of diapers, while it could irritate your baby. It is best to test and then buy!
Products for feeding the baby
The first things you will need after you arrive home with your chicken are those necessary to feed it. Regardless of whether it will be a breastfed, formula-fed baby or whether it will be fed both breast milk and formula, you will need some items that will help you.
- Breast pump: essential for mothers who want to breastfeed, especially in the first weeks. It is useful both to stimulate lactation and to prevent complications such as engorgement of the breasts. This can be manual or electric and is ideal for efficient and comfortable milk collection.
- Bottles: they are very important even for mothers who feed their babies with breast milk, for the occasions when they want to rest or are not at home and someone else is feeding the baby. They must be resistant and do not contain BPA. The various shapes and sizes are adapted to the different feeding needs of each child.
- Teats: made of silicone or latex, attach to baby bottles and have different levels of flow. Some teats can be anti-colic or even anti-reflux.
- Bags for freezing milk: they are effective solutions for long-term preservation of breast milk. They are hermetically sealed, sterile and graded, offering a hygienic and practical method of storage in the freezer.
- The sterilizer for baby bottles: ensures deep cleaning and removes bacteria. Such a device is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for the baby's feeding accessories.
- Pacifier: helps calm babies between meals or before sleep. According to some studies, it can also be useful in the case of preventing sudden infant death syndrome.
Hygiene and care products
When it comes to hygiene and baby care, parents are overwhelmed by how many options there are. However, it is good not to buy a lot of products and not in very large quantities until you see exactly what suits your baby. Here's what you'll need!
- Diapers: available in disposable or reusable versions, they ensure efficient absorption and are adapted for different stages of the child's growth. It is important to choose the diaper that best suits your child.
- Wet wipes: choose water-based wipes, which clean effectively and are ideal for changing diapers or for baby's hands and face.
- Bath tub: it is essential for the safety and comfort of the baby. Many bathtubs are also equipped with an integrated thermometer, ensuring a perfect water temperature.
- Reamers: these protect the sleeping surface against various fluids.. Waterproof, they are of great help in maintaining the hygiene of the bed or the changing table.
- Ear sticks: they are specially designed with a safety stop to prevent too deep insertion. Their use must be prudent to avoid delicate damage to the baby's auditory canal.
- Sterile compresses: they are mainly used to clean babies' faces, eyes and even the tongue, if it is loaded (a phenomenon that happens often).
- Physiological serum: it is a must-have in the care of babies, being used to clean the nose and eyes. It helps to keep the airways open and to eliminate secretions without irritating the baby's sensitive mucous membranes.
- Shampoo and shower gel: These products are formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin and hair. Gently cleans, without causing tears or irritation, leaving the skin and hair soft.
- Moisturizing cream for babies: protects the delicate skin, preventing dryness. The hypoallergenic formulas are ideal for daily use, helping to maintain the skin's natural protective barrier.
- Massage oil: offers numerous benefits, such as relaxation and improved circulation. It also moisturizes and soothes the baby's skin.
- Diaper rash cream: soothes and protects irritated skin, forming a protective barrier against moisture. Ingredients such as zinc oxide and vitamin E help repair and regenerate sensitive skin.
- Scissors for babies: it has rounded tips for the safety of the little one. Ideal for cutting small and delicate nails, it prevents accidental scratches and is an essential tool in the care kit.
- Detergent for babies: it is specially designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, but effective in removing stains and dirt from children's clothes. Baby detergents are often hypoallergenic and without strong fragrances, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Medicines and necessities for emergencies
It is not good to administer medicines to the baby without a doctor's approval, but there are some that you will need at home and that even the pediatrician can recommend, explaining when and how to administer them.
- Medicine for reducing fever: it is specially formulated to reduce fever and relieve discomfort. They usually contain paracetamol or ibuprofen in doses adapted to the child's age. It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions and to consult a doctor before use to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
- Vitamin D: is essential for the healthy development of bones and teeth in babies and small children, contributing to the optimal functioning of the immune system. Because babies can have difficulty getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, supplements are often recommended by pediatricians to prevent deficiencies.
- Anti-colic medication: These types of medication are designed to help manage and relieve colic in newborns, a common cause of discomfort and excessive crying. They may contain ingredients that favor the elimination of gas or relax the smooth muscles of the intestine, thus providing relief to the baby.
- Thermometer: regardless of whether it is digital or infrared for the forehead and ear, it is good to have a thermometer at home to monitor the health of the child, especially in case of illness.
clothes
When it comes to preparing for the arrival of a newborn at home, choosing the right clothes can be complicated, considering how many options you have. In the first weeks and months of life, a baby needs clothes that provide warmth, comfort and accessibility for frequent diaper changes.
