Are you in the happy stage of pregnancy or about to give birth? Surely there is a lot of dynamism around you, thinking about everything you’re going to need for the big dayThe baby’s clothes, the medications, the maternity clothes…. Perhaps there is also a lot of nervousness, anxiety and a certain degree of stress for both you and your partner about the expectations for the moment when your baby arrives in this world and is in your arms.
However, stop for a second and ask yourself: Do I have everything I need to welcome the baby? Many couples take for granted that they have everything they need, but when the day of the birth arrives, it turns out that they lacked something they needed.
That is why it is always important to have a shopping list for the arrival of your baby and in this article we will tell you everything you need to write down on it.
Why is a baby shopping list important?
As its name suggests, it is a list that you should have on hand with all the things your baby will need once your baby arrives. all the things that your baby will need once he/she arrives at his/her new home and their short stay in the hospital. You should also include some essential items for you as a mother, which are essential for the day of delivery and the hours that follow.
In this regard, you and your partner should sit down one day and think: What does our baby need? Write down everything you can think of, from clothes to furniture. You can also ask your parents or friends who already have babies for advice. Then you will be discarding and prioritizing as the pregnancy progresses.
Many couples, especially first-timers, tend to leave the necessary purchases for welcoming their baby until the last minute, waiting to find out the sex or to ‘get organized’. But then they tend to go into crisis when they notice how little time they have left, that there are still many things to buy and that they are missing something important. That’s why a shopping list for the baby is so important.
Why? Quite simply, to give parents peace of mind parents peace of mind and confidence that they have everything they need to take care of their baby.. One of the biggest causes of stress, especially for mothers, is bewilderment, which creates insecurity in their ability to care for their baby. But by having a list of everything you both have and what’s missing, it makes you feel in control at a time in your lives when you feel more than ever that duality of vulnerability and power.
Advantages of the baby shopping list
The most important advantages it will offer you are the following:
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You reduce worries about having or not having the necessities with you.
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You will be able to have a more bearable time as you approach your due date, the time of delivery and the days that follow. So you will only have to focus on enjoying your baby.
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You will create a more realistic environment for your baby by starting to buy things for your baby.
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You will share time as a couple deciding and organizing.
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By doing this early on, you can give yourselves the time you need to choose the best quality items.
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You can include or discard items as you make the list and purchase the items on it.
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Your baby will enjoy all the things you bought for him or her.
Quick tips for putting together your shopping list
Seeing the advantages, who wouldn’t want to do it? But wait, because before we get down to business, there are a few tips to consider:
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Keep in mind that your baby, during his first months, will grow extremely fast, so be sure to buy clothes and diapers in several sizes.
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Don’t forget to take care of their skin, as it is very sensitive and needs to be kept moisturized on a daily basis.
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Add a layette to the list so you can have everything you need for the day of your delivery and take it to the hospital.
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The baby’s nursery furniture is just as important as the rest of the things the baby will use.
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Choose quality products and don’t get carried away by quantity. Quality usually comes at a price.
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Focus on what you need, instead of accumulating things that your baby may never need.
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If you don’t know what to add, ask your parents, friends or search online (you’re already doing that) for advice.
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You can order some of these items as gifts for your baby shower.
Essentials for a newborn baby
Here are the most necessary and basic items and elements you should have in mind for the baby’s arrival and his stay in this new world he will call home.
1. Hospital layette
As we already mentioned, it is essential that you have your layette ready for the moment of delivery, where you will not have unnecessary extra worries. In it you can include:
- Changes of clothes for your baby, which can open in the back and be warm.
- Hat.
- Gloves.
- Socks.
- Cotton blankets.
- Cotton bibs.
- Comfortable changes of clothes for you, which can facilitate breastfeeding.
- Diapers.
- Wet wipes.
- Bassinet.
- Car seat.
2. Room furnishings
One of the most important things to consider in the baby’s shopping list is that the baby has everything necessary for his new personal space. The furniture components should be multifunctional and durable over time, so that they can be transformed into other types of furniture as the baby grows.
- Crib, with its respective mattress.
- Sofa for breastfeeding.
- Portable crib.
- Bassinet.
- Baby changing furniture.
- Multifunctional furniture (where you can store different items).
- Hypoallergenic clothes closet (wood or bamboo).
- Wastebasket.
- Night lamp.
- Audio and video intercom.
3. Everyday clothes, sleeping and going out
For clothing, you should take into account the previous advice we presented. You should have several sizes to use as your baby grows. Also, make sure it is made of cotton or wool, does not cause irritation, allergy or discomfort, is easy to remove and is quite warm.
- Overalls or one-piece overalls with snaps at the crotch.
- Socks, shoes or booties.
- Cotton gloves.
- Beanies and hats.
- Comfortable outfits (shirts, shorts, dresses or skirts).
- Warm and cool pajamas (depending on the season).
- Comfortable bodysuits.
- Thick and thin coats.
- Soft blankets.
4. Bath and bedding
Any type of clothing your baby wears should be 100% cotton. Avoid stiff fabrics or those that may release lint. In addition, they should be comfortable enough to guarantee rest. This is to avoid generating any type of allergy, discomfort or skin discomfort.
- Cotton towels with cap included.
- Thick and thin soft blankets (depending on the season).
- Pillows and cushions for newborns.
- Sheets for crib and bassinet.
- Crib and bassinet protector set.
- Protective covers.
5. Personal hygiene products
Baby hygiene products should follow the same rule as clothing: quality, skin-friendly, hypoallergenic items. Babies’ skin is extremely delicate, as their dermis is still developing, so it is very prone to develop irritations, fungus or rashes.
- Neutral soap.
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo.
- Creamy baby oil.
- Baby body cream.
- Vaseline.
- Ointment to prevent diaper rash.
- Wet wipes for cleaning.
- Diapers of various sizes.
- Cotton balls.
- Cotton swabs.
- Alcohol (70%).
- Soft hairbrushes.
- Common and water thermometer.
- Round-tipped scissors for cutting nails.
- First aid kit.
- Medications prescribed by the pediatrician.
6. Feeding items
Your baby’s nutrition should be based mostly on breast milk through breastfeeding. This provides vitamins and minerals that strengthen your baby’s immune system and builds healthy bacteria in his stomach and intestines. Nutrients you won’t get elsewhere. Over time you can add infant formula, with your pediatrician’s recommendation.
- Baby bottles.
- Recommended infant formula.
- Bibs
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Teat dispenser.
- Bottle warmer.
- Hygiene brush for bottles and teats.
7. Toys
Having toys helps stimulate your baby’s senses early on, connect with the world, lower anxiety levels and entertain. It’s also a great way to create a connection between parents and baby. In a way. toys become the first channel of communication between them.
- Colorful mobile (can also have relaxing music) for the crib.
- Padded and textured floors.
- Rattles.
- Cotton stuffed animals.
- Gripping toys
- Teething toys or gum scrapers.
8. Items to go out
When going for a walk with your baby, you should take into account acquiring ideal items for each type of weather in the seasons, as well as the time of the day. As they are very young, you should avoid direct sunlight, as it can hurt them. Likewise, try not to expose them too much to the cold, to prevent colds.
- Padded and warm stroller.
- Soft blankets.
- Umbrellas for the stroller.
- Baby car seats.
- Change or diaper bags.
- Outdoor toys.
- Sleeping bag.
Remember to take note of these items early for your personalized shopping list and be prepared for your baby’s arrival. The sooner you and your partner plan ahead and get everything you need, the more relaxed and grateful you will be in the future.