Becoming a new parent is one of the most exciting things a mother will experience, but it can also be a quite stressful for a first time, soon-to-be Mum.
As your due date get closer, some women feel overwhelmed from trying to learn all about caring for a newborn.
Having all the newborn essentials that you'll need on hand before bringing your baby home will make the transition home much less stressful. Instead of a panicked last-minute run to the store, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you are well-prepared for the task at hand.
But what do you need to buy before bringing your baby home? This article will outline the newborn baby essentials you should stock up on to help alleviate some of the stresses when adjust to a new life as a Mum. You don't need to buy the world to get you started, as you get to know your baby better you can purchase more items that are suitable for your both.
Thermometre
You'll want to have a thermometer on hand to check your baby's temperature if he or she shows signs of sickness. Being able to check how severe a temperature is will bring you peace of mind and allow you to treat any illness that may arise quickly and effectively.
Hand Sanitiser and Antibacterial Wipes
Your newborn baby has a delicate immune system, so having supplies on hand to keep germs at bay is a must, especially when you are changing nappy after a poop.
You'll want to be sure you are staying sanitised to avoid spreading any illness you might encounter with your newborn. The sanitiser and wipes should not be used on your newborn. Be careful that they do not get in the baby's mouth.
Play Mat
Padded baby play mats are essential for new parents. They provide your new baby with a comfortable place and safe place on the floor to enjoy play time and in the coming months, tummy time. The padding in a play mat can also protect your child's head from hard flooring. Or of you have carpet, they protect it from milky spews and exploding poos.
Another great benefit is they give Mum and opportunity to put bub down and have her hands free for a moment. Play mats are also easily portable to give your baby a place to lay no matter where you are.
Play Mobiles and Toys
There are a lot of reasons to provide your child with toys, even as a newborn. Toys provide newborn babies with stimulation that is vital to their learning. They also help them gain motor control.
Play mobiles that can be placed on a play mat while a newborn in placed on their back intrigue and encourage babies to try and start moving those arms to reach and touch the toys.
As the weeks and months pass by, in addition to helping your baby discover his or her senses, teething toys are incredibly useful. They massage sore gums, provide entertainment and help your baby develop those finer motor skills.
Baby Skin Care Products
Your baby's skin will be very delicate and require special care for cleaning and preventing rashes. There are a few items you should have on hand in your baby's skin care range to clean and protect your newborn's skin.
Wash
You'll want to wash your baby a few times a week, but you don't want to use any-old soap on your newborn. You'll want to use a gentle soap made especially for delicate baby skin. Avoid soaps containing dyes and fragrances as they can irritate your baby's skin.
Moisturiser
A gentle moisturiser can be used on your baby's skin to keep it soft and hydrated. It can also help soothe dry and irritated skin. As with anything you apply to your newborn's skin, be sure to steer clear of artificial fragrances and dyes.
Nappy Balm
Because of their delicate skin, it is common for babies to develop rashes. Nappy rashes are no exception. When the nappy area is irritated, a nappy balm can be used to soothe your baby's skin.
Muslin Wraps or Cotton Wraps
Cotton or muslin wraps will be your best friend as a new parent. You'll want to have lots of them on hand at all times because they are so versatile.
They can be used to safely swaddle your baby for a good night's sleep. They can also offer privacy while you are breastfeeding. They can be used as an adhoc play mat in park, or a pram cover when a sleep is needed. A soft muslin or cotton wrap can keep your baby snug and asleep so you can get some rest, too.
Laundry Bucket for Soaking
Despite how cute babies are, they can make a mess. You'll need to be prepared to do a lot of laundry when you bring your bundle of joy home.
You should have a laundry bucket on hand to soak the baby's clothes. Pre-soaking the clothes in warm water with a touch of laundry sanitiser can kill a lot of germs and bacteria from poop that exploded out of the nappy.
If your baby has sensitive skin, you can also soak them after the wash to ensure there is no lingering detergent that can irritate your baby's precious skin. Here are some TIPS FOR WASHING BABY CLOTHES AND REMOVING STAINS
Baby Bassinet and Linen
You will want to provide your baby with a safe, comfortable place to sleep. A bassinet or cot is the safest place for your baby while he or she sleeps.
You should place the cot or bassinet in a place that you can easily access when your baby stirs at night, it is recommended for the first few months, that their cot or bassinet be in the same room as you at nighttime. Make sure that cot or bassinet has a firm mattress that fits properly in the space so that the baby cannot fall between the mattress and the walls of the cot.
You will also want to have plenty of sheets on hand as they will need to be washed often. You might like to buy a couple of waterproof protectors. Most babies have a habit of dribbling or milky spews. A light blanket tucked into the side of the mattress is ok. You want to make sure the blanket can not creep over the baby's face throughout the night. Young babies should never sleep with a pillow as they pose the danger of suffocation.
Baby Swaddles
The more your baby sleeps, the more you sleep. Swaddling your baby can make parents and babies happy and well-rested. It encourages your baby to sleep by wrapping them in a cuddly embrace.
Learning to swaddle a baby is not always easy and lots of little Houdini's who manage to unwrap themselves throughout the night. If you want to take the struggle out of swaddling, you should buy velcro baby swaddle wraps
Having some newborn swaddles on hand can make wrapping your baby a breeze.
Baby Change Table
It is not absolutely essential to have a designated baby changing table, but it can make changing diapers a lot more comfortable on your back. It is also convenient to have everything you need within arm's reach when you need it.
If you do opt for a changing table, make sure to choose one with raised sides and a harness to prevent your baby from falling.
Parenthood is a steep learning curve.
Becoming a new parent is an exciting time. Knowing what to expect before bringing your baby home can make the transition into parenthood much smoother but know this.... You will learn everyday about your baby and what's best for them and for you. There is no book or bible that tells you exactly what to do our what to expect. Parenthood is very a much 'learn on the job' role and it won't be easy, but you'll figure it out. It's in our a nature to do this.
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