As a first-time parent, it may be stressful to determine what baby care products are absolutely essential for your baby. Check out what items are necessary for your baby, from the day of delivery until their first few months.
Check out both the essential and non-essential products for your consideration here.
Essential baby care products
Diapers
Diapers are essential for babies as they do not yet have adequate bladder and bowel control. When choosing diapers, you may opt for reusable ones or store-bought choices for convenience.
Rash Cream
Diaper rash is a common problem among babies. It is usually caused when babies wear wet diapers and their skin becomes affected. The use of rash cream can help in treating irritated skin. Consult your doctor for the best and most effective treatment.
Baby wipes
These are essential and convenient when cleaning your baby’s groin and butt, while changing their diapers. This is one of the must-have baby care products.
Soft cotton towels, muslin towels, face towels
Soft, cotton towels are useful to keep your baby dry and clean. When choosing, look for those that are soft enough for baby’s skin to avoid irritation. When washing clothes and towels, opt for detergents that do no have fragrances and which are formulated to not be too harsh on baby’s skin.
Thermometer
A thermometer is very useful when you need to check your baby’s temperature, as children are more susceptible to infections. It is important to remember that the normal temperature of babies is 36.5 to 37.4 degrees Celsius.
Baby (blunted/ rounded tip) nail clippers and nail files
It is important to take care of your baby’s nails, as babies can scratch their faces and hurt themselves. This can then lead to infections and scarring.
Baby car seat
If you own a car, this is an essential item when traveling with your baby. This is also required by Philippine law.
Baby Stroller
A stroller is essential when you taking your baby out as you do your errands. It makes moving around with your child more convenient and safe.
Cotton bedding and Cotton clothing
Cotton fabrics are soft and do not irritate the soft skin of babies while being breathable. It is also non-allergenic.
Clothing items to have at home should include a onesie, a hat/ beanie, and a pair of booties/ socks.
Baby crib/ bassinet
Sleeping in a separate room or on the same bed as their parents have been shown to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be avoided.
Buying a baby crib or, more practically, a bassinet, and having your baby sleep in the same room can help decrease this risk as the padding on these cannot suffocate the baby.
Non-Essential Baby Care Products
These are secondary on the list, but they bring so much convenience to parents. Consider the following when preparing for your child’s birth.
Changing mat
This can be convenient when changing the baby’s diaper as it helps to keep your baby secure and less fidgety during changing. However, you can also just use a thick cotton towel.
Baby monitor
This item is not really essential, especially if you sleep near or in the same room as your baby. Parents however typically buy this if their babies sleep in a separate room. This helps parents tune in and hear if the baby is crying or in distress.
Baby baths
Baby baths may seem convenient to use, but you may also use your bath sink or bath tub when bathing your baby.
Night lights
Are not really necessary but are useful, especially during night-time feedings and changings. It is recommended, however, that you keep the lights off when your baby sleeps or on dim mode to ensure the quality of sleep.
High chairs/ feeding chairs
These are used when feeding your baby solid foods at around 6 months old. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives to having high chairs, such as booster seats that can be placed on normal kitchen chairs.
However, avoid buying high chairs that can be reclined as children should be upright when eating, to prevent choking.
Baby sleeping bags
Although baby sleeping bags have been seen to be useful in maintaining a baby’s temperature and decreasing their risk of SIDS, it is not essential as you can also sleep next to the baby.
That being said, you may purchase this for additional safety and peace of mind.
Baby bottles
During the first 6 months of a newborn’s life, it is recommended to breastfeed babies. However, for some mothers breastfeeding is not an option due to illness, injury, or other reasons. In this case, infant formula is a must and so is an ample supply of baby bottles and nipples.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are relatively safe to use for your child and can help when dealing with a fussy baby. In addition, they can be used to help avoid thumb-sucking.
Nursing pads
Nursing pads are disposable cloths that can be worn around the nipple in order to prevent milk from spilling. It helps mothers avoid awkward situations, especially when out of the home.
Key Takeaways
There are many baby care products available for purchase, many of which are essential in the care of your baby. Some non-essential products may be convenient and practical, however, have more economic alternatives can achieve the same effect. It is important to determine what products you really need, and what are absolutely necessary for you when you care for your newborn. Consult your doctor.
Learn more about Baby Care here.
