You've read every pregnancy book you can get your hands on, but more than prepping your body up for baby, it's important to make sure that you prepare all the necessities for a newborn. Caring for a baby entails a lot of work and planning. If you have the essentials on hand, then you can focus on showering your newborn with love and attention. Here are 10 items that you might want to prioritize in your baby checklist.
1. Diapers
Whether you're using disposable diapers or
organic cloth nappies, this is one essential item that you would not
want to be caught without. On average, a baby will change about 10 to 12
times a day, so always have several of these on hand.
2. Baby Wipes
Make sure that you have unscented wipes
with no alcohol. This is very handy for quick clean-ups of diaper
accidents and spit-ups.
3. Baby Bottles
This is of course a must-have if you're
bottle feeding, but even breastfeeding moms consider these a lifesaver.
If you're pumping breastmilk, these bottles will allow daddy to take
part in the feeding.
4. Onesies and Receiving Blankets
Onesies are vital for
keeping your baby safe and warm and receiving blankets are great for
wrapping them in. Babies love being snug and swaddled.
5. Changing Pad
This could also be a changing table.
Diaper accidents are likely to occur often, and these changing pads will
save you from having to change your sheets and clean your mattress a
lot.
5. Cotton Swabs and Balls
These are perfect for gentle
cleaning of baby. You can use these to gently wipe off a spit-up or swab
in between those fingers and toes.
7. Nail Clippers
At some point, your baby will acquaint
nails with soft cheeks. To prevent scratches, keep your baby's nails
trimmed with these clippers.
8. Baby Carrier
You can use pouches, wraps, slings and
more. What's important is being able to keep your baby close to you and
still be able to use both hands.
9. Digital Baby Thermometer
Babies are also likely to
get sick, so instead of having to rush to your pediatrician each time,
have this on hand to accurately take your baby's temperature.
10. Crib or Bassinet
You will have to have a place where you can put baby down for sleeping or nap time.