It is easy to be overwhelmed by huge must-need lists handed to you when you are registering at stores for baby products. Trust me, simple is easiest. You should look for products that develop with your baby and help your baby develop. I know it is easy to get caught up in the 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 as you need items can be to your advantage. Maybe your baby does not like the swinging motion, or maybe there isn’t enough room in your home for a bassinet, crib, and pack and play. Give your baby time. Then purchase as you need it. Make sure you look at smaller retail outlets to find the best products. Whatever your style is, chic, contemporary, country, modern, these items will fit your lifestyle.
Here are 8 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 through out the day. When one of our babies is fussy, we pop them into our sling and continue our tasks. It is an instant baby soother. The slings we carry aren’t just plain—we have satins, Chinese dragons, ultra soft fleece, and beautiful prints. Trust me, getting the stroller in and out of the trunk, carrying the infant seat, diaper bag, and baby is a lot of work. Wearing a sling in the grocery store, mall, or just using it to get the dishes done is much easier. They will save you time, your back, and are proven to make your baby happier.
Invest in great body wash that can be used by you and your baby. Your baby will be teething on you, near you, and have very sensitive skin. To avoid skin allergies and save time, you should wash with the same body wash.
Great cotton pajamas. We only carry 200 thread count or higher for layette items. Babies’ skin is so fragile. It makes no sense to have fifty cheap nightgowns and do laundry once a week, versus having five great nightgowns and do laundry ever three days. Better quality cotton also won’t stain as easily.
Buy a great Diaper Bag. I cringe when I hear unisex diaper bag. To be honest, you will be carrying your diaper bag most of the time. Get either two diaper bags, or a great bag for you to carry. Get a bag that matches your sense of style, not the sex of the baby.
Look for 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. The reason quality is so important is laundry. You will be washing the sheets and blankets two to three times a week. They have sets 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 are a great accessory for a diaper bag or in your layette. You can use cloth diapers after bath time and before bed to give your baby a chance to “air out”. Clothe wipes that are washable and reusable are not only economical, but great for the environment. At the boutique, we buy from home-based business that specializes in flannel wipes. They are incredible soft, stain resistant, and easy to launder.
Splurge on great 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. It does make a difference.
Lastly, you need time with your new family. What I see that works best is designating time every day for visitors. Whether it is from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm or before dinnertime, you need time to get accustomed to having your baby at home, to develop a schedule, and to 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 them, loving them. Eighteen years from now, you will not regret that private time.