For first-time parents, preparing for the arrival of their baby can be very confusing. It is not uncommon to see new parents buying the same products or similar more than once or buying items that have no practical purposes. I know I did this when my first baby was born, now I know better. You may be wondering, what are the items I need to stock up on and the ones I can do without? This is where our checklist comes in handy, to guide you as you shop to welcome your newborn baby. The nine-month waiting period gives you enough time to get your home ready and buy baby items that you will use at least for the first six months to one year of your baby's life. Getting ready long before the baby arrives saves you the trouble of rushing towards the end and probably omitting essential items. This article contains the following baby essentials:
- Baby clothing
- Baby diapering
- Baby bath
- Baby nursery
- Baby gear
- Baby feeding
Baby clothing essentials
Buying clothes made of cotton for your baby is more acceptable because it is less likely to irritate or chafe your newborn's skin and also has a comfortable feel to it. Living in the tropics also requires breathable clothes that will protect your baby's tender skin from profuse sweating and heat rashes. Baby clothes sizes are organised according to age: 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months and 9 to 12 months. They are available brand new and also at thrift shops. You cannot tell how big your baby will be until it is born and you cannot tell how fast it will grow either. It is a safe bet to get a few clothes of all sizes until after your baby is born. Here is a list of clothing items to buy:
- Long sleeve onesies or bodysuit
- Short sleeve onesies or bodysuit
- Leggings or cotton trousers
- Socks
- Sweaters or hoodies
- Mittens
- Cap
- Booties (shoes are not a necessity at this time)
- Flannel
- Baby blanket
- Mild soap or detergent to avoid skin irritation.
Special clothes for outings are not important at this time either. Apart from hospital visits for immunisation or a photo shoot, new moms in Nigeria are mostly at home receiving
after-birth care for three months after which the baby will be christened.
Baby diapering essentials
Baby diapers are a huge investment, especially for newborn babies and you cannot estimate how many times a day they may poop or pee. You have no idea how much supply of diapers you will need to get through this period. Good enough, this is the most frequent
newborn baby gift parents receive.
- You could choose between cloth and disposable diapers and whichever you choose you will be needing loads of it. If you choose cloth diapers, you will need a diaper cover as well.
- 2 to 3 packs of wet wipes.
- Diaper bag: just big enough to contain diapers, wipes, a change of clothing for the baby and feeding bottles.
- Changing mat: some come with a diaper bag. If you did not come with it, you may need to buy one.
- Diaper rash ointment.
Baby bathing essentials
Bath time can quickly become a fun experience once you get past the phase of your baby screaming at the feeling of being wet and when you finally get the hang of getting a hold of your baby's slippery body.
You will need:
- Baby bathtub
- Baby soap (baby shampoo is optional)
- Soft towels (could be hooded towels or towels big enough to wrap your baby in)
- Wash clothes or face towels for bathing
- Baby lotion
- Baby oil
- Baby powder
- Antiseptic
- Cotton swabs
- Baby nail clippers
Baby nursery essentials
If you don't have a designated nursery for your baby at the very least you will have:
- A sleeping place for baby
- Storage for baby clothes
- Playmat that can also double as changing mat
If you have space for a nursery, you will need:
- Crib or bassinet
- Mattress for the crib
- Baby wardrobe
- Changing table
- Toy storage
- Bedsheets
- Blankets
Baby gear
Baby gear comes in handy as the baby gets older and you are on the move more frequently:
- Stroller
- Stroller rain cover
- Infant car seat
- Baby carrier
Baby feeding essentials
Be prepared to feed your baby round the clock whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding. You will need these items for your baby and you:
- Nursing pillow
- Bibs
- Infant feeding bottles
- Bottlebrush
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Baby wash towels
- Warmer or insulated bottle holder
For mum:
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Breast pump (optional)
- Nursing cover
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