Congratulations on your upcoming baby. Are you starting to feel the pressure of getting ready for your new baby? Busily checking to make sure you have all the right things in place. What are the essential things you need when you have a new baby?
The good news, there are really very few essential things you need when you have a new baby. One thing you cannot ignore, or your baby will be stuck at the hospital, is a car seat. Almost every location now requires you have a proper car seat to transport your baby. Many hospitals will not allow you to take the baby out of the hospital until you show them your car seat. Make sure to select a car seat designed for infants. Check the installation instructions very carefully, and make sure you mount the base in your car properly. Many times the hospital or your local fire department have staff who will check the installation for you.
Another essential item is a place for your baby to sleep. Are you going to start with a bassinet or a baby crib? If you were considering just having the baby sleep in your bed, you should quickly eliminate the idea. Your infant is very tiny, and is at risk of suffocation if a blanket would accidentally be pulled over their face. It is much safer to have them in their own bed.
You would believe our next essential is one which any expectant mother or father would never forget, but you would be surprised. You must have diapers, and plenty of them. Even if the baby is a couple months away, go ahead and get a bag or two of newborn diapers to have them ready. If you are planning to use cloth diapers, make sure you have them purchased, cleaned, and ready to go. You never know when your baby is going to arrive. It could be 37 weeks, or it could be 42 weeks. You need to be ready.
Mom, one of the most essential parts of your nursery and your baby’s happiness is you. You probably are worried about all the little clothes you want for the baby. You are concerned with baby bath soap, lotions, powders, and all those little items. One of the most essential things your baby needs is an easy time eating. Now is the time to buy a couple nursing bras for yourself if you plan to breastfeed. Make sure to pick up a box of pads for your bra, also. Being able to quickly and easily prepare to feed your baby will be important to both of you.
Did you get a bunch of cute little quilts and baby blankets at a shower? They are nice, but they are not essential. What is essential is swaddling blankets. You need to be able to wrap your baby up snugly to keep them warm, and to comfort them. You can get the simple square blankets, or your can choose a blanket with Velcro to secure the blanket around your baby.
Maybe this item is not essential, but try to convince yourself it is not in a few weeks. You want a rocking chair. You need a rocking chair. The nights and days can become very long if you are walking, standing, and bouncing a fussy baby. When you can relax in a rocking chair it becomes much easier. As you relax and let the tension flow out of your body, your baby will calm down, too.
This short list may not cover all the essential things you need when you have a new baby, but it should get you started on the right path. These upcoming days are going to be filled with joy and love. Remember, the most essential thing is your loving arms, and you have those already prepared.