Making decisions for your child can be challenging for a new parent – the number of choices and options available increases with every passing year, and the clear, right answer often does not exist. These choices get even more difficult when they are about baby products since a lot of products come in direct contact with the baby. A product of poor quality, especially one that comes in contact with the baby’s skin, can cause some unforeseen problems.
As a parent, you’re often unsure of which products are required, and which of them are just an unnecessary expense. What you need is a helpful checklist of the types of baby products every new parent should have, and that’s exactly what we have.
Your tiny tots depend on you, which is why you need to make the right decisions for them.
Body Care
Several body care products come directly into contact with the baby’s skin, and the skin of a newborn is much more delicate than that of an adult. You as a parent are required to take extra precautions while taking care of their hygienic needs. Similarly, the products you use for their hygiene have to be soft and irritation-free.
Diapers
Diapers are going to be essential during the first few months of newborn care since you will be using a lot of them, and very frequently. You’ll have to keep buying diapers till your child is potty-trained, which is usually by the age of 3.
The more familiar you get with your baby’s needs, the more informed of a decision you’ll be able to make. Accordingly, you can change the type of diapers you use for your tiny tot. To begin with, you can choose between disposable diapers and cloth diapers, or alternate between the two.
Disposable Diapers
If you consider your convenience, then disposable diapers will often serve you best. They come in a lot of size options, they can be put on and removed with ease, and most importantly, they can be thrown away like regular garbage. Disposable diapers are a great choice if you need to change the baby’s soiled diapers while you are out in public.
The downside to using disposable diapers is their impact on the child’s skin. The gels and dyes in the diaper lining that act as absorbents can sometimes react with the skin of the baby causing diaper rashes and general irritation to them.
Cloth Diapers
Generally speaking, cloth diapers are better for your newborn baby for a range of reasons. For one, they’re more comfortable since the fabric of the diaper is softer. They are also less likely to leak. Since they are reusable, cloth diapers are also an economical option for new parents if they are trying to manage their expenses of childcare.
Cloth diapers, however, need to be cleaned more regularly. Cloth diapers are best used when you are at home with your baby and have access to water and washing supplies. Disposable diapers are best used when you are heading out with your baby.
We suggest that you keep a batch of both kinds of diapers at hand since each type of diaper has its utility in a particular situation.
Diaper Changing Mat/Station
Diaper changing mats can be extremely useful in unexpected situations. Your newborn’s bowel movements will not be regular in the first few months of their life. In such cases, it is best to carry diaper changing supplies wherever you go and avoid an uncomfortable changing experience for the baby.
At home, you can keep a more elaborate ‘changing station’ which has inbuilt areas to keep diaper supplies. But when going out, at least carry a diaper mat; it is foldable, and can be easily carried with your supply of diapers.
Wipes & Washes
Both these products will come into contact with your newborn’s skin repeatedly, and hence it is important to get the right ones. As mentioned earlier, the skin of a newborn baby is very sensitive, and the first few months as their parent is when you are likely to find out if they are allergic or sensitive to any stimulus.
Baby wipes or wet wipes are used to clean a baby after their bowel movement. If you choose to use a regular cloth to do that, make sure that the cloth has a soft texture, and has been thoroughly disinfected before use. Wet wipes found on the market are often infused with soothing materials like aloe vera; several are hypoallergenic to make them suitable for use on a newborn’s skin.
Similarly, body washes for newborns are different from the ones used by adults. Body washes for babies are pH balanced and caustic-free. They clean the body without irritating the skin.
Baby Oil
Massaging newborns has been a tradition since time immemorial, and for good reason too, considering the many benefits it has. It’s important to invest in a good brand of baby oil, one that will moisturize the baby’s skin without causing any rashes, allergies, or reactions.
Clothing
Buying clothes for your newborn is relatively uncomplicated. A lot of Indian households will already have pre-loved clothing, used by older children in the family. Usage has rendered these clothes naturally soft. In most cases, such clothes will be good for your baby, unless the material is coarse.
You can always go ahead and buy new clothes for your little one, irrespective of whether you have pre-loved clothing around or not. When you do, make sure you buy clothes of 100% cotton. Cotton is soft on baby skin and warm enough to keep the baby cozy. There are also certain other fabrics that are suitable for your baby, but only in certain weather. Make sure you acquaint yourself with these since a suitable range of clothing is definitely one of the important baby products every new parent should have and understand.
