Should I buy clothes and supplies for a newborn in advance?
There is an incredible number of different signs and myths about everything related to the birth of a child.
One of the most popular is that you should not buy anything for your baby in advance, before his birth. As a rule, our grandmothers impose it on us. Of course, every woman gets incredibly excited when the moment of birth comes closer and closer. Her thoughts are only occupied with ensuring that everything is fine with the child. Accordingly, even the most modern mother, who has never believed in omens, becomes a little superstitious. Perhaps extra caution never hurts, however, let's think about this topic. First of all, psychologists say that arranging a child’s room, making it cozy and buying everything necessary for the child helps to avoid postpartum depression. Of course, you don’t have to buy everything before giving birth, but purchasing some supplies is a must. In addition, there are alternative positive signs that apply to the purchase of children's things. Here are some of them:
- You can buy a stroller before the baby is born; in addition, it will be very difficult to do without it immediately, from the very birth of the child, because pediatricians recommend going out with the baby into the fresh air immediately after discharge from the hospital, if the baby is healthy. However, the stroller should not be empty until the baby is born. Place a doll or a new soft toy in it.
- You can also buy things for the baby : diapers, vests, hats, booties, bodysuits - wash them, iron them and fold them carefully: prepare them for the baby's arrival. This procedure symbolizes an easy birth for a woman.
- Of course, if you listen to everyone and everyone who says not very pleasant things about the upcoming birth or the risks of deviations in the baby’s health, then you can become a hostage to your own negative thoughts. Don't take everything to heart.
What do you need to buy before giving birth?
Of course, what you need to buy for the birth of your baby is up to you to decide. However, experienced parents still strongly recommend purchasing some accessories. Think for yourself, immediately after leaving the maternity hospital with your baby, you will need a lot. We bring to your attention an approximate list of things for newborns for the first time .
Crib and chest of drawers
Take care in advance about buying a crib because the child will need to be put to bed. Please ensure that it is absolutely safe. It is best to choose a model that is made from natural materials. On many modern models, the side wall can be removed, and the bed thus turns into a cozy little sofa.
The chest of drawers plays an important role - the baby has a lot of things. These include children's clothing, toys, and care products. In order to organize and conveniently store all things, a chest of drawers is simply necessary. It is very convenient to order furniture for newborns through the online store with home delivery and assembly. In this case, you don’t have to think about how to transport your purchases from the store to your apartment.
Changing table or changing pad
To ensure a comfortable position for the child while changing clothes, performing hygiene procedures or changing a diaper, a pad or a special children's changing table is needed. With their help, it will be much easier for you; you won’t have to constantly hold your baby. And the baby himself will feel comfortable.
Bathtub
It will be very difficult to do without a bathtub. The process of bathing the baby after discharge from the hospital is a necessary procedure. You will carry out water procedures every day, so choose the most convenient bath.
Bed linen for baby
It is better to buy several sets of bedding for your child at once. You should not buy a cotton blanket; the baby will not need it at all. Don't forget to purchase children's oilcloth, which is easy to wash and dry. The mattress will remain dry and the child will be comfortable.
Set for discharge
Be sure to buy a kit for your baby's discharge. Focus on the time of year. Special warm sets with a blanket are suitable for winter. This item will stay with you for a long time. Think about how nice it will be to get a set when your little one grows up and remember these pleasant moments. A convenient option is to go to the online store of goods for babies and order everything online. This will free you from tedious trips to the departments of children's stores in late pregnancy.
Shopping for newborns: what is useful and what you can do without
I was a crazy expectant mother. Disregarding all folk signs, already in the third month of pregnancy I began to prepare a dowry for the baby. Having read magazines and books on motherhood, I bought everything that was mentioned there, even in passing. With the advent of my son, I became convinced that a good half of these things could easily be done without. The baby grew out of the pile of clothes within a month. The bottle sterilizer was mostly sitting around collecting dust. A beautiful kangaroo backpack lay in the closet - it made my shoulders hurt ungodly. I even managed to buy rubber breast pads to prevent cracks in my nipples. Yeah, there are still two whole packages lying around unopened, by the way.
Of course, all mothers want their child to have everything he needs. But the baby is growing so quickly that you will use very little of these “extra” purchases. Moreover, during a crisis, already expensive children's things are rapidly becoming more expensive, so it makes sense to decide what exactly you will really need.
MANDATORY REQUIRED
Crib
There are a lot of them in children's stores, it's just dizzying: from beautiful (and expensive) French or Italian ones to simple and affordable domestic ones. Let's be honest - there is not much difference between them, except in design. Very convenient are cribs with a removable side, which can be moved to the parent’s bed, and then mother and baby will be side by side. This is especially convenient for night feedings.
A canopy and soft sides for a crib are, at first glance, a meaningless luxury. But no: the canopy will protect the child from the light (after all, at first he will sleep in the same room with his mother), and the sides will protect him from drafts and will not allow him to hit the side bars. An imported kit costs from 1,500 rubles, a domestic one – from 750 rubles.
