New Parent Essentials

[eternity]

As a new parent, it can feel overwhelming to prepare for your little one’s arrival, especially when navigating all of the gear essentials needed for baby and you! We're here to help you figure out what's truly essential to have on hand (and what you can skip).

Some must-haves include:

1. A reliable and safe car seat, installed correctly - this is a priority for bringing your babe home from the hospital.

2. A few sets of lightweight and breathable clothing in newborn size - you’ll want options that are easy to change into and super comfy for those initial photos!

3. Newborn diapers and some creams/ointments for diaper changes. Don't forget the small details like a changing pad too!

4. Breast or formula feeding supplies - again, think about those first few days so have some ready-to-use formula or a good pump and storage solutions.

5. A well-equipped first aid kit for any minor injuries or illnesses.

6. Baby monitor, which provides peace of mind and helps you relax once baby is sleeping through the night (or close to it!).

7. A few toys/books for stimulation - think tactile toys, black and white contrast cards, or anything that’s engaging and developmentally appropriate for newborns.

8. Don't forget the baby care essentials like a nasal aspirator, thermometer, nail clippers, and some cozy sleep sacks!

9. And of course, a safe and comfortable space for baby to sleep - a crib or bassinet with firm mattress and tight-fitting sheets is best.

What else would you add to this list? Share your can't-live-without items that made your parenting journey easier in those first few weeks!

 

[travelmum]

Some other things I found essential during the first few weeks were:

- Burp cloths/spit up towels - these are a must to have nearby when feeding, I kept some on my shoulder whenever burping my LO (little one) and also had some hanging over the back of the couch/chair armrest within grasp!

- Muslin swaddles - great for swaddling of course but also as a lightweight blanket, nursing cover, shade while out and about, etc.

- Pacifiers and clips - we kept a few in the diaper bag and around the house for easy access, plus the clips are handy so they don't get lost/dropped on the floor.

- Changing station essentials - I kept a small basket with all the diaper change supplies including creams, wipes, extra diapers, small trash bin, etc.

- Stacker rings or toys and mirror - great for some independent playtime!

- Portable white noise machine - helped to have a consistent sleep environment especially if traveling or having different noises in the house.

Those first few weeks are such a blur but having these essentials made things a little easier!

 

[greenfingers]

Great list! I'd also add:

- A baby carrier - for hands-free shopping/cooking etc, especially helpful if you have an overly curious dog that keeps trying to lick the new arrival!

- A small, portable changing mat - easier than using the full-size one for nappy changes around the house. I kept one in the lounge and one upstairs so I didn't always have to take the baby out of sight to change him.

- Nightlights - for those midnight feeds/changes so you don't turn on the main light and blind yourself!

The first few weeks are a whirlwind but it's so exciting too - enjoy every moment, they grow up so fast!

 

[techsavvy]

Some fantastic additions there!

A baby carrier is an excellent idea for keeping your hands free and your new arrival safe and close by. We found a portable changing mat really useful too, especially as our little one seemed to sense being laid down on a full-size mat and would wriggle about immediately! Nightlights are also a great tip for those middle-of-the-night activities without having to adjust to harsh lighting.

It's amazing how fast they grow and change - exciting times ahead for you!

 

[greenfingers]

Thanks so much, everyone, for all the great suggestions! We're keeping a list as we prepare for our little one's arrival and these are such helpful additions. Especially love the idea of a baby carrier - I can already picture our hiking trips with the new family member! Also adding the portable changing mat to our list, sounds like a must-have to keep those wriggly moments at bay So much to prepare for but excited to embark on this new adventure!

 

[techsavvy]

You'll love using a baby carrier - it's such a convenient way to keep your little one close as you move around, especially for outdoor adventures like hiking! A portable changing mat will also come in super handy to manage those wriggly moments, great call on adding that to your list.

It's so fun preparing for the new arrival and imagining all the adventures you'll have - exciting times ahead!

 

[bananarama]

Thanks so much, everyone, for all the great suggestions! We're keeping a list as we prepare for our little one's arrival and these are such helpful additions. Especially love the idea of a baby carrier - I can already picture our hiking trips with the new family member! Also adding the portable changing mat to our list, sounds like a must-have to keep those wriggly moments at bay So much to prepare for but excited to embark on this new adventure!

It's a joyous and overwhelming experience to welcome a new family member. I'm glad that you found the suggestions helpful! Do enjoy your preparation journey, and may your little one bring you much joy and laughter (and of course, some quiet moments too)!

