As a new parent, you’ll find out there that is a large number of required items just to get through the day with your sanity, and maybe even a bit of energy, well intact. Even on the tightest budget, there are many items you just won’t be able to do without. When you’re putting together your gift list, signing up for your registry, or shopping, be sure to include these ten items on your list.
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Diaper Bag – There’s no way around this. You may think that a large handbag will suit just as well, but diaper bags are created to for functionality first, aethetics second. You’ll want those wipes in a handy open-sided, easy-to-reach location on the bag. You won’t want your diapers and bottles piled up on one another when your newborn baby decides to become ravenously hungry during your first dinner out. And forget about make a quick, safe change in a public restroom if you don’t have an organized bag together when you walk in.
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Safe, Legal Car Seat – There’s no more important item you’ll buy for your baby. If you are on a tight budget, this is the place to invest the largest portion of your funds. Make sure the carseat has a legal expiration date that will outlast your baby’s need for it. While a grow-with-me type of carseat might be more expensive up front, it will also save you another $200 to $300 in the future. Choose wisely.
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Diaper Pail – A pail isn’t just a pail when it comes to diapers. You may think a good ole’ plastic bag in a regular can will be sufficient, but a newborn poops an incredible number of times per day. You won’t want to head out to the outside can every time. A good diaper pail made to hide odors is worth it’s weight in the amount of poop it will hold every day. Not to mention, these tidy pails also come with a handy sealing system that will keep you from having to smell all those daily diapers when you finally do make it to the outside can.
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Baby Wearer/Carrier – Don’t trust this to, ‘I’ll just hold the baby while I ____.” It’s a lot more difficult and possibly far more dangerous than it sounds. Don’t just grab the $19.99 version of a front pack carrier though. Once the baby is a few months old, a carrier that also reverses to a back carrier might be one of the best tools in your box when it comes to getting things done with baby in tow.
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Swaddling Blankets – For those first few months, swaddling blankets might mean the difference between absolutely, unequivocally, no sleep at all, or blissful hours of baby-free time. Baby’s come out of the womb wanting to sleep exactly how they were in it. Wrapped tight and secure!
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Pack and Play – A portable crib can mean everything to the new parent-on-the go. They can even function as cribs for babies with limited space around the house.
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Tub/Sink Bathtub Pad – They have some really great options for baby baths that can be used in the tub or sink these days. They also still have those old utility sponges that work for pretty much any given bathing situation. Even a sitz bath if need be.
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Crib – Your baby’s crib is an item that has legal standards it must follow, and for good reasons. Don’t buy or use a homemade crib that doesn’t mean these standards. Those are in place to help prevent SIDs, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as other very critical injuries.
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Stroller – You’ll likely be out and about trying to avoid cabin fever in those early weeks. And you should be! It’s great for combating everything from the baby blue’s to just every day lethargy. Make sure to consider your neighborhood when you make this purchase. Will you need a stroller with bigger wheels to traverse shoulder walking areas or will a basic stroller suffice for your nicely tended sidewalks?
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A Break! – Yes, I know it isn’t a tangible thing, but you still need it. Don’t be afraid to lean on friends or family in those early days. Take advantage of those “We’d love to watch the baby!’s” so you can be prepared, organized and ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the joys of parenthood!
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