Nursery Essentials for Newborn and Toddlers
When you are expecting a new baby or you have just had one, there are essentials that you need before the arrival of your baby. We have made a list of some of the essentials that you should considering having even if you cannot have all of them but you definitely will be needing some of them.
The essentials includes items for your baby’s nursery, as well as well as useful gear for when you’re out and about. You’ll feel more prepared for the day you get to bring your baby home once you have these essentials. The nursery becomes the most important room in the house for many (if not most) expecting parents! Our baby nursery essentials should give you some guidance.
Crib: When it comes to newborn baby necessities, one of the most important items that every parent should have is a crib. Your baby will require a secure crib in which to sleep. A crib can be costly, but it is one of the essentials that you cannot do without. Just ensure that the crib you are buying complies with all the safety regulations to keep your baby safe.
Mattress: You cannot buy a crib without a mattress. A firm mattress that fits the crib you have purchased is another essential for your nursery to give your bundle of joy the safest sleeping surface.
Bedding: You will also need a waterproof mattress cover and a few fitted sheets that perfectly fit your crib mattress. When you buy the best and most suitable bedding you’re your baby, it reduces the changes of your baby risking Suffocation and sudden infant death which is associated with bad beddings for babies.
Bassinet: What is a bassinet, exactly? A bassinet is a bed designed specifically for babies aged 0 to 4 months. Bassinets are distinguished by their basket-like construction, which provides walled protection similar to that of cribs but on a much smaller scale.
Despite the fact that this item is optional, we included it on our new-born essentials because some parents prefer to use a bassinet during the first few weeks. Bassinets are small and portable, taking up less space than cribs and moving from room to room with ease. Of course, your baby will require a crib at some point.
Night Light: A night light provides enough light to change diapers or feed your baby, but is gentle enough to avoid blurry vision. The dim light also encourages you and your child to sleep. It is truly a newborn necessity when you’re making your way to the nursery in the middle of the night for feedings. It allows you to see where you’re going and what you’re doing without the need for bright lighting. A night light may also provide reassurance to your child as they grow older when they wake up in the middle of the night.
Storage for Clothes: Even if you’ve only gathered the essentials, you’ll need a place to store your newborn’s clothing. In some cases, the changing table’s drawers or shelves may be sufficient for storage. Alternatively, you can organise your clothes with baskets or tubs; chests of drawers or wardrobes are also viable options. Instead of placing them directly on the clothes, place them on top of tissue paper or in a satchel. When storing baby clothes, keep them in a dry, cool, and humidity-controlled environment for the best results.
Rocking Chair: Breastfeeding, a bedtime story or lullaby, and a final cuddle before sleep are all possible in a cosy chair in the nursery. Not only that, the sensation of being rocked and swayed is very appealing to babies. They find repetitive motions soothing, which is why a rocking chair is a great addition to any nursery. A rocking chair is an excellent temporary solution if your baby is teething or going through a fussy stage.
Pacifier: To soothe themselves, newborns may want to suck on a pacifier, so this may be an essential item for you. Pacifiers help parents and infants in getting through periods of crying when the infant is either not hungry or too full to eat but still requires the comfort of sucking. Pacifiers can be extremely beneficial to parents during the early months of a child’s life. Pacifiers are used to help babies calm down when they are crying.
Toy Bags: Although a toy basket isn’t strictly necessary, your newborn baby may acquire some toys, and it’s helpful to have somewhere to store them. Toys can be stored on shelves if you have them.
Baby Bouncer: Bouncers are similar to baby swings, but they bounce due to your baby’s leg movements. A bouncer may be an essential item for you because it allows you to get things done around the house while your baby is safe and entertained. Before purchasing a bouncer, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for minimum and maximum weight limits.
Playard: A portable play yard is a play area that can be moved from one location to another. This can give your baby a safe, enclosed place to sleep or play while you go about your business. Because you can move a portable play yard around your house depending on which room you’re in.
Toys: As your baby begins to grow and have an awareness of their surroundings, they will need toys they can reach for, hold, suck on, shake, make noise with, rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, vinyl and board books, things to listen to, books with nursery rhymes and poems, and recordings of lullabies and simple songs. It’s critical to inspect all baby toys for small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Play Mat: Tummy time is beneficial to newborns on a daily basis. A thin, soft play mat can be placed on the floor to give your child a place to enjoy a few minutes of tummy time a couple of times a day. Always keep a close eye on tummy time.
