Must-Have Equipment for a New Baby

With the birth of my second child soon approaching it is time to make the final assessment of our items on hand. Which items are guaranteed to be used? Which items can wait until we learn this baby’s temperament? Using the experience of my son’s early days I have come to the conclusion that less is necessary than the media and society would have you believe.

One thing you cannot go without –- ever — is a car seat. Hospitals will not allow you to leave with your child until they have checked that your car seat is properly installed in the vehicle that is bringing you home. Even if you Do not own a car you will need a car seat: friends and family will surely be willing to drive you and your child.

The next most important item is a nursing pillow. Not only will a nursing pillow help you nurse your infant in comfort, it will also be something you can use to help develop your child’s physical strength if you incorporate it into the tummy-time that doctors recommend be a part of each day. This is one item that you will definitely get your money’s worth.  Do not forget to grab a few nursing bras while you’re at the store.

Although most people have a crib ready for their baby while still in-utero, I think it’s uncommon for newborns to spend the night away from their mother and father. A more practical solution for the early days would be a co-sleeper (an extension to the parent’s bed specially designed to ensure the safety of the infant while keeping her within reach to make nursing easy) or even a bassinet or Moses Basket.

Although a great thing to have on hand, make sure you choose your stroller according to your particular lifestyle. Some families will use their stroller daily, and will need a sturdy stroller that can withstand the abuse. If your lifestyle will have you using a stroller less frequently, look at umbrella strollers which will allow you to keep one on hand without spending a lot for an item that will get infrequent use.

Our society views pacifiers as a norm, but are not always a good idea. Not only can using pacifiers inhibit nursing patterns from developing properly, but can also be seen as a quick fix for a crying child. Newborns cry for a number of different reasons, and although the pacifier will most likely quiet her there is no guarantee that it will be fulfilling her wishes or emotional needs. When used properly, pacifiers can be an appropriate addition to other soothing methods, just remember to remain aware that your infant’s needs are varied.

Every family is unique, and that should be taken into account when shopping for your family’s newest member. Always educate yourself to the possible benefits and drawbacks of a product before you make your purchase. Do not ever feel like you need something just because your neighbor has something similar, and feel free to outfit your home with any item you feel will make your life simpler. The simpler your life is the more you will enjoy your child.

 

Michelle Patelle, stay-at-home mother and writer, hopes that nursing mothers will investigate their choices at sites such as http://babylovesyourmilk.com, which has information about hospital breast pumps and other breast pump reviews.

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Opting A Baby Gift For A Newborn

When a baby is born, traditionally we give the baby and his or her parents gifts to celebrate the birth. This can be done at a baby shower, which is often held at a restaurant or in the home of one of the mother’s friends, or the gift can be given as a special surprise for the mother without any party.

Often the baby shower has a theme for the presents, usually planned in coordination with the mother and her needs. Sometimes, the giver can be part of a “group gift” for the baby newborn boy or girl, and go in with other people at the church or workplace to buy the family a more expensive present, one that is more expensive than anyone wants to buy alone.

Practical Gifts

One type of gift are the practical gifts. This would include things like diapers (whether disposable or the “new” trend – cloth) and diaper covers, practical clothing like undershirts, sleepers, and other necessary items, receiving blankets and larger ones, and anything else the mother has expressed an interest in receiving, like a sling or diaper bag.

Newborn Baby Gifts That Pamper

Pampering gifts are the type that the mother and father probably wouldn’t buy on their own, but they would love to have. These include things like diaper service for a month or two, and very fancy clothing for the newborn.

Something that is very popular now is to give newborn baby gifts that are personalized. Almost any present can be turned into a personalized gift – there are many websites and companies that will add a name to a blanket, bib, towel, etc. Imagine the thrill for a mother as she opens your gift to find her baby’s name on the satin binding of a blanket!

Suggested Gifts For Mom!

Mom could use a bit of pampering after her hard work. A gift for mom could be a massage or getting her nails done. Mom may appreciate a book she’s had her eye on, which she can read while she’s breastfeeding the baby. Or it could be a scrapbook made from pregnancy photos documenting her journey into motherhood. Note that the best newborn baby gifts for mom aren’t ones that take her away from her newborn, but ones she can enjoy while the babe is asleep or contented in a auntie’s arms.

What About Gifts For Dad?

What would dad like when he’s got a newborn? Many dads enjoy getting regular meals – and when mom’s busy with her newborn baby, a gift can be bringing in meals to the family.

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on bob jogging stroller and dual jogging stroller.

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