Newborn Essentials 2021: What You Need During the First 3 Months
Congratulations on your baby! It’s always exciting to prepare for your newborn’s arrival. Part of that is buying essential items to make your baby’s first 3 months of life safe and comfortable.
With so many items and options available today, choosing the best ones can be a daunting task. Don’t fret because we have the best newborn items that you can start with.
Factors to consider
Check for product recalls
Product recall happens all the time. It’s best to do a thorough research about the product you’re zeroing in on before taking the plunge. Regardless of how cute a product is, if it’s been recalled, that product is a big no-no.
New over old
Hand-me-downs will save you money, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always a good choice. Baby products undergo continuous testing for safety and functionality. A crib that was deemed safe years ago might not be the case right now. Aside from that, some baby products deteriorate over time. There might be some parts of it that can easily come loose.
Newborn starter pack
Car seat
Baby gears such as car seats should meet all safety specifications, one of which is passing a 30-mph crash test. It’s good practice to check your state’s law regarding car seats, too. You'll probably go through a few car seats, too. Transitioning from car seat to car seat is necessary as your child grows—from an infant car seat to a booster seat for toddlers.
Baby bassinet
The AAP recommends baby bassinets to keep babies safe during sleep. But not just any bassinet. The bassinet should meet the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This includes having a firm, well-fitted pad inside.
Make sure that the bassinet doesn’t have any toxic chemicals as this may affect babies’ sensitive skins. This is also the reason why most parents opt for organic Moses bassinets. Aside from being toxic-free, they’re easy to maintain and can be used for different purposes once your baby has outgrown them.
Feeding products
A couple of breastfeeding products such as a breast pump, breastfeeding pillow, and a nursing cover are necessary. You should have a few bottles, a cleaning brush, a bottle sterilizer, and the right baby formula if you’re opting for formula feeding. Don’t forget burp cloths, too. These are so helpful.
Bathing products
Newborns don’t require daily bathing. But that doesn’t mean that shouldn’t buy bathing products. You need something that’s designed to keep them safe when it comes to bath time.
A baby bathtub should have an anti-slip surface, be comfortable, and should be portable. An organic bath sponge, chemical-free bath wash, hooded towels, and a washcloth are important as well.
Clothes
This is usually the part where parents go all out. We can’t blame you! There are just too many ultra-cute varieties! You should stick to a couple of onesies, sleepers, socks, and hats...for the first few months, at least.
Diapers
When it comes to buying diapers (whether disposable or reusable), weight trumps age. Some newborns, for example, require larger diaper sizes. You should have a couple of packs on hand.
Other related items that you need are the following:
- Ultra-soft disposable wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Diaper changing station or a portable waterproof diaper pad
- Diaper bin
Conclusion
Though tempting (we get you!), it’s best not to go all out when buying baby products for the first few months. The most important thing is to stick to well-made products. Baby products should give you peace of mind; not add to your overwhelming concern about your baby’s needs.