Article
Baby essentials can grow into an enormous collection of ‘stuff’ if you don’t know the basics of what you’ll need. You’ll soon learn that becoming a new parent is an expensive business. Babies need an inordinate amount of paraphernalia! From cheap sterilizing fluid to a travel systems (one of the biggest investments you will make in the first year), life with a baby adds up. So what is essential, when it comes to baby purchases?
Baby essentials: the 3 basics
- Good quality night nappies/diapers. Even if you want to use inexpensive or eco friendly toweling nappy during the day, a good quality nappy/diaper at night time is essential. You will suffer many night wakings – some will be for good reason but waking for a cold wet baby is something that can be avoided. Limit unnecessary sleep disturbances, make sure that your baby’s nappy is really good quality.
- Dummy/Pacifier – There are more sensory receptors in your mouth and hand than anywhere else on your body. Which is why your little one calms so effectively by sucking. An orthodontic dummy is an essential baby basic.
- Swaddle – A basic swaddling blanket is an essential. Make sure its 100% cotton, stretchy to contain your baby’s little reflexes and preferably shaped or big enough to fold into a triangle.
Baby essentials: 3 items worth investing in
- Baby Carrier – Getting your baby from A to B, getting out for a nice walk and soothing an irritable tot are just three of the reasons you should buy a good quality carrier. From birth to the toddler years – this baby product will become part of your essential toolkit.
- Mobile – Your baby will love to lie under a mobile and in the early weeks, will just love the stimulation of watching the brightly coloured toys float above their head. Later on, they will reach for and grab and play with the items on the mobile. All this encourages your baby’s development as well as buys you a few minutes to make a cup of tea.
- Breast pump – Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily and a breast pump is a wonderful tool. If you are going back to work, a breast pump will help you pump and store sufficient milk for your baby’s feeds while you are away.
Baby essentials: tech-enabled parenting
Modern parenting relies on tech that makes life easier. There are e-services that deliver milk formulae, or baby monitors that can mean you can see your baby from your phone. One of the most essential tech for new parents is Parent Sense. It’s the all-in-one baby app that helps you track your baby’s sleep, feeds, weight, health, milestones and more. Download the app now and subscribe – it’s like having a baby expert on your phone where and when you need it!
