Are you expecting? If so, then it’s time to start planning that shopping list. You need to make sure that you have everything your little one will require before they arrive. This can be quite an extensive list and it’s easy to get confused or totally lost as a new parent. That’s why we’ve decided to create this list for you to follow. That way, you can make sure that you have everything covered before your due date arrives.
Carry Cot
If you are wondering what should be on your need list when you are expecting then a carry cot is certainly something that should be near the top. These are so versatile, they can sit on the baby’s buggy to be used while you are out and about. You can also use them for your baby to sleep in if you don’t want to put them in their crib for naps. Bear in mind that carry cots will only last from birth until around the age of six months. You will then need to use the seat unit on their buggy or stroller.
Crib
One major piece of baby equipment that you will need to purchase is a crib. Your baby can sleep in this from day one, if you chose not to use a moses basket. If you worry about your baby being too small for a full-sized cot and budget allows, you can get a swinging or rocking crib that will fit your baby up until around eight months. If you don’t want to waste the extra money investing in two cribs then you can get an insert for the main crib. This is a sleep pod, be aware as some you can only use for playtime rather than nap time. A Sleepyhead is one such insert that can last your child from birth until around three years. It is an amazing piece of baby gear that can be a god send to any new parent.
Stroller
You should also think about getting your little one a stroller. This will mean that you can go out with your baby to the park or simply for a walk around town. The trick here is to ensure that you get one that is comfortable for your baby and ergonomic for you. It’s not always easy to find a choice like this on the market. However, we recommend that you consider looking at strollers from UPPAbaby. These come highly recommended and parents love them. Of course, if you want to save a little money, then you can buy a stroller, carrier, and car seat set. This brings us neatly to the next item on our list.
Car Seat
Something that will be essential in the early days, and especially when the time comes to leave the hospital is a car seat. The hospital needs to know your baby will be safe when you leave and some state that you need a car seat for this. You may be questioning the fact that you won’t be driving home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy, this doesn’t matter. Be aware, it is often frowned upon to borrow a car seat or use a second hand one. You never know if they have been involved in previous accidents.
Highchair
Next, you should think about purchasing a highchair. This is another item that you may not need immediately after your baby is born. However, if you already have it, then you won’t have to worry about buying one and – perhaps more importantly – affording one, later. Like car seats there are good and bad high chairs. That’s why it’s important to make the right choice for your baby. Make sure that you do check out the reviews before settling on a final option.
Walker
It’s worth thinking about purchasing a walker for your baby. We know what you’re probably thinking here. A baby is never going to walk straight away and that’s true. However, they will be walking or learning to walk a lot quicker than you might be ready for. So, it’s great if you have something like this to hand. Baby walkers are also designed to be fun for them to play with before they learn to walk too. So, it gets them used to this toy and ensures that they are already interested in it.
Changing Table
Not everyone will opt to purchase a changing table. Some will simply buy a changing mat. This makes sense from a budgetary standpoint. However, it may not be a practical choice because it means that you’ll need to bend down or sit on the floor every time your baby needs changing. A changing table is useful because it will mean that your baby is at the right height. They can also come with a variety of extra useful features including storage sections for clothing as well as diapers.
Dummies
Did you know that you were raising a little adorable, dribbling houdini? You will when you find that the dummy is nowhere to be seen. This starts to occur once your baby learns the wonderful skill of throwing. They’ll make their dummy disappear before you have even left the room. For this reason, it’s a smart choice to ensure that you have multiple dummies to hand. You can never have enough of these little lifesavers when your baby needs comforting.
Diapers
Finally, you should have a complete stock of diapers. This is something that your baby is constantly going to need and it’s common for them to get a change at least three or potentially four times to begin with. This will ease off as your little one gets older until finally, they reach the potty training phase. You do have a few different options when it comes to diapers. For instance, you can choose reusable ones. These will save you money in the long term but you’ll have to wash them. That can get messy and smelly if you don’t stay on top of the situation.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key purchases that you will need to make as a new parent to ensure that your baby has everything they require.