Stroller
A very convenient option is a “transformable” stroller: from the “lying” option, it easily turns into a walking “sitting” one. Therefore, this model will easily last you up to two to three years.
Cons: the main ones are heavy weight and poor maneuverability. The more bells and whistles a stroller has, the heavier it is, and it can be difficult for young mothers to drag it, for example, into a hallway or onto a porch. And finally, in the “lying” position on some models (for example, Russian or Polish production), the surface of the cradle is uneven - in the place where the lower part is detached and is slightly inclined. German and Italian strollers, as a rule, do not have this drawback.
Another, very popular model now is “three in one”: this is a combined version consisting of two baskets (lying and sitting) installed on the same base (wheels). In such a stroller, you can remove the “lying” cradle and replace it with a walking version, which is also a child seat for the car. Pros: the cradle that can be removed from the stroller is really convenient. You can take it to the clinic or shopping.
Disadvantages: despite the fact that a “sit-up” model can be made from a classic stroller, from 6 months many people still buy a separate stroller - lighter and folding.
Bath
In the first six months, you will probably need a baby bath: while the child is still small, he has to be supported when bathing. Later, the baby will learn to sit, and you can bathe him in a large bathtub.
A bath seat, in principle, is not such a necessary thing, but it provides additional comfort. The baby will lie down softly and will not have to be supported while bathing.
Sheets and blanket
For bedding, such a baby needs only sheets; models with elastic bands are the most convenient; they won’t bunch up. A warm blanket is dangerous for a little one - he can suffocate under it in his sleep, so it’s better to buy something lighter. But the baby will not need a pillow in the first months of life.
"Carousel"
The “carousel” attached above the crib will become the first educational toy for your child. The child will reach for toys, follow spinning objects, and listen to gentle melodies. There are several advantages: firstly, contact with toys develops tactile sensations in the baby. Secondly, hearing develops, the child remembers his first melodies. And finally, calm music and circular movements help the baby calm down and he will fall asleep very well.
Manege
It can be used from 2-3 months of age. By this time, the child pushes off with his legs and tries to move, and he gets bored lying in the crib all the time. In addition, the playpen can be placed, for example, in the kitchen, so that mother and baby can watch each other. From 6 months, when the baby is already crawling quickly enough on the floor, the playpen will be used less and less. But you can take it with you to the dacha or on a visit and use it instead of a camp crib. True, for this it is better to choose folding models that can fit in the trunk of a car.
Cloth
The main danger is not to give in to temptation and buy a whole bunch of tiny and so cute things! Remember - the baby is growing quite quickly, and “newborn” clothes of size 54 - 56 will become too small for him in a month. Therefore, you should take a minimum of things for the very first days; it is better to buy more clothes in size 62 at once. In addition, you probably have a bunch of relatives and friends who will give you a lot more suits and hats, which in the end will remain brand new.
An approximate list of children's “dowry”: - Diapers: 5 thin, 5 flannelette. - 2 towels. - 6 rompers (it is better to take “onesuits” with straps on the shoulders - ordinary pants slide down when the baby kicks his legs) - 6 blouses. - 4 body socks - 3-4 pairs - Warm overalls for walks in winter - Hats – one warm for cold weather, the other lighter for spring.
YOU CAN DO WITHOUT THIS
Bottle sterilizer
It’s a convenient thing, but you won’t be lost without it either: you can boil water bottles for the first couple of weeks, and then completely pour boiling water over them. From the same series is a bottle warmer: they can be heated in hot water. From my experience: we bought a preheater, but constantly forgot to add water to it. Somehow it completely evaporated from the device, and the heater simply burned out.
Breast pump
It will only be required if you have real problems with breastfeeding or pumping. Then buy it. It’s not worth it in advance, don’t rush into this acquisition. Moreover, if you buy a breast pump, then it should be a good one, from a reliable manufacturer. Cheap options like “bulb-hose-bottle” quickly fail.
Baby monitor
Needed if you have a large apartment or country house. In small-sized housing, you will already hear the voice of your heir. In addition, almost all baby monitors are not as sensitive as mothers would like. They only respond to the loud roar of a baby. And the irritated, quiet whimpering is ignored.
Electronic scales Electronic scales
The child is regularly weighed in the clinic, so in principle they are not needed at home. But if your relatives give them to you, then you are welcome. It's always nice to know once again that he has improved a little more.
Baby changing table
You can also swaddle your baby on the bed. In addition, as early as 5 months, a child can fall off the table. This table will come in handy if you have nowhere to put diapers, bottles and other supplies. The most inexpensive tables are domestically produced, made of pine or birch - from 1,500 rubles. Options “table + cabinet” cost from 3,500 rubles. Well, if you are planning to buy an Italian or French table, then it will cost you from 6,500 rubles.
Walkers and jumpers
All parents approach these devices differently. Some consider them very useful for a child’s development and say that with them babies begin to walk faster and more confidently. Opponents of using walkers claim that they cause crooked legs and that the child will later learn to walk. I don’t know which of these two opinions is more correct, but personally, my son began to walk just fine without them.
