There is nothing like knowing you will be welcoming a little new life into your world soon! It can evoke a rollercoaster of emotions, making you switch from daydreaming one moment to compulsive planning the next. It makes sense. Having a baby is a surreal experience, after all!
However, it’s also a practical experience – one that requires the creation of several to-do lists including a rather lengthy shopping list!
Since you already have too much on your plate, we thought of taking the pressure off you and creating a handy list of baby essentials you need for your newborn to have a happy and healthy first year! Let’s begin.
First Year Baby Essentials Checklist
In the first year of a newborn’s life, they will need all the love, care and attention you can give – along with a few essential products, of course! Here is what you should arm yourself with:
1. Baby Clothes
Baby clothing should be the number one item on your baby essentials list! From cosy jumpsuits to nappies, summer playsuits, socks, booties, and fashionable mommy-and-me co-ords – sky is truly the limit here! The only thing you should be mindful of is selecting baby-friendly fabric. Organic cotton is widely recommended as the safest fabric for newborns.
2. Baby Bibs
Whether you are breast-feeding, bottle-feeding or planning to start the weaning process once your baby turns six months old, investing in a dozen baby bibs will serve you well. Meant to be wrapped around your toddler’s neck, it keeps your baby and their clothes safe from spills and messes as they discover the joyful world of new flavours.
3. Baby Dinnerware
This includes everything you can name off the top of your head – feeding bottles, plates, sippers, dining bowls, spoons, forks, and other tiny utensils that fit into your toddler’s hand and make you beam with pride. You can also throw in bottle covers and bottle brushes in the mix. Just make sure everything you get is made of baby-friendly material and is BPA-free.
4. Breastfeeding Pillow
Of all the newborn baby essentials, this is often the most overlooked one but it shouldn’t be. Specialized pillows can help nursing mothers maximize their and their baby’s comfort during prolonged feeding sessions by providing extra support which both mother and child need. They are generally U-shaped and you will find plenty of options online. However, we recommend trying one before you buy it.
5. Diapers & Diaper Bags
The most important item on our baby essentials checklist, the market is flooded with diaper options! Pant styles are probably the most convenient as changing them is quick and easy. As for diaper bags, look for ones that feature extra compartments for other essentials such as sleeves for baby wipes, insulated pockets for feeding bottles etc. They should also feature ergonomic straps as you will be carrying them around a lot in the first year of your newborn’s life.
See also: Refining Everyday Style with Compact Luxury
6. Bedding Essentials
A supportive mattress, head and side pillows that support your newborn’s development, soft snuggly blankets and waterproof and washable bedcovers are a few of things you absolutely must invest in when it comes to baby bedding.
7. Bathing & Skincare Essentials
While towels and brushes are critical, so is picking the right baby products. Whether it’s a bathing bar or a moisturizing cream, products you choose should feature baby-friendly ingredients that keep your little one’s skin soft, protected and feeling good. AreoVeda’s Baby Bathing Bar and Deep Moisturising Baby Cream are made of all-natural ingredients including PENTAVITIN®, which deeply moisturizes your baby’s skin and keeps it hydrated for up to 24 hours.
8. Baby Toys, Furniture & Travel Essentials
Though it is true that newborns sleep for about 14-17 hours each day for the first year of their lives, they still need a lot of positive engagement and interaction during their waking hours to support their development. That’s where baby toys and furniture comes in. Cots and cradles are a given but getting sturdy yet comfy high chairs, strollers, and car seats can help your baby sit upright and explore the world around them in their own little ways. Apart from these baby travel essentials, you should also get a host of colourful soft toys, rattle toys, and other interactive playthings to encourage sensory skill development.
Conclusion
The first year of your baby’s life is going to be full of milestones that will make you feel like a proud and overwhelmed parent as you experience them. It only makes sense to support these milestones with healthy baby essentials. From cribs and cots to plates and bowls – every small item can simplify the responsibilities of everyday parenting. For example, AreoVeda’s baby skincare range of oils, body washes and creams are gentle and effective in keeping your little one’s skin healthy. Reduce worry and enjoy the first year of parenthood with these must-have items!
