Baby Essentials That You Need!

I know you’re filled with anticipation for that baby to come along soon enough. Meanwhile, time is passing by and you still need to get everything prepared for when your little princess or prince comes to join the family.  

Although it’s exciting, it can also be overwhelming trying to prepare for your baby. Here are the 5 things that make up the ultimate guide for the most used baby gear that you need!

 

Car Seat 

A car seat is one of the most important things you’ll need as a parent-- especially when it comes to carrying out your plans of going on an adventure with your little baby boy or girl. It is also extremely important for your baby’s safety to have a specially catered seat. 

If your baby is correctly strapped and protected in a car seat, his or her risk of dying in a car accident goes down by 71%. Therefore, choosing the right kind of car seat for you and your baby is absolutely vital. There are two kinds of car seats for your baby, infant or convertible. 

An infant car seat is specifically made for younger babies. They always face the rear side of the car and can be used from the very beginning, until your baby reaches the maximum height and weight limit of the car seat (which can range from 22-35 pounds). Your baby normally grows out of an infant car seat after they turn one years old. 

A convertible car seat is more of an all-in-one car seat since it can be used for your newborn, all the way up to when they are toddlers. They are designed to be rear-facing and then converted to forward-facing use. That’s right, that means you get to use a single car seat throughout the years which is the more affordable and convenient option.

No matter which direction you decide to go in, here are some things you should look for when buying a car seat:

• Make sure it fits in your car comfortably. 
• Take a look at the installation instructions so you know how easy or difficult it would be to install and remove the car seat. 
• Pay attention to safety indicators; some car seats include additional shock absorptions, padding, and higher quality materials . 
• Look at the material and fabric to make sure it caters to your taste and preference when it comes to washing and maintaining the car seat.

Baby Carrier 

This is something that all soon-to-be mothers and fathers look forward to. Walking around the mall or grocery store with your adorable baby dangling right in front of your eyes. There’s nothing better than keeping your baby close to you, making him or her feel secure and snuggled up close to you. 

This may seem like a luxury but in fact, it is considered a necessity because of its benefits: 

• Your arms and hands are going to be quite out of practice, so you’ll want to ease into holding your baby 24/7. 
• You’ll also have other tasks to do throughout your day, and it's a great way to be productive while still keeping your baby close to you. 
• Physical contact is extremely important for you and your baby, so having this close bond will improve your relationship with your baby and make adulthood an enjoyable experience. 
• Because of its convenience, you can avoid using strollers when you’re on a walk or on public transit.

You may want to consider which carrier is most comfortable for you. A sling or wrap style is very effective at keeping your newborn close. It is a rectangular piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself, and mimics the feel of a womb. You may need to watch a tutorial or two to get a hang of it, but it is an easy one-size-fits-all that can adjust to all bodies. 

 

First-Aid Kit

Having a first-aid kit specifically created for your baby is a good idea in case of an emergency. Although we all hope you won’t ever need to use everything in the kit, it's important to keep it handy.  

There’s comfort in knowing that everything you will ever need for your baby belongs in one place! You can buy your very own or make one too. 

Here are some things you should always have inside your very own baby first-aid kit:

• Nail clippers help to deal with those tiny-- but sharp baby nails. It is important to keep your baby’s nails short so that you can avoid any injury to their finger or nail. 
• A thermometer is always a good idea for those situations where you need to check your baby’s temperature on the go. It’s an effective way to detect a fever before the symptoms get too bad. 
• Baby toothbrushes will come into play once your baby grows out those pearly whites! 
• Baby brush to brush out those nasty knots and tame your baby’s hair due. 
• Body lotion is essential when it comes to keeping your baby smelling and feeling fresh. This is good for when the climate outside doesn’t quite give the moisture your baby needs.

You probably don’t realize the importance of a baby first-aid kit but let’s not find out when it’s too late! It's always better to think ahead and be prepared. 

 

Diaper Bag

Diapers are a must!!! This is something that you’re gonna need-- and a lot of. Whether you choose to stick with cloth diapers or disposable diapers, you’re gonna be faced with a lot of different options. 

Get ready to absorb some basics on the two diaper categories! Cloth and disposable diapers.  

There are many different types of cloth diapers: flats, prefolds, fitteds, pockets, contours, hybrids, all-in-ones. Even though it is less expensive, take into account that you will have to dedicate more time to cleaning and sanitizing your cloth diapers. 

You may not know where to start with cloth diapering, but it’s easier than you think. Cloth diapers will cost more upfront, but less over time. In fact, it would cost about a third of the cost of disposable diapers. Some parents prefer cloth diapers not only because of the lower cost, but also because of its eco-friendly aspect. 

Disposable diapers on the other hand, cost more over time since you’re constantly buying new ones for your baby. There is no doubt that disposable diapers are more convenient because they are easier to clean and well, dispose of! 

Regardless of your decision, diapers will be an absolute necessary baby item in your household. And it’s also important to remember that you’ll be needing diapers for your baby until he or she is potty-trained-- this is a long time. During this duration, your preference may change, and you may want to switch up the type of diapers you are using. 

 

Stroller

A stroller is a big and expensive purchase, so it’s important that you look out for a stroller that is a perfect fit for you and your baby. It can be overwhelming when looking for a stroller because there are so many options out there. But don’t worry if you can’t decide, because you’ll most likely end up buying more than one down the line! 

This is something you may want to think about at the same time of purchasing a car seat, as many popular brands will make a travel system, in which your infant car seat connects with the stroller. 

Here are some things to consider when looking for a stroller that’s right for you:

• Is it easy to fold? Many parents prefer to have a stroller that you can easily fold up and store in the back of the car. You may want something that is easy and convenient, so you aren’t struggling to fold up a stroller. It’s important to test it out before you buy it, so you know what you’re getting yourself into. 
• Is it easy to steer? A stroller is like a car for a baby, which means you can’t get one without test driving it first! Make sure you get one that’ll fit through doors, as well as turn from aisle to aisle at a store. 
• How are the features? You might want something that also has some storage room for drinks or a spare bag so that the stroller can carry everything for you. Consider buying a stroller that has a bar or a snack tray so your baby can enjoy the ride as well.

There are many necessities that you need as parents to raise a beautiful, healthy, and happy baby. These were a few examples to help you get started, since we all like to start with the basic essentials! 

Enjoy the preparation process and always think in the best interest of your baby, and you’re guaranteed a smooth sail and successful shopping spree!