The Things You Really Need To Buy To Prepare For Your Baby's Arrival

Last updated by Katie M.

The arrival of a baby is an exciting time, however it can soon turn into a very cost worthy experience, especially for first time parents. If we haven't already been there and got the t-shirt, the idea of what a baby really needs can be fairly cloudy, which means we often fall into the trap and temptation of buying everything that catches our eye. In reality, babies only require a few essential bits and there's no need to go overboard or to feel guilty about not being able to provide a whole range of toys and strollers. Here's what's essential for welcoming your little angel.

What do you really need to wash, clothe, feed and get your newborn to sleep with? To help you get a clearer picture, amidst all the childcare accessories invented for our modern world, we have compiled a list of what is TRULY essential according to the following 3 pieces of criteria:

  • Items that can be reused in order to avoid continuous buying
  • Items that are compact/easy to handle in order to save on space
  • Items that fall under a reasonable price range (as far as possible)

The crib - Perfect for sweet dreams

If you don’t want to keep buying more beds as the months go by, a crib (that meets standard requirements) will be perfectly suitable for an infant - provided that the mattress is brand new, firm and tailored to the size of the bed (for this, opt for one that is the same make as the bed), complete with the right-size fitted sheets and that the baby sleeps in a sleeping bag. The sleeping bag would replace the blanket. Choose one that’s the right size! Not too big and not too small. If you are looking to buy one that lasts a long time, you should know that some fold away and are very compact.

Precautions to take into account

It is recommended that you sleep close to your baby for the first 6 months. When buying a brand-new bed, you are advised to take it out of the box 2 months before you first use it in order to get rid of any toxic substances that might be contained within the packaging. You can of course buy a second-hand one, but you should make sure it meets standard requirements and give it a thorough clean.

You might have heard of it

A co-sleeping bed? It’s very handy especially when you’re breastfeeding but can be used for more than 6 months. Be careful it doesn’t break your budget, though.

>>> My partner is experiencing a couvade

Baby-rocker and play mat

It could be a simple blanket or a big bedsheet draped over a mat to cushion it. The baby will then be safe on the floor. Just as it is important to change the baby’s position regularly, don’t be afraid to get a baby rocker. It will prove particularly useful for babies that suffer from reflux.

Going out with your baby

The stroller

You can purchase a second-hand one as long as you take care, checking once again whether it meets standard requirements and of course give it a bit of a clean. The buggy should be able to go into a complete horizontal position, which is essential for the first 3 to 6 months. It should also be able to position in such a way that the baby is facing the parents and not the road.

You may have heard of them:

  • At less than 300 dollars: the Compact Metro City stroller, Ergobaby up until the age of 4 years, 300 dollars + 130 dollars for the metro newborn kit, Weight of buggy: 6.3 kg
  • Cybex, Eezy S Twist: Up until the age of 3-4 years (clip-on with the branded car seat), 300 dollars, Weight of buggy: 8.3 kg

If you’re driving, this is what you'll need

Child car seat

Check to find a model that meets standard requirements and is compatible with your buggy. Watch out: Unless you are 100% confident in the person giving or selling you the child car seat, we would strongly advise against choosing a second-hand car seat, because even if you drive over slightly rough ground, the car seat might get damaged.

>>> You may also be interested in: Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave: How Do You Handle Leaving Your Baby? 

Dressing and washing your baby

Clothing

They may have to wait a bit for fashion week, but as soon as your baby is born, they should have a wardrobe filled with basics. It’s actually good to plan for a few size 0 outfits and pajamas. A fun outfit is allowed too, of course.

Smart advice

Opt for clothing that can be done up from the front. You will greatly appreciate this during difficult nights. Zips on pajamas might also save you precious time.

In terms of size, start planning for size 3 months, as the baby might need this quite soon. Your family and friends will definitely want to spoil the baby by giving them really cute tiny outfits that are hard to resist. But at first, baby will be very comfortable in pajamas and will grow very fast. Also, don’t be afraid, if you are asked, to put them into slightly over-sized clothing (1 year, 18 months, 2 years…)

baby

You will absolutely have to wait a bit before putting the baby in these clothes, but when the time comes, you’ll be happy to have them in the wardrobe and will be able to make use of them for a bit longer.

Should you wrap your baby up at first?

In summer, don’t over-cover them as baby may get dehydrated. They will be much more comfortable in clothing than in layers of blankets. In winter, in comparison to an adult’s clothing, it’s recommended you add another layer because the baby won’t move, or not very much, and so can’t keep themselves warm. Nevertheless, don’t wrap baby up too much.

>>> Find out how to deal with an overbearing mother in law

Bath time

It’s one of the most nerve-wracking steps for most parents, but it might reassure you to know that you don’t have to wash your baby every day. Every 2-3 days will suffice.

Is a specific type of bathtub required?

No, but… at first, if you have a classic bathtub you can wash baby by holding them in your arms, but you risk quickly hurting your back. You could, if it helps, purchase a baby bath that you can dip your baby into whilst you continue to hold them.

If you have a suitable sink that is quite deep, that might very well do the job. But be careful that the sides are not too cold. Otherwise, you could opt for small baby bathtubs for the first few months. When baby is bigger, you can use a bathtub reducer that divides up the space in the bath. Doing this can also reassure the child, who might feel a bit lost in a big bathtub.

The advantages

It’s environmentally friendly as less water is being used. You can wash two children of different ages, even if the eldest has been playing in the mud because the bathtub reducer will keep the water clean in the space allocated for the baby.

You may have heard:

With baby bathtubs, make sure there is space to drain the water away. The chair bathtub, more compact (6 months +, but also suitable for newborns if you hold them upright). If you really don’t have much space: consider getting fold-away bathtubs. Stokke’s Flexi Bath folds away very easily and can be taken anywhere. It could even be used as a little swimming pool in the summer.