Burp Cloths: This is another must-have item. When you burp your baby, these are designed to protect your clothes in case they spit up a little (or a lot!). A receiving blanket could also be used for this, but a burp cloth is smaller and easier to manage.
Nursing Cover: A nursing cover keeps you and your baby safe while you’re breastfeeding. To keep it in place, it usually comes with a strap that you can tie around your neck. A receiving blanket can also be used as a nursing cover, but because it lacks a strap, it may slip off more easily.
Receiving Blankets: A receiving blanket is a small blanket that is usually sold in pairs or groups of two. You can use these blankets to swaddle your baby and use them as nursing covers and burping cloths.
Nursing Pillows: Consider getting one of these U-shaped cushy pillows for extra comfort for both you and your child. These firm pillows provide a place for your baby to rest other than your arms, as well as remove some of the weight from your body.
Bibs. Bibs are a must-have item because they protect your baby’s clothing from milk, formula, and drool.
Baby Bottles: Baby bottles are a must-have for your baby, whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed. Glass and plastic bottles are available; some of the plastic bottles come with a bottle liner insert to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. Consider the shape and size of the nipple when selecting a bottle. It’s possible that you’ll have to try a few different nipples before finding one that your baby enjoys.
Breast Pump. When you need to express breast milk, you can use a manual pump or an electric or battery-powered pump, such as if you go back to work or if you’ll be away from your newborn for longer periods of time. Some models simultaneously pump both breasts.
Bottle Warmer: Heating your baby’s stored breast milk or formula safely can be difficult. A bottle warmer can be a real-time saver and, as a result, a baby necessity because it ensures that the milk is evenly warmed.
Sterilizer for Bottles: You may prefer the convenience of a steriliser to keep things like bottles and nipples clean, but handwashing or putting them in the dishwasher will suffice. Some sterilisers come with a bottle warmer built-in.
Changing Table: You’ll need a secure location to change your child’s diaper. Changing tables usually have drawers or shelves so you can reach diapers, wipes, and clean clothes without taking your baby’s hand. Just make sure these items are out of reach of your baby. Some changing tables have a strap that you can use to keep your baby secure and prevent falls if they roll over unexpectedly. Keep at least one hand on your newborn whenever they’re on a raised surface, even if the strap is fastened.
Changing Pad: A changing pad keeps your baby comfortable while also keeping the changing table clean. Some pads can be wiped clean, while others come with machine-washable covers. This is an essential baby item if you’re looking for convenience.
Bathtub: You can start bathing your baby in the baby tub once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed. When your baby is three to six months old and can hold their head up properly, they will be ready to use the “big” bathtub.
Car Seat: One of the most important items on our newborn baby essentials is a car seat. Your baby will require one the moment you leave the hospital and for every subsequent car ride. Choose a rear-facing car seat that meets the most recent safety standards and is appropriate for the size and weight of your newborn. Before your due date, make sure the car seat is properly fitted to your vehicle and installed facing the back.
Baby Carrier or Wrap: This item can be extremely useful for keeping your baby close while also allowing you to move around your hands-free. Wraps, slings, front packs, and backpacks are among the many types of baby carriers available. It’s worth noting that some baby carriers require a newborn insert to be safe for this age group. When using your carrier, follow the most recent safety guidelines.
Stroller. There are a variety of stroller styles available, including car seat carrier strollers, travel systems, and full-size strollers, all of which can be used from birth. Verify that the stroller you want complies with the most recent safety regulations.
Diaper Bag. You’ll be thankful you have a diaper bag that fits all the things you need when you’re away from home with your little one because it’s one of the most important baby essentials. Diaper bags come in a variety of styles, from practical to fashionable. You won’t even look like you’re carrying baby gear with a backpack diaper bag, for example.
Stroller Rain Cover: Cover the stroller when it rains. When choosing a stroller, you might want to consider purchasing this accessory. Universal models are available if the manufacturer does not sell one.
Baby Monitor: A baby monitor is a device that helps parents to listen to or see their baby while he or she is in another room. It is a great device that puts anxious parents’ minds at rest when they are not with their babies. It can be digital or analogue and it can be audio-only, video, or both. With these devices, babies can be monitored from any part of the house, and parents can watch or hear their babies whenever the baby wakes up or cries, even if the parents or babysitter is far away!
