Must Haves For First Time Parents

If you are first-time parents, and you feel overwhelmed and anxious about all the things you are told to buy, it is time to chill and read this guide. Even if you still do not know the baby’s sex or do not want to know at all, it will not really make a difference when buying baby essentials because you can always go for neutral colors to be on the safe side, and not be forced to go shopping again. It is also more practical for your family because you they will be hand-me-downs for your next child.

Let’s not get distracted with your plans regarding having another child, and focus on your first child. Everyone knows the basic and essential baby needs such as diapers, a car seat, a baby stroller, and a crib. However, the smaller items are the ones that can fall under your radar and will catch you by surprise the day your baby arrives. 

We got you covered with all these necessary details and all the must-have items you need that will make your parenting experience easy and enjoyable:

Sleeping Must-Haves: 

A sleep-deprived baby is going to be a cranky sad baby; always stick to a routine at night and those gadgets to help you along the way.

• Baby Monitor

Baby monitors are a real must-have, no matter what other parents will say. Pick a long range baby monitor as it is the key feature you will need seeing as it helps you move freely around the house when your baby sleeps. There are models with built-in cameras, which are extremely helpful for those who constantly needs some peace of mind. Other added features are room temperature, baby lullabies, and two-way communication. Some may deem it unnecessary, but you’ll be surprised how these can actually come in handy.

• Swaddling Blanket

Babies love to be swaddled; it keeps them comfortable while sleeping and saves the parents their sanity. Wrapping your baby in a swaddle will help with self-soothing while being reminded of the womb feeling, and they will sleep faster and better. But careful not to get a thick blanket; it needs to be light because it is too bulky and warm, your baby won’t get to sleep and will wake up screaming.

• White Noise Machine 

Parents usually try to make their baby’s room with super silent, thinking it will help them sleep, whereas the womb they have been in for almost a year is actually a very loud place. Parents who tried white noise swear it was the best thing for the baby to soothe-themselves and sleep. Buy a white noise machine or look for applications that will help.

Nursing Must-Haves: 

Whether you will breastfeed or not, these are the essentials you need:

• Feed tracking app

Starting breastfeeding is stressful on the baby and the mother, from latching correctly, to doubting if the baby was fed enough. Since babies feed a lot in their first 12 weeks, it is advised that mothers keep track of those feeding times. What easier way to track their feeds than on a mobile application? They are designed to support mothers in those stressful timings, and the application will help track the baby’s feeding time and duration, sleeping patterns, doctor’s appointments, vaccination schedules, and growth charts.

• Nursing pillow

Your baby will be fed every 1-3 hours in the first couple of months; a nursing pillow will keep him comfortable while nursing and will support you too. Lactation consultants will always advise you to buy one and adjust your seating in a straight position for better latches. Some brands designed them with dual-functionality as a nursing pillow and a pregnancy pillow used by mothers to support their bellies while sleeping. However, be sure to stay away from pillows made of polyurethane foam as they are flammable.

• Bottle Warmer

It is the best helping hand, you will get, especially during late night feedings. You wait by carrying your baby and soothing him/her, and this warmer will adjust the milk temperature just right. You can use it for pumping breast milk or ready-made formulas. 

• Breast Milk Pump

If you’re planning to nurse, then you need to invest in a good pump, especially if you will go back to work or you have an active life and are always on the go. Look for a durable and portable breast-pumps. It also comes in need if your milk supply is low; pumping for 5-10 minutes a day when there is no milk will increase milk supply.

Baby Health Kit Must-Haves:

You might think you don’t need these items, but they’ll surely come in handy! 

• Thermometer

Get the best digital thermometer for your baby. There are three types: the ear, mouth, and forehead. Keep in the house 2 thermometers at all times, just in case one is lost or is not working because a baby’s temperature are very important to follow up on.

• Baby nail clippers

You wouldn’t believe how fast baby nails grow, and you need to trim them as soon as you can because babies tend to scratch their faces unintentionally. So, always trim those baby nails using a baby nail clipper or a baby nail scissors, whichever suits you best with those tiny nails, and always put on some mittens.

• Rash Cream

Don’t confuse rash creams with diaper creams. Diaper creams prevent any diaper rash, yet rash creams – suggested by the doctor – will help our baby recover from a diaper rash that babies may encounter in the first couple of weeks. Ask your doctor and always keep it around for when you see a rash, and you can apply it immediately.

Baby Entertainment Must-Haves:  

Yes, even babies that young need to get entertained. 

• Bouncy Chair

Most babies will get fussy all the time, and you would not know what else you can do for them after a relaxing shower, a good nap, and a full meal. Bouncy chairs or baby swings have music; their motion will relax your baby and give you some time off to cook a meal or just relax. Some parents use them for feeding time too. 

Experienced parents will always have controversial opinions about what is necessary for the baby and what has no value. Yet, it solely depends on their experience and lifestyle, so pick what you think will fit you more after reading the reviews and discussing it with your partner.