8 Must-Have Baby Products
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the huge “must-have” lists handed to you by employees of stores where you register for baby products. When it comes down to it, simplicity in baby products is the easiest and best philosophy. You should look for products that develop with your baby while also helping your baby develop. While it is easy to immediately get caught up in major stroller combos, matching wipe warmers, and busy bouncy seats, babies have survived for hundreds of years without those items, and sometimes starting small and purchasing items as you need them can be an advantage. Maybe your baby does not like swinging motion, or maybe there isn't enough room in your home for a bassinet, crib, and pack and play. Give yourself time to learn your baby’s needs and wants, then purchase accordingly. Make sure you look at smaller retail outlets to find the best products. Whatever your style is, from chic to contemporary to country to modern, the following must-have items will fit your lifestyle.
Here are eight simple products that are relatively cheaper to purchase up front, and will make your life easier.
- A Great Sling. My staff and I all wear slings throughout the day. When one of our babies is fussy, we pop them into our sling and continue our tasks, because slings are instant baby soothers. We don’t just carry plain slings; we have satins, Chinese dragons, ultra soft fleece, and beautiful prints. Trust me, getting the stroller in and out of the trunk, then carrying the infant seat, diaper bag, and baby is a lot of work. Wearing a sling in the grocery store, mall, or even in the kitchen while washing dishes is much easier. They will save you time, spare your back from the pain of lifting and holding, and are proven to make your baby happier.
- Body Wash for You and Your Baby. Your baby will be teething on you and near you, and babies have very sensitive skin. To avoid skin allergies and save time, you should wash with the same body wash as your baby.
- Quality Cotton Pajamas. We only carry 200 thread count or higher for layette items because a baby's skin is so fragile. Rather than having fifty cheap nightgowns that you wash once a week, it makes more sense to have five great nightgowns and do laundry every three days. Better quality cotton also won't stain as easily as cheap cotton.
- A Stylish, Functional Diaper Bag. I cringe when I hear the words “unisex diaper bag.” To be honest, you, the new mother, will be carrying the diaper bag most of the time, so you should get a great bag for yourself. Get a bag that matches your sense of style, not the sex of the baby. If you think dad will want to lug baby’s gear around, get two different diaper bags.
- Quality Crib Bedding. There should be three things you look for in bedding: quality, universality, and neutral décor. I recommend more than 200 thread count sheets, and try to steer away from polyester. Quality is so important because the sheets need to hold up through repeated loads of laundry. You will be washing the sheets and blankets two to three times a week. There are sets available that can be used for a boy or a girl and are reversible. You want the set to last for two to four years while the child grows into the toddler bed.
- Cloth Wipes and Cloth Diapers. You can use cloth diapers after bath time and before bed to give your baby a chance to "air out". Cloth wipes that are washable and reusable are not only economical, but also great for the environment. At the boutique, we buy from home-based businesses that specialize in flannel wipes that are incredible soft, stain resistant, and easy to launder.
- Splurge on Nursing Bras and Support Garments. Your body will need the support postpartum. I always advise women to have great cotton spandex blend underpants and tank tops for the first couple of weeks after birth for it does make a difference as your postpartum body readjusts.
- Time with Your New Family. What often works best for new families is designating time every day for visitors. You need time alone with your new family to get accustomed to having your baby at home, develop a schedule, and just plain rest! Don't worry about offending your relatives and friends; your baby is the most important person at this moment. Spend your time holding your baby, and loving him or her. Eighteen years from now, you will not regret that private time.