So, you’re about to become a mom? Congratulations! Besides all the joys parenting will bring you, you have a lot of shopping ahead of you – perhaps even more than you think.
Now is the right time to start dealing with your mommy checklist, so you don’t have to worry about lacking the essentials when the baby arrives. Here is a comprehensive list of baby essentials people usually forget to tell you about.
1. Travel system
Sure, you can get a stroller, car seat and carrycot separately but you can also get all three of these fundamentals in a single buy. Travel systems are highly practical and will cover all of your baby’s needs when it comes to transportation.
2. Firm & flat crib mattress
As babies sleep up to 18 hours a day, choosing the right mattress is essential for their physical development. Soft mattresses can be dangerous for infants, so choose a firm and flat one. Also, make sure the mattress perfectly fit the crib size. When it comes to mattress pads, it wouldn’t hurt if you get three to four of them.
3. Breastfeeding essentials
Make you and yourself comfortable by getting a breastfeeding pillow, which comes in handy not only when you’re traveling but also in your daily routine. A high-quality breast pump is also not just useful but necessary. If you experience problems, maybe you’ll want to get a lactation massager as well.
4. Baby monitor
Let the tech work in your favor and help you with your baby’s safety. You’ll feel much more comfortable knowing that you and your baby are always connected, even when you are in the furthest room in your house.
5. Bouncy chair
This little thing can save your day when your little one doesn’t want to sleep. It is also convenient for daily routine and more comfortable than regular high chairs (which, by the way, you also need). Things get even better if you pick a rocking chair with hanging toys and rattles.
6. Lots of pacifiers
One or two won’t be enough. When your baby drops the fourth pacifier on the floor in the row, while you are super busy and really don’t have time to disinfect it, you’ll want to have a spare clean one. Get as many pacifiers as you can!
Besides an endless amount of diapers, make sure to get a diaper cream, baby powder and pH neutral baby wipes. You will also need a changing table or a changing pad you can use on other tables.
8. A multifunctional diaper bag
New moms usually find it difficult to juggle a diaper bag and their own bag or purse. The good news is that you can totally avoid this situation – you can easily find a stylish diaper bag with loads of separated pockets for your personal stuff.
A regular baby soap, a baby shampoo and universal cream are a must have. Baby oil should also be on your list. When purchasing baby toiletries, read the ingredients carefully to see if they contain any potentially harmful substances.
10. Soft towels
The towels you are using may not be suitable for baby’s skin. When it comes to baby towels, the rule is – the softer, the better. Now, besides regular soft towels, you can also find soft towel bathrobes, which can also make the after-bath time easier for both of you.
11. Lots of bibs
Babies love making a mess. When it comes to bibs, you will be washing them literally every day. That’s why having five or six of them is a good idea. Get at least enough of bibs to get you through a single day.
12. Hats/caps
With babies being very sensitive, it is important to take extra precautionary measures when you are going out. Get a couple of hats and caps to protect your baby from any weather conditions, be it the sun or the wind. Your baby’s ears should be covered outside so you could avoid an ear infection.
13. Pajamas
As babies sleep a lot, it’s important to change their sleeping clothes frequently. Believe it or not, having 6 to 8 baby pajamas is not too much – it’s virtually inevitable! The same goes for your baby’s undershirts.
14. Books
While waiting for a baby can be challenging in terms of organization, as you do have lots of prep to do, now you have much more time to read than you will when the baby arrives. An excellent book I have read when I was pregnant was What to expect when you are expecting. Use that time to read some more books on parenting and wait for your baby fully prepared. While you’re in the bookshop, you can also get your hands on some children’s books you will read to your baby before sleepy time.
How are your preparations going? How many items from the list have you already checked? If you have covered it all, lucky you – you are completely ready for motherhood. If you are only at the beginning – lucky you, you are about to embark on the cutest shopping adventure!
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