What Are the First Things to Buy When Expecting a Baby?

Expecting a baby can be an exciting but nerve-racking experience. It can be daunting to think about everything you should be buying for your baby, especially if you are a first-time parent (or even if you aren’t). Luckily, there is an array of advice for new parents, including everything you should be buying for a newborn; sometimes, this can be overwhelming and confusing, so the first step is to consider the necessities. We’ve put together a list of the essential items you need for a newborn, including things they will require in their first few days. Crib One of the most important pieces of baby furniture is the crib; in the first few months, consider a Moses basket or a 3-sided crib, especially if you plan for your baby to sleep in your room. If you look for longevity, you can opt for a cot that lasts until around 3 years. Linens and Blankets In addition to the crib, you’ll need baby bed linens, including a fire-retardant mattress that fits the crib. Babies shouldn’t have pillows or fluffy comforters as these are hazardous but will need crib sheets and blankets. Nappies Whether you choose disposable or cloth nappies, you will need a vast amount as newborns use a large number of nappies in their first months. You should also invest in a changing mat, nappy bag and essential nappy changing items such as washcloths and nappy rash cream. Medication It is important to have some necessities, such as a baby thermometer at hand. Still, in general, the hospital will advise you on any extra medications or medical tools you may need. If they don’t, it is worth checking to be certain what their advice is. Clothes To begin with, the best clothes for newborns are onesies, and you should look to have around 6 of these. In addition to these, they will need a few blankets, a cardigan or jumper for colder days, a hat and socks and booties (4 pairs are enough). Depending on the season, different clothing may be required; for example, investing in more cardigans, jumpers, and warmer mittens, hats, and booties in winter may be advisable. Many new parents choose to purchase one-piece sleepers with zips as they are easier to take on and off. However, for the early days after birth, nightgowns are best until the cord falls off. Baby Tub Babies will need to be bathed, so purchasing a baby bathtub is important; you will also need some baby bath towels and washcloths alongside a baby soap, shampoo and brush. In addition to bath accessories, you may want to invest in some baby nail clippers and scissors to keep their nails trimmed. Bibs and other feeding necessities For feeding, you will need some bibs. In addition, if you are breastfeeding, you may need a breast pump and bottles. Similarly, if you are not, you will need a formula and a measuring cup. Car Seat You will need a baby, rear-facing car seat; you will probably be taking the baby home in this from the hospital, so it is essential. You can get some that snap into a stroller or pram.

What Type of Bed Should a Baby Sleep In?

New parents are often told to put their babies to sleep wherever they sleep best, but that isn’t good advice. There are safer places for your baby to sleep and places that may be riskier. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby should sleep: In a bassinet, cradle, or crib that is near her mother’s bed. On her back, not on her side or stomach. On a firm sleep surface, such as a firm crib mattress, covered by a well-fitted sheet. Without any soft objects (pillows and toys) or loose bedding (blankets and sheets) in her bassinet, cradle, or crib. You should also make sure that your baby doesn’t get overheated while she is sleeping.

How Do You Choose a Baby Bed?

Choosing the right mattress for your baby will optimise the chances of you both getting a good night’s sleep! The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a Moses basket, crib, cot or cot bed in your room for the first six months, and a safe mattress should fit their bed with no gaps. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing a mattress for your newborn baby… THE FIT OF THE MATTRESS Getting the right size and shape of mattress is essential so your baby cannot get their little limbs stuck around the sides. There should be no more than a 3cm gap around the edges or sides so that you can tuck your baby in comfortably, with any blankets no higher than around their shoulders. Many cots and cot beds are sold alongside mattresses designed specifically to fit the cot size. Some may have a sticker on the base recommending the right size. Your mattress will need to be at least 8 to 10cm deep to support your baby while he sleeps, although your crib mattress or mattress for your Moses basket will be thinner. Some companies will provide a made-to-measure baby mattress if you can’t find the size you are looking for. Make sure any mattress your purchase conforms to both BS 7177 1996 for flammability and Part 10 1997 for safety and performance. THE BREATHABILITY Ensure your mattress has good breathability to help your baby regulate their temperature because research has shown that overheating is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. A breathable mattress will allow any perspiration to wick away from your baby, so their mattresses stay dry. If asthma or allergies are a concern in your family, you may want to choose a hypo-allergenic or anti-allergenic cover for your mattress, which can be washed at 60 degrees to remove dust mites that may cause allergies.

When Should a Crib Be Purchased?

Cribs are often purchased while the mother is still pregnant. If they’re interested in a certain design or colour scheme, some may wait until just before the third trimester, when they know the gender. Parents are often encouraged to plan ahead, leaving time for the furniture’s delivery.

How Long Is a Crib Used For?

On average, cribs are used for the first 24 months of life. With that being said, the stage at which a child makes the transition to a toddler or twin bed varies greatly. One surefire way to tell when your little one is ready to move on is when they are noticeably too big for the crib and can climb out with minimal effort.

Local Community - my baby nursery.

Top 50 Baby Shops in Perth, Western Australia [2021]

Are you looking for the best baby shops in Perth? If you are from Perth, Western Australia, whether you are buying your first child’s cot or stocking up on nappies, then it is likely that at some point in your life, you will need baby products. There are many stores to choose from, but not […]

Top 50 Baby Shops in Perth, Western Australia [2021] Read More »

Top 50 Baby Shops in Hobart, Tasmania [2021]

Hobart is a beautiful city with many shops and restaurants, but what do you do when your child needs something for their new home? Whether it’s just a few items or an entire nursery set, there are plenty of places in Hobart that can help make this process easier. We have compiled some of our

Top 50 Baby Shops in Hobart, Tasmania [2021] Read More »

Top 50 Baby Shops in Brisbane, Queensland [2021]

Brisbane is a bustling city with plenty of amenities for babies and parents. So whether you’re looking for the best baby clothes or need some parenting tips, Brisbane has it all. We’ve compiled a list of the best baby shops in Brisbane, Queensland, that offer stylish and affordable products for new parents. To make it

Top 50 Baby Shops in Brisbane, Queensland [2021] Read More »

Top 50 Baby Shops in Adelaide, South Australia [2021]

At the end of a long day, it can be difficult to find time or energy to go out and buy all your baby’s supplies. That is why so many parents rely on online shopping! But where do you find these stores? These best baby shops in Adelaide are highly recommended by parents. They have

Top 50 Baby Shops in Adelaide, South Australia [2021] Read More »

Top 50 Baby Shops in Sydney, New South Wales [2021]

When it comes to buying the necessities for your baby, you want to know where you can find quality products at a reasonable price. You also want to find convenient stores and have items in stock so that you don’t have to wait days for delivery. This article is about finding the best places for

Top 50 Baby Shops in Sydney, New South Wales [2021] Read More »