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One of the most exciting aspects of having a new baby will be welcoming it home and into your family. But, even if you subscribe to the most pared down and simplistic of home making philosophies, there are some essentials you won’t be able to do without. Although your little one won’t care what baby equipment it has, life for you will be a lot easier if you have at least some of the basics organised.
What’s essential?
- Somewhere safe for the baby to sleep. It really comes down to personal preference whether you’ll want to use a bassinet for the first few months or a cot from birth. Both need a firm fitting, clean mattress which leaves no gaps at the ends or sides. Most babies graduate to a cot at around 3-4 months so cradles/cribs and bassinets are only a short term option. Some families have bassinets or cradles/cribs which have been passed down in the family and which every new baby has slept in. Keeping up family traditions is important though you’ll need to satisfy yourself that an older style bassinet or cradle/crib meets the current safety standards and will not pose a risk to your baby.
- You will need a range of cot linen, preferably made of cotton or natural fibers. Muslin or cotton wraps, bunny rugs, light weight blankets or cellular blankets are also essential.
- Most parents also have a nursery set up with their baby’s clothing, a change table and furniture specifically for the baby. If there is more than one child in your family they may share a room. Keeping a wardrobe or chest of drawers just for the baby’s clothing will mean it is easier to find things. Baby clothes don’t take up a lot of room, but you’ll be surprised what people give you and how much you accumulate.
- A pram is essential. Be prepared to do some research and really think about the one you want to invest in. A pram which can convert to a stroller is the type most parents buy. Any pram/stroller combination will need to last until your child is a toddler so look for one which has guarantees on its workmanship plus components and is sturdy. It's easy to be talked into buying one which looks beautiful, but is difficult to steer or doesn't have the child's comfort as a first priority. So consider your own height and strength, how easy it is to fold up, what the brakes are like, where you will store it at home and if you will be able to lift it easily and fit it into your car. Some prams are designed for the European market where snow and ice allowances are incorporated into their design. If you decide on a three wheeler pram/stroller make sure it has a wrist strap built into the handle.
- An approved car restraint.
- A baby sling, for all those times when you’ll have to have your hands free. There are many different designs, colors, options and varieties on the market so again, do your research and buy one which works for you. Make sure you choose a design which has secure straps and a washable fabric. A sling which is easy to do up and doesn’t need someone else to help you is also important. Backpacks are another option and a particular favorite for dads. Again, investigate the options and choose one which is durable and comfortable. Many of the outdoor and camping stores have a good range.
- A baby bath is useful, even if you have a big sink or bath. They are portable and user friendly. Besides, you’ll be amazed what you use it for when your baby has grown too big for it.
- A baby bag which is big enough to hold nappies, wipes and changes of clothes but not so big you’ll struggle to find anything. The design of baby bags has taken on a whole new dimension so have some fun and go shopping for one which looks stylish but will also hold what you need.
- A change table. Many parents adapt an old kitchen table and find this works fine. Make sure you do not have to strain your back bending over and the height is suitable. A soft change mat placed on the top will cushion and support your baby during change times.
- You will also need a comfortable feeding chair. You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting and cuddling, feeding and staring so a chair which supports your back and bottom is important. Rocking chairs look lovely but they can be hard to get out of and take up a lot of room.
- When your baby is around six months old, you will need a high chair. One with a broad base with in-built restraints and a firm fitting tray is important. Some baby equipment stores do “deals” when a lot of baby equipment is bought. Ask around for this and see if you can save some money.
When do I need to start getting organized?
If you’ve had a baby before, you’re likely to have the basics. Recycling baby equipment makes good sense and it rarely wears out or needs major overhauls if it’s been looked after. Other than a pram or stroller, most parents find they can use the same gear for all of their children. Unless of course, you have a lot of children, in which case you’ll need to replace items more often. Some families have a revolving stock of baby equipment, which does the circuit to different households. Just check everything is in order and working as it should be before you use it for your baby. We all have different ideas on what a reasonable condition is.
Many mothers prefer to wait until their second trimester before they start getting organized. Others rush out to the shops the minute a positive sign is on their pregnancy test, barely closing the toilet door on their way out. Either way, it pays to look into all the different brands and styles of baby equipment on offer.
Setting up the nursery
Safe sleeping recommendations are clear that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own cot, beside their parent’s bed for the first 6-12 months of life. Once your baby is old enough to go into a nursery or separate room, try to position the cot away from the window, preferably next to the change table and near the wardrobe. It’s never safe to leave a baby unattended on a change table, no matter how young they are. Being in arms reach of what you’re likely to need is important. Aim for some ventilation and light coming into the nursery. Babies tend to sleep better in cooler, darker environments but it’s also important to have some ambient light coming through the windows.
Blind cords, light or fan switches, doorways and shelves can all be very tempting for little fingers to explore. Position the cot on a free wall which is clear of any potential risks and hazards.
Place your baby’s toiletries all together in a basket or on shelves which will be handy for you, but out of your baby’s reach. Some wipes, cotton wool balls and buds, baby nail scissors, emollient cream, lotions, hand sanitizer and a bin close to the change table will all be needed.
Setting up the house
As your baby gets older and becomes increasingly mobile, you’ll need to think of minimizing the safety risks around your home. Get into the habit of locking away medications and household cleaners. Close doors to dangerous areas; get accustomed to scanning your home for potential hazards. This takes practice and if you can start good safety habits early, then they’ll be second nature to you by the time your baby is up and about. Check all your baby equipment is in good working order and if it isn’t get it fixed or replace it.
Feeding equipment
If you plan to breastfeed, you won’t really require any equipment, other than yourself of course. Good supportive maternity bras and breast pads will be enough. If you are going to formula feed you will need at least 6 bottles, screw on caps, teat covers, teats and a jug to warm the formula in. Be prepared with plenty of formula, it is not unusual to use a can a week.
Most parents use steam sterilizers currently, rather than a chemical soaking option. Steam sterilizers can be electric or placed in the microwave. A bottle brush and normal household detergent will be necessary to clean all feeding equipment before it is sterilized.
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The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.
