What to Buy for a Newborn
Shopping for a newborn baby is very exciting but can get overwhelming too. Some parents end up spending more than they need, on baby supplies. When shopping for your firstborn, make a checklist of basic items to buy for your baby.
1. Clothing
You will need to buy some items that your baby will need at the hospital. Get an undershirt, an infant outfit, diapers and safety pins.
When buying newborn clothing, remember that it won’t be worn by your baby for more than a few weeks. Babies grow quickly in the first few months, so they will outgrow the clothes you are buying. Get some pieces in newborn sizes. You can buy more later on if you need them.
Basic clothing to get for your newborn is body suits, socks and sleepers. Get long-sleeved, hand short-sleeved. Get some swaddling blankets too.
Since you won’t be traveling much with your baby in the first few months, do not buy much of shoes, mittens or hats. Instead go for swaddling blankets.
2. Bathing
Get a large plastic bowl for bathing the baby. Keep some large soft towels reserved for your baby to dry him after bath. Baby shampoo, baby soap and washcloth, are some other essentials. For the first two weeks, it is recommended to sponge bath your baby.
3. Transport
You need a baby car seat, so you can carry your child in a safe and comfortable manner. Try some baby car seats first before buying one since all baby car seats won’t fit in your car.
You will also need a stroller to take your child on a walk outside. A baby backpack is also helpful when you want to carry your baby, while keeping your hands free. You will also need to get a diaper bag so you can change your baby’s diapers as and when you need them.
4. Diaper bag
Get lots of diapers for your baby. Parents suggest that you will need 10 to 12 diapers daily. Depending on your needs and ease, you can go with low-cost diapers or disposables.
Pick a small-sized diaper bag since it is easier to carry around. The diaper bag should carry more than just diapers. Shu, co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn, recommends new parents to keep baby wipes, towels/wipes and diaper cream in the bag. You should also keep some extra clothing. Keep a hand sanitizer, a plastic grocery bag for discarding diapers and a baby pain reliever.