Baby undershirts
Almost all mothers admit: classic Soviet vests are a thing of the past. They constantly get out of my pants, twist and get lost. Knitted blouses with buttons are much more comfortable. As for clothing, you are unlikely to need house caps, anti-scratch mittens and vests (or blouses) with sewn-in anti-scratch sleeves. It’s enough just to trim your baby’s nails regularly, and everything will be fine.
Dear mothers, what other purchases for babies do you consider necessary, and what not so much? Please share your opinion in the comments - your tips will definitely be useful to inexperienced mothers!
What things should you take to the maternity hospital?
Getting ready for the maternity hospital is an extremely important moment. It’s best not to fuss and think about what you’ll take with you. To avoid forgetting anything, you can write a list of necessary things.
So, what does mom need:
- The most important thing is documents
- Phone and charger
- Comfortable clothes and linen (robe, warm socks, slippers, underwear that will not cause discomfort if there is a seam on the stomach, a nursing bra), as well as towels
- A couple of packs of thick postpartum pads
- Nipple cream
- Postpartum bandage
- Necessary utensils
- Chapstick or lip balm
- Drinking water and heartburn remedies
What will the baby need? First of all, you need to check with the maternity hospital whether you can bring any things with you for the baby (don’t forget to wash and iron them first).
- Packaging of diapers
- Two vests
- Two pairs of sliders
- Anti-scratch mittens
- A cap without ties, as well as a cap with ties
- Diaper cream, crease oil and cotton pads
It is important! How to properly care for newborn clothes
In the first two months of life, baby clothes should be washed with a solution of baby soap. To do this, just grate it and dissolve it in water.
By the end of the second month, you can switch to baby washing powder. It is absolutely safe for the child. The baby's clothes should be washed separately from the main laundry. Boiling baby clothes will eliminate all bacteria. Ironing each item on both sides will guarantee maximum sterility.
So, now you know about all the main points that are important when preparing to meet your baby . As you can see, it is still necessary to buy baby clothes for newborns, although not all of them, but some are very difficult to do without. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for you to devote time to choosing and purchasing with a small child in your arms. As a result, all baby supplies will be purchased hastily.
Be extremely careful when choosing products for babies, pay attention to the quality of everything you purchase, be it children's furniture, clothing, food or care products. The child’s body is very sensitive and will instantly react to harmful substances. It is best not to be tempted by the lowest price, but to pay attention to the quality of the product and its composition. A very convenient way to buy things for your baby is an online store. You have the opportunity not only to buy everything for newborns inexpensively, but also to familiarize yourself in detail with the composition of the products, and also, importantly, with reviews from mothers.
Health to you and your baby!
Rating of the most useless things for a newborn baby
In fear of forgetting something, pregnant women buy a lot of things before giving birth, which later turn out to be completely useless.
The website UAUA.info conducted a survey among young parents on its Facebook page. Moms and dads told us what things they never used.
According to the survey results, it turned out that most often (34% of cases), parents have a lot of diapers and baby clothes . In some families, children were born much larger than expected, so baby vests turned out to be small, and parents often simply refused to swaddle. Some young mothers bought so many small things that their children grew up before they could wear them. Scratches, booties and caps often turned out to be completely useless.
Read also: List of necessary things for the maternity hospital
Surprisingly, 24% of parents found bottles and pacifiers . Many mothers bought bottles before giving birth, fearing that they would not be able to breastfeed their baby. But many children simply refused to use pacifiers.
13% of mothers did not use a breast pump , which they had prudently purchased before giving birth.
Almost 6% of mothers purchased medications based on the recommendations of doctors in the maternity hospital. The fact that they never had to use these products can only be encouraging.
In addition, mothers said that they did not have to use nipple shields (they managed to establish breastfeeding without their help), small diapers (babies grow very quickly, and packs of diapers remain unclaimed) , a bathtub stand (they quickly switched to a larger bathtub) and changing table (it turned out that a chest of drawers for changing is more convenient) - 4% each.
a crib was useless ! From infancy, their children sleep in their parents' bed.
Many parents said that they gave away things they didn’t need (even a crib) to their friends. Well, those who planned to give birth again in the near future saved it for the future baby.
So, the rating of useless things compiled by UAUA.info is as follows:
- Diapers, vests.
- Bottles and pacifiers.
- Breast pump.
- Medicines.
- Nipple covers, small diapers, bathroom stand, changing table.
Read also: Co-sleeping with a child: truth and myths
But 7% of mothers without fanaticism shopped for things for the baby. Therefore, they had nothing left unused. They advise purchasing only the essentials, and choosing and looking after the rest of the things in advance, so that dad can be sent for them at the right time.
We wish you to make only healthy purchases when preparing for childbirth, and if you bought something extra, be sure to use it for your future children!
Read also: List of necessary things for the baby and mother after childbirth
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