Becoming a new parent is exciting yet overwhelming, and with so many baby products on the market it can be difficult to know what’s truly essential. To make your list a little bit simpler as you prepare for your new arrival, here are the Top 5 Must-Have items that all new parents should invest in.
A Reliable Car Seat
One of the first purchases a new parent needs is a reliable rear-facing car seat. You’ll need this to bring your baby home safely from the hospital and for any future travel. Look for a car seat that meets the current safety standards and is comfortable for your baby. You can also find car seats that can be converted as your child grows, which is a cost-effective option if you don’t want to keep replacing it every few months.
Having a car seat that’s simple to use will help you when you’re going on journeys with your baby, so practice using the seat before your newborn arrives. This will be helpful when your baby arrives, as you won’t have to use their first trip home from hospital as a time to understand how their car seat works. Opt for a seat with clear instructions and look for online tutorials if you need further help with installing it into your car.
Cosy Prams and Pushchairs
A sturdy pram or pushchair is another must have item you should have before your baby is born. Whether you’re taking them for walks around nature or you need to take them with you to navigate busy shops, a good pram or pushchair makes things a lot easier to navigate. Foldable models that have storage space for nappies, bottles and other essentials are great to use, and are much more convenient for carrying around other bits and pieces.
Durability is key, so make sure the pram or pushchair you use has good reviews and can handle different weather and surfaces. This can help to keep your baby safe and protected from all different weather types, especially rainy or snowy conditions. You can also buy prams that convert into car seats, which helps to tackle two must-have items on your list.
A Comfy Crib
Sleep is a priority for parents and babies, so a safe, comfy crib is essential. A standard crib with adjustable mattress heights ensures your baby can sleep soundly as they get used to being at home. When choosing a crib, look for one that meets safety standards and use a breathable mattress to ensure comfort. Use soft, fitted cotton sheets to create a cosy sleep environment, and leave the crib free from duvets, pillows, soft toys and anything else that can pose a risk to your baby when you’re not around or when you’re asleep.
Changing Essentials
Having the right tools can make nappy changes a lot easier, Stock up on nappies, wipes, cream and changing mats as well as a bag for all of these items so you can keep them organised for outings.
Invest in a changing table that allows you to store all of your spare items which will help you keep everything you need in one place, so you can access it quickly during nappy changes. If you’re changing your baby after a bath, keep towels or robes on hand to keep them warm and dry before putting them into a new outfit.
Baby Clothing
Having clothing options on hand for your growing baby is one of the most important parts of preparing for their arrival. Start with the basics like onesies, sleepsuits and socks, and then purchase clothing made for slightly older age groups so you don’t have to rush to the shops when their current clothing starts to get too small. Choose soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo that are gentle on sensitive skin, and use outfits that button or zip up that make nappy changing much quicker.
You also need to think of outerwear – hats and mittens keep your baby warm in cool temperatures, whilst sun hats are great for blocking out sun rays and keeping their face shaded during the spring and summer months.
These five items are the foundation of preparing for a baby to enter the family, and allow parents to be fully equipped for those first few months of adapting to having a newborn to look after. Hopefully these tips will be useful for you to follow when making plans for your new arrival.