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Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is both exciting and daunting,
not to mention choosing which products you really need.
As a mum myself, I've been through this before.
So I thought I'd share my list of essential products you might find
helpful as you prepare to bring home your baby.
I'll focus on four areas, preparing for the hospital, at home in the
nursery, feeding, and on the go.
A couple of weeks before your due date, it's a good idea to pack your
hospital bag so you are all ready to go when the time comes.
Check with your doctor how many nights you expect to be in hospital.
And aside from the personal items and clothing you will need for yourself,
there are a few things you need to remember for your new baby,
weather-appropriate onesies plus an outfit for them to wear home from the
hospital, swaddles or receiving blankets to wrap them up in comfort
and security, a dummy--
babies have a strong sucking reflex, and a dummy can help soothe them--
burp cloths and a bib to help clean up any dribble, hats, socks, and mittens,
to keep them warm and help prevent them scratching themselves.
One of the most exciting aspects of preparing for your little one's
arrival is preparing their nursery.
But aside from the theme and the cute factors and obvious items, such as a
cot, there are a few practical items you will need.
Swaddling.
The outside world can be a scary place for a newborn.
Swaddling helps them feel safe and secure just like in the womb.
Having a couple of good swaddling blankets is a worthwhile investment.
Clothes.
New babies don't need much, but they will go through a few changes a day,
so having 10 to 12 outfits will help you manage your laundry pile.
Nappies.
A changing station provides a safe place to change your baby's nappy as
well as store those essential baby wipes.
For your home supply of nappies, it's a good idea to have a couple of packs
of the new baby size and, since babies grow so quickly, having one pack of
the next size up ensures you are ready when the time comes to move up.
Wipes.
I like wipes that are gentle on their skin, for nappy changes and to help
clean up little messes.
A quality thermometer.
It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with fever temperatures.
Bath time.
You'll want two to three flannels and baby towels.
Once you move beyond the sponge bath stage, you may also want to consider a
baby tub or bath mat to keep them secure during bathing.
Outside of the nursery, you will need a safe place to sit your baby, such as
a bouncy seat or swing.
I also recommend one or two soft toys in high contrasting colors
to catch their eye.
We also had a little baby gym to entertain during tummy time.
For the first few months, you will feed your newborn every two to four
hours around the clock.
So I highly recommend having a feeding pillow to help ease the stress on your
back and make feeding more comfortable for both of you.
Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle feed, you may want to have a
supply of bottles and nipples and, perhaps, some high-quality formula.
Bibs and burp cloths are helpful, too, because your baby will spit up.
I recommend having 10 to 12 burp cloths so you always
have a clean one handy.
Even though your life is going to change, you probably don't plan to be
at home 24 hours a day.
So the first thing you will need for a baby on the go is a changing bag.
Make sure it is easy to clean, with plenty of room and pockets.
Aside from the obvious nappies and wipes, I also recommend stocking your
changing bag with a spare change of clothes for baby, a clean burp cloth
and bib, a dummy, and a few toys.
To complete your on the go items, you will also need a
car seat and a stroller.
Make sure the car seat is installed and checked by a professional before
you head to the hospital so you are ready to bring your new baby home.
For the stroller, consider how easy it is to fold and unfold.
If you can do this with one hand, that is ideal.
There are also baby slings that hold your little one close to you, while
giving you and your hands the freedom to move about.
Remember to wash all of the fabrics that your new baby will come into
contact with before they come home.
If you are concerned about sensitive skin, try washing with Fairy Non Bio.
And most of all, get ready to enjoy the new addition to your family.
Visit Pampers YouTube Channel for more parenting tips.
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