Smart advice: remember to put a thermometer in the bath.

Changing table

The “Sofalange” changing mat is very handy as it can be put down anywhere and can even tilt. Depending on how much space you have, you could purchase an all-in-one; bathtub, changing table and storage.

Feeding your baby

It’s not you who’ll have the last word, it’s your baby who will choose their baby bottle and pacifier. Remember not to buy loads of duplicates. As soon as you identify the best one, get a set of 3-4 baby bottles, for outings, nannies etc…

Selection criteria:

  • Pacifier
  • Easy to clean
  • Material: plastic, glass or stainless steel
  • Price
  • Special bonus advice for parents: Fill your fridge and freezer shortly before the big day because afterwards you’ll have other things to think about 😊

Editor's opinion - Take the pressure off!

The baby’s safety and comfort are paramount! Don’t feel guilty about whether you’re doing enough, but remember that each baby is unique and what is really important to one mum might not be that important to you. Before buying more things to make your baby feel comfortable, wait to get to know your baby in order to see what they really need.

Whilst baby may just want to be in your arms and feel your love, you are also entitled to purchase accessories that reassure you and make your life easier. A huge baby monitor…why not? If that reassures you, then that’s ok! So now tell us, what has been essential to you, and in what circumstances? Share your experiences with us.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now!

#BornToBeMe


Liked this article? Then you may also like:

Article presented by Katie M.

Discover the world through my eyes.

Read our latest articles here:

Psychological Abuse: Identify It To Get Out Of It

A little belittling remark here, minimizing our emotions there... So many little things that show us that we’re being psychologically abused. It may seem trivial, but that’s the problem. We downplay it too much, which makes it the most common type of abuse. So, how do you identify psychological abuse? What should you do if you’re a victim? Let’s explain.

Behavioral Disorders: The List & Their Definitions

I suffer from an eating disorder, and several people around me have a mood disorder. I’m not completely unfamiliar with behavioral disorders, or at least not these. However, there are several types of disorders and they can even affect sexual behavior. So how do you define them? Here’s a list and some definitions related to behavioral disorders.

10 Reasons Why Your Ex Slept With Someone Else After Your Breakup

We are all unique individuals, and we, therefore, go about handling breakups and the other obstacles life throws our way, differently. Now, when it comes to breakups, there are those of us that almost become celibate and decide that they can't stand the idea of getting to know anyone ever again. Then, on the other hand, there are those that fill their phones with dating apps and jump from one one-night stand to the next. This second scenario may seem harmless, but once we dig a little deeper into the repercussions of it, we soon realize that sleeping with other people so freshly out of a relationship masks troubling sentiments of unhappiness and uneasiness.

I Constantly Need Recognition

Ever since I was a child, I’ve felt like I do things according to others. My choices and my behavior have long been dictated by the approval of others. As I’ve got older, I’ve learned to assert myself and detach myself from what others might think of my actions. Why do we constantly seek this validation, and how can we get rid of this need for recognition when it becomes toxic? Having been there myself, I’ll explain it all to you!

How To Camouflage Your Cellulite At The Beach

You were well on your way. You were holding on, motivated by the idea of finally having a bikini body this year. But then the lockdowns and the laziness all hit you at once... That’s right, your cellulite is still there and not ready to leave just yet. But guess what?! Cellulite is like a little pimple, either we own it, or we resort to using tricks to camouflage it.

I Never Thought I’d Say This, But I Hate Working From Home…

Work has always been a synonym of repression for me because it takes up so much of our precious time. Let’s be honest, a 9-5 job with a horrendous daily commute often means that work is sadly our sole occupation. So, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck over a year ago, and we were all ordered to stay home, I found it hard to hide my joy in front of my distraught coworkers; although thankfully my acting talents saved me. You can probably already tell, but going into the office every day was nothing less than torture for me. Yet, all these months later, I’ve realized that I despise working from home and would do anything to sit in my uncomfortable office chair once again!

Do We Always Need To Have The Last Word?

Today, I’m focussing on a habit that drives me crazy: wanting to have the last word. It’s probably because I’m not very good at comebacks or self-confident enough that I’m both fascinated and annoyed by people who always want to be right. But why do they always want to have the last word? What’s behind it?

I Still Suck My Thumb As An Adult

In general, thumb sucking ends around the age of 6. I say “in general” and not “normally”, because as an adult I don’t feel weird or particularly bothered by it. When I get stressed, I allow myself to let go and return to my childhood self by sucking my thumb. Those who know about it or catch me by surprise make me realize I should be ashamed… But is this habit a big deal? What if it makes me feel better? It’s certainly no worse than lighting up a cigarette or biting your nails…

Why Do Hugs And Physical Contact Make Me Feel Uncomfortable?

There are people who don’t like to be touched at all, and who are almost disgusted by physical contact. There are people who like to caress and be caressed for anything and everything, and there are people like me who always recoil when someone tries to touch them. Why do I shy away from physical contact? What if it’s all linked to the past?

10 Examples Of Text Messages A Narcissist Sends

Narcissists definitely move with the times, which is why many of them constantly troll dating sites for new victims. Chatting with a manipulator of this magnitude can be a rollercoaster experience, with dizzying heights that might lead you to believe you are in love, to gut-wrenching lows which will make you question your worth. For any raving narcissist, text message exchanges are a great way to reel in victims and follow through with their master plans for ultimate control over them. Are you texting someone you suspect to be a narcissist? The examples below could confirm your suspicions.

Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:19
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41


"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." 

- Oscar Wilde


How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack