Best Basics for Baby

New parents are continually bombarded with marketing and lists of the things they will need for their new babies. Most of the items are unnecessary and a big waste of money. Here is a complete, practical list of what you absolutely need to have for your new addition.

You must have a car seat for your baby

Hospitals will not allow a baby to leave the hospital in a car without a safety seat. The best option for new babies is the infant car seat / carrier combination. This will give you a product that has more than one function and will be usable for several months. Never use a previously owned car seat unless you know that the car seat has never been involved in any accidents. Accidents can cause small fractures in the body of the car seat and render them less effective in any future accidents. You should also avoid using any car seat that is more than five years old because the plastic may begin to deteriorate, also rendering the car seat less effective in an accident.

You need some form of food for your baby

If you are breastfeeding, you will need to buy a cream to help prevent sore and cracked breast nipples. You do not absolutely need to have a special breastfeeding bra or breastfeeding shirts, though they are a nice luxury.

If you are not breastfeeding, you will need formula and bottles. Bottles can be washed and sanitized in the dishwasher. You need a minimum of three bottles, though six to ten would be better. Even if you plan to breastfeed, it is a good idea to have one or two bottles on hand.

You need clothes for your baby

Many lists indicate the need for a massive amount of clothes in various styles. The reality is that parents need far less than the lists lead new parents to believe. Babies generally require three outfits per day when they are little. Depending on how often you wish to do laundry, you can get by with a minimum of six outfits. The best outfits are the ones that snap across the diaper area and up the chest. These are easiest to get little babies in and out of. Infant gowns are also an ideal option because they allow babies to fully covered, yet still allows for diaper changing ease.

You will also need about three or four blankets. Receiving blankets are good choices because they are light weight. Your baby can be snuggled up without being overheated.

You need diapers and wipes

You do need something to cover that precious baby bottom. Diapers are available in disposable or cloth and come in a variety of sizes and costs. Most less expensive brands are just as good as those brands that are advertised to be better. You should have two or three packs of diapers when your baby comes home to avoid having to make a trip to the store for more diapers. If you plan to stock up on diapers before the baby is born, it is recommended that you buy multiple sizes. Babies grow pretty quickly, so stocking up on a smaller size could prove to be a waste of time.

Diaper wipes are not all created equal. Cheaper wipes tend to be thinner and may contain alcohol. The best option is to try a few different brands until you find the brand you prefer. Buying in bulk will definitely save you money. It is ideal to have two or three packs of diaper wipes when your baby comes home because this will be the one product that you use several times every day.

You need a bed for your baby

Your new baby needs somewhere to sleep. There are a variety of options for your baby’s bedding arrangements. You may opt for a bassinet, a crib, or co-sleeping. Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that beds do not have to be outrageously expensive in order to be functional.

You do not need baby toys

Toys are wonderful for children. Every child should have a selection of toys to play with and explore the world. However, new babies do not need any toys. Young children are not really equipped to play with toys. They do not have the proper physical abilities to fully appreciate the expensive toys that can be bought at the store. Even older babies can be entertained with regular household objects far more affectively than any commercially distributed toy. A collection of key rings (without any keys), a set of wooden spoons, or even a set of old gift cards can be very entertaining for a small child without breaking the bank.

Luxuries

There are many items on the market that make parenting easier. There are many more items on the market that are outright unnecessary and useless, marketed to make parents feel as if they can not possibly bring a new baby into the world without having that particular item in their home. Of the luxury items on the market, there are some that are worth the investment if your budget will allow.

The baby swing is one of the best luxury investments a new parent can make. Most babies can be comforted and lulled to sleep on even the most restless night with the gently swaying of a baby swing. For the sleep deprived parent, the swing can be an absolute life saver.

The rocking chair is another good luxury investment. Rocking babies to sleep is a time honored tradition. Rocking babies is also far better than walking the floor with a fussy baby.

The Boppy Pillow is wonderful for small babies. It provides a really nice place for babies to spend tummy time or to sleep in an elevated position. This is also a good option for breastfeeding moms to use to help hold the baby in place during feedings.