Are you about to enter the exciting world of parenthood? Congratulations! As a new parent, you’ll soon realize that there are endless baby gear options available, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s essential versus what’s just an added expense. Fear not! In this blog post, we will cover a comprehensive guide on what baby gear you really need. So sit back, relax, and let us help make your parenting journey a little bit easier.
As a new parent, the list of baby gear can seem daunting and overwhelming. From strollers to car seats to cribs, it feels like an endless array of products for your little one. But do you really need all of them? Are some items simply nice-to-haves, while others are essential must-haves? We’re here to break down what baby gear you really need, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying those precious first moments with your bundle of joy!
What baby gear do you need?
Are you ready to start parenting? There are so many things to think about and prepare for when you become a parent. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is what baby gear to buy.
Car seat
It’s important to make sure that you have correctly installed the car seat. It is also important to make sure that the car seat fits your child and fits in your vehicle.
To ensure proper installation, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure you read the manual completely before installing the car seat.
- Make sure you have an appropriate base for the car seat (this will not include in some models).
- Place the car seat so that there is no more than 1 inch between its shell and a rear-facing plane (usually this will be between 6-9 inches from where a rear axle would be).
Stroller
You need a stroller. It’s an essential baby item. It must be lightweight and easy to fold. It must have a canopy to protect your child from the sun and a sunshade. A reclining seat that can lie flat for naps on the go, and a footrest.
This is also one of those items where you’ll get what you pay for an inexpensive umbrella stroller won’t last long or have much storage space; a higher-end option will have all the bells and whistles but cost more than some people want to spend upfront. You can usually find deals on Craigslist or at garage sales!
Also read: A Comprehensive Guide To Different Types Of Baby Strollers: Which One Is The Best For You?
Infant bathtub
You can bathe and wash your baby in it. You can rinse your baby off with it, and you can give him or her a sponge bath with it, too. And sometimes, if you don’t have a tub, but rather only a sink and some towels to dry off on, you might actually use this thing as a tub! But do keep the water temperature down: there are lots of ways for babies to get burned—even when they’re covered up by bubbles!
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow is an invaluable tool for breastfeeding moms, providing support and comfort while you feed your baby. Nursing pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are more like traditional pregnancy pillows, while others resemble a cushion or bolster. You can also find soft, flexible nursing pillows that wrap around the waist to help adjust the angle of your body while you nurse.
There are many things to look for when choosing a nursing pillow:
- Is it comfortable? The best nursing pillows feel supportive but not stiff or hard under your arms and shoulders when you lean on them (this will be different for everyone).
- Does it have pockets? You’ll want somewhere to tuck away keys, phones, and other small items so they don’t get lost during feedings.
- Is it easy to clean? It’s important for both hygiene purposes as well as comfort during feedings if the fabric of your nursing pillow is machine washable or easily removable from its case so that it can be washed separately (you don’t want germs lingering on surfaces where they may be transferred back into baby’s mouth).
Also Read: Are Baby Travel Pillows Safe For Your Child
Bassinet
A bassinet is a small bed for a baby. It’s not a crib or cradle, so you won’t be able to transition your newborn into a regular bed until he or she is about 6 months old. Bassinets are used for newborns and infants up to about 6 months old, at which point they transition into cribs and sometimes even beds (depending on the size of their mattress).
Benefits: Bassinets are portable, so they can be moved around the house as needed without having to disassemble them first—which is great if you share your room with someone else who wants privacy at night! They also allow parents easy access to their little ones without having to climb over railings and other obstacles that may be in the way when using other kinds of furniture like dressers or changing tables.
Health and hygiene purchases
You’ll need a few items for your baby’s health and hygiene:
- Nail clippers. Even if you plan to take your baby to the nail salon every two weeks, it’s a good idea to have some nail clippers on hand so you can trim their nails whenever they get too long.
- A thermometer. You don’t want to wait until your child is sick with an illness before you realize something is wrong with their temperature. To avoid this, invest in a good digital thermometer that will alert you when there’s a change in temperature so that you can take action right away.
- Soap and shampoo. Babies are clean creatures by nature—they may not always look like they’ve been bathed after playing outside all day wearing nothing but dirty diapers—but they do get dirty! Make sure you’re giving your little one enough baths each week (at least once per week) and using soap or shampoo designed specifically for babies’ sensitive skin (such as Aveeno).
Burp rags
Burp rags are great for cleaning up spills and if you’re an old-fashioned type of person, they can also double as bibs. The best way to clean and store your burp rag is to let it air dry before folding it up in a drawer or plastic bag. You don’t want to put wet clothes in a damp place because mold will grow on them!