- Body: this can be with long or short sleeves, depending on the season. Ideally, choose bodysuits that close with staples to be easy to take off and put on. Bodysuits are often made of soft cotton, a material that is gentle on the sensitive skin of newborns.
- Jumpsuits and pajamas : they are an essential part of a baby's wardrobe. They completely cover the legs and feet, ensuring that the baby will not be cold. Many of these items have clips on the front or back, facilitating quick and easy access to the diaper without having to completely undress the baby.
- The hats: protect the newborn's head, which loses heat much faster than an adult, and the gloves prevent accidental scratches on the face, considering that babies can hardly control their hand movements.
- Additional layers: jackets or sleeping bags, which provide protection against the cold without overheating the baby. The materials must be breathable to avoid excessive sweating and to maintain the body temperature at a comfortable level.
- For warmer days: hats and swimsuits with UV protection are recommended to protect the baby's delicate skin from the sun's rays. It should be mentioned that babies should not be exposed to the sun until the age of 6 months.
Furniture and others
Regardless of whether the baby will have his own room when he gets home or if he will stay in the parents' room, he will need certain pieces of furniture and other essential things.
- Cot and mattress: the cot provides a safe space for the baby to sleep, and a suitable mattress supports the correct development of the spine. Make sure the dimensions are compatible for maximum safety.
- Mattress protectors : waterproof mattress protectors keep the surface dry and clean, protecting it against accidents and allergens.
- Bed linen: must be made of hypoallergenic cotton and provide a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment, essential for the baby's sensitive skin.
- Blankets: soft and comfortable blankets are essential to keep the baby comfortable, being useful both at home and on the go.
- Protection for the cot: protections for the bars of the cot prevent accidents, protecting the baby from hitting its head or catching its hands or feet.
- Changing table or chest of drawers: a changing table or a chest of drawers with space for changing diapers facilitates the daily care of the baby, while also providing storage space for the necessary accessories.
- Stroller : choose a light, safe and adaptable model for different types of terrain for carefree walks.
- Car seat: it is essential for the safe transport of the baby in the car, guaranteeing protection and comfort during journeys, according to car safety rules for children.
Features
In the optional category, we have included some objects that can help the comfort of the baby and the parents, but which can be replaced by other things already existing in the house. There are no products without which it would not be possible to take care of a baby, so it is up to you whether you will buy them.
- Carrying system: you must choose an ergonomic one, which helps to distribute the weight of the baby evenly, providing comfort for both the child and the parent.
- Anti-colic pillow: it is designed to help reduce the discomfort caused by colic by supporting the baby's position during and after breastfeeding, facilitating the elimination of gases.
- Carousel and night light: the carousel visually and auditorily stimulates the baby, helping him to fall asleep more easily, while the night light offers a soft light that does not disturb the child's sleep, but ensures visibility during the night.
- Bath thermometer: helps you make sure that the bath water has the appropriate temperature for the comfort and safety of the baby, thus preventing the risk of burns or the risk of the water being too cold, but you can check the water by hand. The water must be at body temperature.
- Humidifier: maintains the optimal level of humidity in the baby's room, preventing drying of the skin and respiratory tract, which is beneficial, especially in the winter or summer months, but check the humidity before buying.
- Baby nest: offers a safe and comfortable space for rest and play, recreating the feeling of safety and comfort similar to that in the womb, ideal for use in bed, on the sofa or on the floor.
It doesn't matter
In the last category I included objects that were not generally used by parents and that are often seen as "fads".
- Noisy toys: although noisy toys stimulate babies' hearing and attention, contributing to early cognitive development, in the first months of life they are not so recommended.
- Electric rocker: many models include functions such as vibrations, songs and attached toys to entertain and calm the child, but it is that object that you will only use for a few minutes a day, not justifying the investment.
- Baby scales: just like in the case of adults, weighing babies is not recommended to be done every day or even after every meal, unless there is a clear indication from the pediatrician, in the short term. Thus, it is not necessary to buy a scale.
- Bin for dirty diapers: they can quickly become an environment where bacteria can grow unchecked. It is best to throw soiled diapers in the normal trash can and throw away the trash daily.
- Nasal aspirator: although many parents say it is useful, it is not recommended by doctors. It is enough to clean the baby's nose with physiological serum.
We hope this list helps you buy only what is necessary for your baby!
