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Parenthood marks the beginning of a brand new chapter in most peoples’ lives. One which opens up the lives of parents-to-be to the joys of unconditional love and the responsibility of caring for, and lovingly shaping a new life.
Ensuring a child has the best start in life and has all the items it needs for its comfort and security is something every parent wants. While you eagerly await the arrival of your new bundle of joy, it can be helpful to make some preparations to ensure they have everything they need to make their entry into the world a smooth one. In this article, we have outlined some essential items to purchase when expecting your first child, making your baby’s first days as relaxing and stress-free for both of you.
Car Seat
This may be one of the first purchases your new baby will require in order to arrive safely home. As you travel from the hospital in your car, you will need to strap your newborn baby into their car seat, ensuring it is properly installed and meets certain standards. This step is routinely overseen by nurses who will inspect baby car seats to ensure they meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and are correctly fitted before allowing the family to leave.
Car seats typically come in three different varieties: rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborn babies should begin their journey home from the hospital in a rear-facing car seat and continue to travel in one for as long as possible until they have reached the maximum height or weight limits permitted by the car safety seat manufacturer. Once the child has reached a certain age they may then transition to a booster seat. You can read this helpful guide for more information on when to transition to booster seat.
Baby Crib
Newborn babies can sleep anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day. With much of their time spent in slumber, it is important to prioritize where they will sleep. A crib is, therefore, one of the essential items of furniture your baby will need.
When deciding what type of crib to purchase it is important to keep a few key requirements in mind. Look for an option that is of high quality and feels sturdy and durable when shaken or rocked. While your newborn may not be jumping around just yet, your crib should still offer them comfort and safety as they grow and become more mobile and active.
The slats on the crib should also be appropriately spaced to eliminate the risk of your baby getting stuck between them. According to the Consumer Safety Product Commission (CSPC), slats should be no more than 2.375 inches apart to protect infants from getting trapped or falling out of the crib. Prioritizing these points will ensure your baby sleeps safely and soundly, giving you the peace of mind you need.
Baby Monitor
As a parent-to-be, it is only natural to feel worry or concern about your newborn’s well-being, especially during sleep times. Rather than checking in on them every so often, and risking disturbing their sleep, a baby monitor can give you the comfort and reassurance you need to know that your baby is sound asleep or if they are in need of your attention. When purchasing a baby monitor look for the following features to ensure it meets your needs:
- Night vision: This feature will allow you to capture a clear image of your baby even in low-light conditions. This will allow your baby to get a restful night’s sleep without the need for extra lighting.
- Two-way audio: This will allow you to hear your baby's coos or cries and reassure them with your voice from a distance, gently soothing them back to sleep if they wake.
- Temperature sensor: With this feature you can track the temperature in your baby’s room to ensure it is safe and comfortable, especially during extreme weather conditions.
- Lights and soothing sounds: Some baby monitors contain additional features like in-built night lights that create a dreamy landscape such as a starry projection. Soothing lullabies and other sounds are also available to comfort and calm your baby, creating a relaxing and peaceful environment for them to sleep.
These baby monitor features not only offer parents the reassurance they need that their baby is safe and sound when they are at a distance but also help promote a more peaceful night’s sleep for both parents and baby.
Stroller
Whether it's a simple stroll in the park or a longer journey with the family, a stroller is another essential item you will need to help you get out and about with your baby.
When choosing the perfect stroller for your needs, it’s helpful to look for one that has more than just four wheels. To make your movements as effortless as possible, look for one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. This will make navigating crowded spaces and tight corners less cumbersome and will also ensure light work when lifting your stroller into the car or up a flight of stairs.
Other features to look for when purchasing a stroller for your baby include a designated storage area where you can carry all your baby essentials on-the-go such as a diaper bag, extra clothes, and feeding supplies. To ensure your baby’s comfort, ensure the stroller has a cushioned lining for a cozy ride and a sun canopy to protect it from the sun’s rays. Additional features that can make your stroller more convenient for you include:
- A cup holder: For keeping your beverage safely housed and your hands free.
- Phone holder: Easily check calls and messages while pushing your stroller.
- Bag hook: Securely attach a bag to your stroller allowing you to pick up some groceries or conveniently carry your handbag.
With these essential items in place, you will have everything you need to feel fully prepared for the arrival of your baby and to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being are prioritized from the start.