You’ll also want to wash your burp rag regularly so that you don’t end up with food particles stuck in the fibers when your baby spits up on it again. When you wash them, make sure they’re submerged under water and then air dry afterward so that they don’t get moldy (which may happen if left too long). You might want to disinfect them every once in a while too—this is especially important if your baby has any sort of digestive problems like colic or reflux since those types of conditions can spread germs quickly through their bodily fluids (such as spit-up).
When choosing which size burp rags are right for your needs, consider how much space you have available at home! If there’s not much room available then try finding thin ones which are easy enough to stack inside drawers without taking up too much space but still absorb plenty enough liquid from those ‘icky’ moments when our little ones need us most.
Nursing covers
Nursing covers are a great way to provide privacy for you and your baby while nursing. If you’re not sure if sitting in the corner of a restaurant or café with your skirt hiked up to expose your whole chest is something that would make you feel comfortable, then you should consider investing in one of these handy nursing covers.
The benefits of breastfeeding include stronger immunity and less risk of asthma and allergies later on down the road. It also helps babies sleep better, which is important because they’ll have trouble sleeping through the night when they’re older! A nursing cover will give you some peace of mind while still allowing enough light in so that you can see what’s happening with your little one.
There are lots of different kinds out there; some clip on or tie around your neck, and others fold up into little pockets for storing them easily when not in use (like an umbrella). The best ones are made from breathable fabric like cotton so that neither parent nor child gets too hot from being covered up together without air circulation between them
Baby blankets
If you’re looking for a soft and warm blanket, look no further than wool. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Merino wool blankets are especially comfortable because they have natural odor-resistant properties—this means less washing!
If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, cotton blankets may be the way to go. Cotton can sometimes irritate babies’ sensitive skin if they are exposed to it too often or if it’s very hot outside; however, cotton is still one of the most common materials used in baby blankets today because they’re easy to find at stores like Target and Walmart (and they’re affordable).
Nylon is another popular material that can sometimes irritate infants’ skin; however, nylon tends not to retain heat as well as other materials do so if you live in a hot climate this might be an option worth considering.
Crib
Crib blankets are a very common purchase for new parents, but they can be quite expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your baby’s first blanket, it’s important to consider how much use the blanket will get. For example, some parents opt for receiving blankets instead of crib blankets because they’re much smaller and easier to wash than their larger counterparts.
- Safety considerations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you put your baby to sleep on his back, placing him on a firm mattress in a crib without bumpers or other soft bedding. A convertible crib is an excellent choice for parents who plan to use it for more than one child. You can adjust it as your baby grows and may last through childhood.
- Size matters! You should choose the right size crib at purchase time so that your child has enough room to safely roll over and move around in his bed without hitting the sides or top railings of the crib. Many experts recommend choosing a convertible crib that can convert into a toddler bed when it’s time for your baby to transition from sleeping in his own room with you to sleeping alone in another room, but this might not work if you have multiple children (or if you’re planning ahead). If so, opt instead for an adjustable-size model by putting wheels on each side so that you can easily adjust its height as needed.
- A firm mattress! If possible, try out different mattresses before making any purchases; parents report finding these especially helpful when shopping online or buying secondhand items because they can’t physically test them beforehand (and there are many different brands available).
Bouncer
A bouncer is a baby seat that can be attached to a chair or table, which allows your little one to stay upright while you’re doing other things. It’s designed for younger babies who can sit up unassisted (typically around 2 months old), and it gives them a place to play with toys while staying out of the way in the kitchen or living room.
Bouncers come in all shapes and sizes, but they typically look like large circular seats with soft fabric (or sometimes mesh) on the bottom so that there are no sharp edges for baby to hit their heads against—they also usually have some sort of support underneath as well so that when you lean down to kiss your child, they don’t fall over backward because there isn’t any support behind them! Some bouncers also give off vibrations which may help calm down fussy babies.
Conclusion
The great thing about baby gear is that it is useable for years. Car seats are one of the most important things you’ll need as a parent, but they’re also some of the most expensive. If you’re planning on using your stroller with more than one child, there are models available in different sizes so everyone can ride comfortably! I hope this guide helped you to choose the right baby gear you need for your little one
FAQs about what baby gear you need
Q: Can I use the same car seat with different strollers?
A: Yes! If you have more than one child, it’s a good idea to have more than one car seat. You can save money by buying them when they’re on sale or using coupons, but it might be worth investing in a higher-quality model that will last longer and provide better protection.
Q: What are the best strollers for newborns?
A: While you can use a regular umbrella stroller from birth, there are some specific models with newborns in mind. These have wider bases that make it easier for your baby to lie flat and breathe comfortably, as well as recline positions so they can nap easily.
Q: What are the best strollers for twins?
A: If you’re expecting twins, you’ll need a double stroller. These come in many different styles and price points, so it’s worth doing some research to find one that fits your lifestyle. Some options include two individual seats or two seats that face each other, which means your children can sit next to each other but also interact with each other as they grow older.