The 7 baby essentials to buy before the birth
Newborns don't need a whole lot - and a parent's love is a good start - but there are some items you should stock up on before the baby is born.
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting time. However, the joy at holding up a teeny tiny pair of booties can quickly turn to panic when you try to work out what exactly you need to have before you bring bub home.
You only need to take a look through online marketplaces to see the array of as-new and unboxed gadgets and gizmos marketed as ‘must-haves’ for unsuspecting new parents, which in truth barely saw the light of day.
Sure electric rocking seats and alarmed video monitoring might seem like something that you have to have, but basically, to survive, all babies really need are items that keep them fed, warm, clean and safe. That’s really it. The rest you can figure out as you go.
Take a deep breath, because the truth is your baby won’t care if they don’t have a mobile above their bassinet – hey, they don’t even care if they have a bassinet!
Below we’ve shared the seven items you will need straight up when you bring bub home …
1. Somewhere safe for bub to sleep
When it comes to your new baby’s sleep safety and comfort, less is more.
While it’s fine for bub to be in the same room as you, it is recommended that they don’t sleep in the same bed.
The most important factor to consider when choosing your little one’s sleeping arrangement is that the cot, bassinet, or porta-cot as well as the mattress that you select meets the current safety standards.
2. Safe transport options
An accredited car seat, properly installed, is essential if you plan to transport your bub by car.
Children up to the age of six months must use an approved rearward-facing car restraint (capsule) that has an in-built five or six-point harness system and is secured to the vehicle using a lap-sash seatbelt and top tether strap attached to an anchor point.
3. A big supply of nappies
One of the most surprising things about babies from the teeny tiny newborn days onwards is how many nappies they’ll go through in a day!
Carolina Trujillo, Huggies Senior Product Developer says: “Newborn babies may need to be changed up to 10 times a day!
“While this decreases as baby grows, new parents are often surprised by how many nappies they use in those early days.”
Hot tip: Don’t buy too many Newborn (Size 1) if you are expecting a big baby! The saying they ‘grow so fast’ is legitimate.
You will be surprised at how quickly some babies grow out of Size 1 and are ready for Size 2.
So maybe if you are stocking up on nappies, make sure you buy Size 1 and also some Huggies Infant (Size 2) so you are ready for the next size up when you need it.
4. Gentle skin products
Your baby’s skin is brand new, and thinner than adult skin, and needs to be treated carefully.
Giving your baby’s skin some air time where possible is a great idea. However the reality is that more than often than not that newborn baby skin will be coming into contact with soaps, barrier creams, nappies and clothes.
Taking some time to research the best products to keep them clean, dry and protected naturally will help give your baby’s beautiful newborn skin a great start.
Carolina Trujillo, Senior Product Developer at Huggies says: “Skin health is our top priority, particularly for newborn babies.
“Our unique technology gives baby’s skin the best care.”
Huggies Newborn Nappies and Baby Wipes are specifically designed for delicate newborn skin
Huggies Newborn Nappies feature a 3-way combination of softness, dryness and breathability, and no added nasties.’
The Breathe Dry Technology keeps baby’s skin dry and is clinically proven to help prevent nappy rash.
5. Something for bub to wear
The novelty of fancy newborn fashion wears off pretty quickly once you figure out just how difficult it is to get them dressed and keep them clean!
You may have been inundated with gifts of pretty dresses or designer clothing sets, but you will soon find that your baby’s wardrobe will be a rotation of growsuits, singlets, a hat and a jacket.
Remember: Despite their small stature, newborns can make quite a mess of themselves, so you will need a few sets.
6. A way to get baby around
Getting out and about with your new baby is an important part of self-care as a new parent.
A pram or stroller suitable for a newborn, or a baby carrier for baby-wearing is an essential to sort out before bub arrives.
7. Bibs and burp cloths
Babies leak… a lot!
In addition to all of the nappy changes, you’ll find that your baby’s dribble and sick-ups are something you’ll be dealing with pretty regularly throughout the day.
A good collection of bibs and burp cloths will help keep baby (and you!) cleaner for longer and mean less outfit changes… for both of you.
Huggies is Australia’s number 1 newborn nappy. Huggies Newborn nappies are endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives as the best choice for baby.
