Your new bundle of joy is on their way, and it’s time to start preparing for their arrival. You begin to look, but the market is saturated with dozens of options.
At Twin Cities Kids Club
, we care about your parenting journey. Here is what baby gear you do and don’t need.
Baby Gear Do’s
When you start to look at the money you have to spend for your baby on the way, it can get a little overwhelming. You can save on your wallet is by educating yourself on which products are worth your hard-earned money and which are not.
Car seat
A car seat is essential for your baby’s safety. This item is one thing that you want to spend your time researching and will be worth the splurge. The hospital will not let you leave with your baby without ensuring that you have a properly installed car seat.
Depending on your family’s lifestyle, you may also want to look into a travel system. A travel system is a car seat and stroller combo. The car seat pops right out of the base and onto the stroller, saving you the hassle of wrestling your newborn in and out of the car.
As a new parent, it is crucial to be knowledgeable on car seat safety and how to properly install one.
Diaper Bag
Babies come with a lot of accessories. You will need to bring bottles, diapers, a change of clothes, everything. You might as well pack the whole house; you’ll be sorry if you need it and don’t have it.
A diaper bag is a must-have item for your baby. There are a variety of different diaper bags on the market.
Some are geared more toward style, while others are practical. There’s no wrong choice here. Just make sure you’re getting a quality diaper bag. You’ll be using it for a while.
Diapers and Wipes
You already know about the importance of a diaper bag, so you need things to fill it. It’s a good idea to start stocking up on diapers and wipes before the baby’s arrival. Stocking up will also help you adjust to the new expenditure that will be added to your monthly bills.
Just make sure you get a variety of sizes. They are super cute when they’re newborns, but they quickly outgrow sizes.
A Baby Carrier
You have a mountain of dishes, a pile of clothes staring at you from the bedroom floor. But your baby is not pleased with the idea of spending any time alone. A quality baby carrier is a good investment so you can soothe baby but also be hands-free to accomplish a few tasks around the house.
Baby carriers can often get a bit pricey. It is a good idea to go to a store and try different ones out to find out how they fit and feel. Once you find a comfortable one in the store, you can make some online price comparisons.
Stroller
A stroller is a must. It will be a while before your little outgrows a stroller because even if they can walk, their little legs tire quite easily. There are many different types of strollers that could suit you, depending on your lifestyle.
If you live in the city, you may want to get one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. There are jogging strollers, pop-out strollers, travel systems, and double strollers. They come at different price points, so it is essential to make a list of requirements and test some out.
Bonus, here are some stroller workouts to keep you going after baby comes.
Crib Sheets
Accidents happen, spit-up, blow-outs, you name it. You will find yourself with a lot more laundry when your new addition arrives. It is a good idea to invest in several sets of crib sheets, so you are not scrambling to find a clean set every time you need to change baby’s bed.
It is a good idea to get a quality set that will hold up in the wash and are soft and comfortable for your little one to sleep on. Just make sure they are the correct fit.
Breast Pump
Not everyone plans on breastfeeding or pumping; however, if you plan to breastfeed, it is a good idea to invest in a pump. Once you have a routine down, you can start pumping so dad or someone else can step in for some of the feedings.
Then mom can have a well-earned break. Some insurances will cover the cost of a breast pump, but if yours doesn’t think about investing in a quality pump that will last and make your breastfeeding journey easier.
Baby Gear Don’ts
Some products on the market are not as useful as they may seem. There are more cost-effective alternatives that get the job done without the price tag.
Bottle Sterilizer
Most bottles require you to sterilize them the first time you use them. You can do this by taking the bottle apart and putting the parts in a pot of boiling water on the stove; no fancy sterilizer required. Afterward, a thorough scrub in hot soapy water will do the trick.
The only time you may need to sterilize your bottles more often is if your baby is premature or has just gotten over an illness. It would be a good idea to give them another quick boil in hot water.
A Changing Table
Yes, you will definitely need a place to change your baby. However, a specially designed changing table is unnecessary. A more cost-effective option is to get a low mid-size dresser and place a changing pad on the top of the dresser and hang a shelf so you can keep all your essentials within reach.
Wipe Warmer
A wipe warmer can seem like a good idea. However, if you do not stay on top of wetting the wipes to keep them moist, the warmer will dry them out. The dry wipes pose a potential fire hazard if overheated.
Between adding an extra chore to your list and being a fire hazard, it’s safer to use room temperature wipes.
Fancy Diaper Pail
A diaper trash can is a good idea. However, a trash can with a closing lid will also do the trick and won’t cost you nearly as much money.
Bassinet
While bassinets are so adorable, they lack longevity. Your baby will quickly outgrow a bassinet because they are only safe to use for the first few months of your child’s life. Instead, you can use a pack and play with a bassinet attachment or move the crib into the master bedroom.
Crib Bumpers and Large Quilts
They make a nursery look absolutely charming but provide no benefits. Not only are crib bumpers unnecessary, but they can also be hazardous. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges you not to use crib bumpers because loose bedding can increase the risk of suffocation or SIDS.
Nursing Cape
Breastfeeding is in public is legal in all 50 states. However, if you feel the desire (not pressure) to cover up, there are many nursing capes on the market. You can forego a nursing cape and use any lightweight muslin blanket as a cover.
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