Waiting for the baby to arrive is an exciting and daunting experience. So it is best to be prepared. Having a checklist may help sometimes, but it also becomes essential to look at whether or not you are missing out on something essential. Rather than regretting it later, it is best to have all the must-have items before you welcome the baby home. For all expecting parents, we have compiled a list of all the baby products that should be in your home before the baby comes.
Table of Contents
1. Bassinet
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If you still have not bought a bassinet, this is your sign to get it as soon as possible. You will regret not giving your baby a space comfortable enough to sleep. There is only so long a baby can sleep in your bed. Getting them their own sleeping space in their room will help them get on a sleep schedule faster. If you feel uncertain about leaving the baby by themselves for the whole night, you can put the bassinet in your room to keep a check.
2. Rocking Chair
This is a tip for all the new parents who want to make the baby fall asleep faster. Many parents vouch for a rocking chair because the rhythm helps the baby fall asleep faster. It is a comfortable enough addition to your home furniture but also worth investing in for the tired parents who will need to hold the fussing baby as it falls asleep. For more ideas about how to help your baby, click here.
3. Car Seat
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If there is one thing you will need right after the baby is born, it is the car seat. How else are you going to safely transport the baby home? You can argue that the mother would not mind carrying the baby. But since the mother is already exhausted and recovering herself, the car ride home will give the new mom some much needed rest.
A car seat also offers much more protection than a mother’s arms will in case you encounter any unfortunate accident. Getting a good quality seat will be a good idea, and installing it before the due date is also a good approach. You do not want to be fumbling with the car seat when the baby is ready to leave the hospital.
4. Stroller
This is right up in the must-haves with a car seat. The initial weeks or months will not require the baby to go out because they need special attention. But once they are old enough to look around and observe things, it falls on your shoulders to give them plenty of opportunities to do so.
Getting a stroller before you will need it will only save you a headache later. Going for a simple walk or grocery shopping will be made much easier if you do not have to carry your baby at the hip. Make sure to get a size with your growing baby in mind.
5. Baby Monitors
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As the baby gets on a sleep schedule, your life will start back on track. But since the baby is growing into a hyperactive infant, you will have to keep an eye on their activity to see if they are sleeping or trying to climb out of their bassinet. The main purpose of baby monitors is to provide parents with a clear vision of where their child is at all times. They also have a voice connection so you can hear what is going on in the room.
6. Sound Machine
One of the most common things new parents struggle with is the night time feedings and changing. Babies often tend to wake up in the middle of the night. If you are one of these parents who wants their kids to have a deep sleep right on schedule, you can buy a noise machine.
This gives babies a sense of stability and trains them to sleep without interruptions. White noise machine also masks the sound of external interruptions, which will cause the sleep to be undisturbed. Your baby will wake up refreshed in the morning, which will be the ideal situation for a happy household.
7. Bottles
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Even if you are planning on breastfeeding, getting bottles will work in your favor. If you are a working mother, you will have to leave milk in the refrigerator, which will then be transferred to the bottle. After the first six months, it is a good approach to slowly wean a switch to bottles.
Training the baby to take the bottle is essential because you want them to be independent enough to switch to a sippy cup next. Getting a bottle will also work well because babies sometimes have difficulty in latching, which will make it easier for the mother and the child to make the switch.
8. High chair
This is a must-have once your baby is old enough to sit on their own. A high chair will give the child enough autonomy to eat and drink on their own. You can even establish a routine of eating at the dining table together as a family. This will give the baby a great learning opportunity as they will try to mimic the movements and habits of parents.
There are different kinds of high chairs available in the market so choosing a freestanding one is probably the best. Also, factor in the fact that you will have to be cleaning the chair. As long as the chair design promises the cleaning to be easy, you should buy it. Portability is also an essential factor to look into.
The Takeaway
Now that you know these eight essential items, we hope you are running to the store right now. You can even add these to your registry so that you get some of them before having to go to the store. All of these items will help your baby adjust well into its new home. As a new parent, you will also be able to easily transition from different stages of the baby’s life.