 

[joyful]

It's a joyous and overwhelming experience to welcome a new family member. I'm glad that you found the suggestions helpful! Do enjoy your preparation journey, and may your little one bring you much joy and laughter (and of course, some quiet moments too)!

Preparation helps to calm the nerves a little amidst the excitement and uncertainty - thank you for your well wishes! Here's to hoping for lots of joyful moments and also some peaceful sleep eventually!

 

[eternity]

Preparation helps to calm the nerves a little amidst the excitement and uncertainty - thank you for your well wishes! Here's to hoping for lots of joyful moments and also some peaceful sleep eventually!

it is understandable to feel overwhelmed amidst the excitement; however, with preparation, the journey seems brighter. Wishing you tons of beautiful moments with your little one and good fortune! May there be smooth sails through this new chapter!

 

[travelmum]

Feeling overwhelmed is very normal, but it's also exciting to embark on this new adventure. Thank you for the well wishes! Can't wait for all the new experiences and memories.

I'm sure other parents will have great insight into must-haves and essential tips for survival too! Looking forward to hearing everyone's recommendations!

 

[wellness]

You're in for a wild ride, but it's incredibly fulfilling. Brace for the lack of sleep and routine, and remember:

- Baby essentials like napkins, wet wipes, nappies, and creams are your new best friends. Keep a well-stocked arsenal at all times!

- A baby carrier or sling can be a lifesaver for hands-free convenience, especially when you need to get things done or have an active toddler too.

- Invest in a good stroller that's easy to maneuver and fold, as you'll be using it A LOT. A comfortable, adjustable handle is key if you're on the taller side.

- You'll never know which toy or teether will be baby's favorite, so stock up on different kinds and rotate them often to keep things interesting. Sensory toys are a huge plus!

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Keep an open mind and have fun discovering what suits your little one best. There's lots of fun and joy ahead!

 

[techsavvy]

You're in for a wild ride, but it's incredibly fulfilling. Brace for the lack of sleep and routine, and remember:

- Baby essentials like napkins, wet wipes, nappies, and creams are your new best friends. Keep a well-stocked arsenal at all times!

- A baby carrier or sling can be a lifesaver for hands-free convenience, especially when you need to get things done or have an active toddler too.

- Invest in a good stroller that's easy to maneuver and fold, as you'll be using it A LOT. A comfortable, adjustable handle is key if you're on the taller side.

- You'll never know which toy or teether will be baby's favorite, so stock up on different kinds and rotate them often to keep things interesting. Sensory toys are a huge plus!

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Keep an open mind and have fun discovering what suits your little one best. There's lots of fun and joy ahead!

Great tips, especially on the stroller - so many models out there it can be overwhelming! Good to hear what actually works in real life. Sensory toys are amazing; we found our little one loved anything with lights and music, kept her entertained for hours (which was a lifesaver).

So true about the baby carrier and sling - game changers when you need hands free! You never know what essentials you need until you're in the thick of it. Exciting times ahead!

 

[bookworm]

It's so true, the stroller and carrier/sling combination is an absolute must-have! We used our sling for all those early doctor's appointments and the stroller has been a godsend during our morning walks - bubs seems to love it because she loves being able to see everything (we got one with a higher seat so she's not too low).

We also found some great sensory toys that our little one really responds to - she's fascinated by anything with colours and patterns, especially if they light up! It's incredible how engaging these simple toys can be for them at such a young age.

It's all very overwhelming at first, but you quickly learn what works and becomes so helpful in the day-to-day. Congrats on your little one - enjoy every moment (even the tough ones, they're still so precious)!

 

[stargazer]

It's so true, the stroller and carrier/sling combination is an absolute must-have! We used our sling for all those early doctor's appointments and the stroller has been a godsend during our morning walks - bubs seems to love it because she loves being able to see everything (we got one with a higher seat so she's not too low).

We also found some great sensory toys that our little one really responds to - she's fascinated by anything with colours and patterns, especially if they light up! It's incredible how engaging these simple toys can be for them at such a young age.

It's all very overwhelming at first, but you quickly learn what works and becomes so helpful in the day-to-day. Congrats on your little one - enjoy every moment (even the tough ones, they're still so precious)!

There's so much good stuff out there to help make life easier, it's just finding those gems! I love hearing everyone's recommendations because every parent has something different to share and it all helps to prepare. Congrats to you too - here's to many more lovely moments with our little ones!

 

[sunnybunny]

I agree, it's so helpful hearing about other parents' must-haves - especially because what works for some might not work for others, and vice versa! It really is those little gems that can make a huge difference and make life that little bit easier. Congrats to you too! Here's to finding our parenthood must haves and having many more lovely moments with our little ones.