Knowing just what’s right for your baby when you have an ocean of options can be tough.
Feeding
Breastfeeding is absolutely essential for the baby during the first six months. But, breastfeeding can also be a complicated task for new mothers to accomplish, especially when they are out in public or if they’re having problems producing milk. In such cases, there are a few specific baby products every new parent should have on hand, particularly the mothers. These can provide some welcome relief to you and benefit your baby, whether you’re breastfeeding or feeding them formula.
Bottles
Baby bottles will be an important investment that you as a parent will have to make. There are different types of bottles available on the market, each suited to a different need and catering to different ages.
- Standard bottle: Widely bought, and most commonly used.
- Wide-neck bottle: The wide nipple and neck resemble the breast more. It is ideal for babies with a wider latch and can be used to wean off the baby from breastfeeding.
- Angle-neck bottle: Helps reduce gassiness in the baby by preventing the formation of air pockets in the nipple.
There are many more types of baby bottles, each with its specific advantage, but the three listed above are some of the most commonly used bottles. Having a few bottles on hand is always helpful so that you have a way of feeding your baby aside from breastfeeding.
Bottle Warmers
It is no secret that babies are fussy. They can get hungry at the most inconvenient times, and you won’t always have access to warm milk when that happens. Bottle warmers come to your rescue in times like these.
Electric bottle warmers heat up the milk faster than a stove would, and you can heat it up to a temperature that is okay for the baby to drink without much of a hassle. You can also use cloth bottle warmers while heading out to keep the milk warm at a consistent temperature.
Nursing Pillow
Many new mothers struggle with nursing. Your baby can have issues with latching on and their neck and back might not get the optimum support while feeding. The mother’s posture is also affected in such cases.
Nursing pillows are great for elevating the baby in such a way that they are in the right position to latch on to the mother. A good nursing pillow also provides good support to the baby’s neck and back so that they can be in a relaxed state while feeding.
Breast Pumps
Breast pumps mimic the mouth movements of a feeding child. Mothers can use these to pump out some milk when lactating and store it safely. This also helps for when you’re unable to produce milk when the baby is hungry, and to help build breast milk supply.
Interactive Products
Cribs, Carriers & Strollers
When your baby is not in your arms, they will probably be in one of these three. Carriers in particular are extremely useful for newborn parents when out in public. They keep the baby safe while freeing up the parent’s arms to engage in other activities. This also helps your baby relax while not having to be carried and passed around.
Investing in a crib can be a good choice for both, baby and you.
Cribs aren’t a familiar feature in Indian households since co-sleeping is a more common practice; parents often make space for the baby on their own beds. Cribs, however, can be a good investment since they allow the parents to sleep without always having to be conscious about unintentionally injuring the baby in their sleep. The baby can also freely move around in the crib once it becomes capable of independent movement.
Strollers are one of those underestimated baby products every new parent should have. They’re great if you want to further increase your mobility while traveling with your baby. It also lets them get a glimpse at the world around them while being in the safety and comfort of the stroller.
Teething Toys
Babies will usually start teething around 6 months of age. This process can be a little painful for them. Using teethers during this time will give them some comfort, and make the process easier for the baby.
Conclusion
These are just some of the baby products every new parent should have to make raising a child an easier and more comfortable process for both the parent and the baby. To get access to even more information about pregnancy, early childhood care, and general parenting, check out the ImmunifyMe blogs. You can also take advantage of our ImmunifyMe app to find doctors, remember appointments, and save prescriptions.
FAQs On Baby Products Every New Parent Should Have
What Do Newborn Babies Sleep In?
For the first few months, the babies should ideally sleep in a cot or a crib that is kept close to the mother, or at least one of the parents/guardians. Babies can require attention at any time, and it is best if someone is always present near them.
Can A Newborn Go 7 Hours Without Eating?
Newborns should not go hungry for more than 4-5 hours. A newborn will turn their head side-to-side, or start crying when they are hungry.
How Will I Know If My Newborn Is Cold?
It is normal for a newborn baby’s hands and feet to be cold. To see if they are too cold, check their chest, back, and tummy area.
Is It Okay For A Baby To Sleep In A Diaper Only?
A diaper or underwear is not considered a clothing layer. Dress your baby in soft cotton fabrics over their diaper to ensure a layer of warmth.
