You need to make sure that your new baby stays as healthy as possible. Babies are prone to a number of illnesses shortly after they are born. They take a long time to recover after getting a cold or other health issues. While their immune system improves considerably after birth, it takes some time before they are no longer at serious risk of infections. This is something that we need to be especially careful with during this pandemic. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of health issues by making sure that you have the right products on hand first.
Shopping to Keep Your Baby Healthy
If you’re pregnant, you’ve started making a list of essential baby items you need to buy, or you’re thinking of writing one. Some things may be obvious, like clothing, diapers, and the baby crib, but some essentials are always overlooked. Some products are especially important to make sure that you keep your baby healthy.
It is especially important to get these products early during the COVID-19 crisis. People appear to have been misinformed when they were told that young children were not at risk of getting the disease. New data shows that 11% of newborns with COVID-19 have severe symptoms.
The baby won’t be as vulnerable while it is in the mother’s womb. But after it is born, it can be a lot more susceptible to the disease. It is better to get the products now, so that if your family does contract COVID-19 getting them, then the baby won’t be exposed after it is born.
Not to worry, though. In this guide, we will outline all the baby essentials you need to buy for your first year with your baby, so that you can focus on other important things like preparing for your baby’s nursery, or deciding on which name to call your little one.
What do we mean by essential items?
It may not be an easy task to figure out which are genuinely baby essentials, and which items you can do without. For example, your baby doesn’t need clothing and stuff with brand names, but what about hooded blankets or humidifiers? There’s a thin line between what’s necessary and what’s nice to have. You have to differentiate between the two, especially if the baby’s health is your top priority.
Truth be told, some things people think are essentials aren’t really necessary. Humans have survived eons of decades without pacifiers. But then, we also don’t expect you to live in the Stone Age anymore. Now, we can’t survive without breast pumps for the career woman or diapers, too. The same can also be said about baby cleansers and bathing products.
If you’re looking to go minimal or need the simple essentials you can’t do without, here’s a list.
- Baby clothes
- Diapers
- Swaddling blanket
- Baby carrier
- Crib and mattress
- Bathing products
This is a simple list of the necessary things you’ll need to start you off. The additional essentials are there to make it easier to take care of your baby. We want to make this first year as enjoyable as possible.
What you’ll need in the first year
Here’s a detailed list of all the essentials you’ll need from the first day you meet your little one to their first birthday.
Baby clothes
Onesies
These are good for babies. They are comfortable and can be layered to provide warmth for your baby. They also come with snaps between the legs that help keep the diaper in place. You’ll need more of these in your first year with the baby. Also, make sure they have enveloped-style neck design for easy dressing and undressing of the baby.
Pants
You can buy a few pants to dress the baby on cold days. You can pair up the onesie with cute pants to keep the baby warm and comfortable. Add some pants with footies for those chilly days.
Socks or mittens
You need to make sure your baby’s feet are warm and protected from cold. Buy a few pairs of socks to keep your baby’s feet warm. Mittens are to keep his tiny hands warm as well.
Hats
Babies lose heat through their heads, and this is worse for babies who haven’t yet gotten a full head of hair. However, when you’re buying hats, buy ones for each season. For the cold weather, buy hats that will keep the baby warm, and for summertime, when it’s too hot, buy a wide-brimmed hat that will protect their faces from the sun’s harmful rays.
Baby coat
Buy a good coat for your little one. It will come in handy on those cold days. In addition to coats, you can add some jackets, a snowsuit, and some sweaters.
Sleepers or pajamas
These are essentials for nighttime when you’re putting your baby to bed. You can also look for footed pajamas. They will help in winter to keep baby’s feet warm. Make sure the sleepers and pajamas are made of 100 % cotton. This is because cotton is comfortable and isn’t irritable to baby’s sensitive skin.
Rompers and dress-up outfits
Rompers and dress-up outfits are cute and adorable for family outings and even photoshoots.
Swimwear
This is dependent on where you live and if you plan on going swimming or at the beach. Look for swimwear outfits with rash guard protection to protect your baby from harsh UVA and UVB rays. Look for swimwear that’s long-sleeved for added protection.
Essentials for changing the baby
Diapers
Whether you choose to buy disposable diapers or baby cloth diapers, each has its advantages, and they are essential. No matter which one you choose, you need to have plenty at hand.
Wipes
Wipes are important to wipe your baby’s bottom when changing their diaper. Look for parabens-free wipes that are specially made for baby’s sensitive skin.
Diaper cream
This is important to protect your baby’s bottom against diaper rash.
Diaper bag
A diaper bag holds all your baby essentials like extra clothes or diapers when you’re out and about.
Nursery essentials
You’ll need furniture in your baby’s room, and if you want, you can add some colorful decor as well. Here’s a list of nursery essentials to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable.
- Cribs or bassinets
- A mattress that fits tight and snugly
- Crib sheets that fit perfectly
- Baby monitor
- Baby changing area
Bath time essentials
Bath time is a fun time after you get the hang of it. It might be scary bathing your newborn for the first time, but don’t worry; it gets easier with time. Here are some things to get you prepared for bath time.
- Baby bathtub
- Hooded towels
- Baby wash
- Soft washcloth
- Baby oil or lotion
Feeding essentials
Get ready to feed your newborn around the clock. This applies to both breastfeeding mothers and bottle-feeding ones. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Bottles and nipples
- Bottlebrush
- Formula
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
Baby health essentials
These are important for when and if the baby is sick, though they are a precautionary measure. If the baby is unwell and you’re worried, see your pediatrician immediately.
- Baby thermometer
- First aid kit
Buy the Right Products to Keep Your Baby Healthy
You need to buy the right products to keep your baby health, especially as the COVID-19 crisis is underway. The list of products here are a good start. You won’t have to worry about exposing the baby to COVID-19 and other health risks.
Buy new products for newborns to ensure the baby’s safety. Use this as a checklist for your baby’s must-have essentials.