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Newborn Essentials - Part 2

This article is a continuation to "Newborn Essentials - Part 1", published last week. In that post, we discussed what the clothing and feeding essentials are, for a newborn. In case you missed to read it, click here. 

Without any delay, let us check out the next set of items your baby would need.

Diapering Essentials:

Diapers: Initially, buy a small pack of newborn diapers. Once you are satisfied with the brand and your child doesn't develop any rashes, you may buy in bulk. This is another essential and you have to keep upgrading to a bigger size, as the baby grows. You may try Kirkland and Huggies (US/ Canada) and Pampers (India). Tip: Diapers are available at a very competitive price at Costco (US/ Canada). In India, check Amazon for best deals.

Cloth Diapers: You can use reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. Have at least a dozen of them, as just born wets and soils them quite often.

Wet wipes: These are essential to clean baby's mess. Choose non-scented ones, as newborn could be sensitive to perfume. My go to brand in US and Canada is Huggies, available at Costco. At India, Pampers is good.

Diaper rash cream: This is another essential item, even if you use cloth diapers. Mama Earth (US/Canada) and Himalaya (India) are good.

Diaper pail: Diaper pail is used to collect the dirty diapers and help to seal in the odor. Tip: You may alternatively use a dustbin with lid. However remember to use a liner and frequently trash the contents.

Changing mat: Changing mat helps to avoid staining the surface on which you change the diaper, whether at home or while you are travelling.

Bath time Essentials:

Towels: Have 2-3 soft cotton towels to wipe baby's sensitive skin, as cotton ones absorb water efficiently and will be gentle on the skin.

Baby soap & shampoo: Use soap (bar or liquid) and shampoo made for babies. They will be mild and gentle on baby's skin. Again opt non-perfumed ones. You can try Aveeno, Burt bees (US/ Canada) and Sebamed soap bar or Himalaya liquid soap and Himalaya Shampoo (India)

Body lotion/ moisturizer: Newborns may not need this. But you may use non-scented lotion/ moisturizer if you are in a place that dries out the kid's skin. I always prefer Aveeno (US/ Canada). 

Baby oil for massaging: Gentle massaging of baby's head and body helps them to relax well. Moreover oil massage for the body helps in strengthening the bones, besides moisturizing. I used olive oil for this purpose. If you wish, you may buy massaging oil designated for babies.

Bath chair/ tub: Bath tub with infant chairs will be of great help to bathe the little ones 

Sleeping Essentials:

Swaddle blanket: Newborns feel safe when swaddled and this helps them to sleep well, and is highly recommended to swaddle them at least during the initial 2-3 months. Tip: You can use soft towels during summers and warm blankets in winter

Blankets: Buy 2-3 warm, cozy blankets to cover the baby while sleeping

Rocker/ Swing: The rocking/ swing motion of the rocker or swing helps to relax the infant well and makes it fall asleep quickly and is definitely a good to have newborn item. Fisher price (US/ Canada) is recommended. Check out the below link to rocker by Fischer Price available in Amazon Canada. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fisher Price Rocker

Crib and mattress: Invest in a good crib and mattress, as your baby spends majority of its time sleeping in the first year. Tip: You may buy a convertible one which can be used as a toddler bed and daybed later on, thereby you don't end up spending a lot. If you co-sleep with the baby, ensure you use a firm mattress. 

Mosquito net: You may use mosquito net to keep your baby safe from insect bites

Medicinal Essentials:

Thermometer: Newborns are easily prone to infections. So keep a digital thermometer handy to take baby's temperature, and reach out to the pediatrician, in case of fever.

Nasal Aspirator: This device is used to safely remove mucous from baby's nose and a must have in your little one's medical kit

Medicines: Below are few essential medicines for the newborns. Do not go by your own prescription, consult your pediatrician.

  • Nasal drops: Generally doctors do not prescribe medicines for infants in case of cough and cold, so as to enable them develop immunity, naturally. You may use nasal saline drops for clearing congestion and to treat nasal dryness. Trust me, they offer them great relief.
  • Fever drops: Infant fever medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are available under different brand names.
  • Vitamins: Any vitamin supplement prescribed for newborns

Other Essentials:

Car seat: Baby car seat ensures kid's safety while traveling by car. Ensure it meets latest safety standards and installed securely in the car.

Stroller/ Pram: Strollers give you the ease to carry baby wherever you go, while offering great comfort to the baby. You may choose from a wide variety of strollers - one with car seat carrier, light weight strollers, umbrella strollers, full sized strollers etc. Tip: Buy all in one model, which comes with a car seat and can be used for toddlers too. Evenflo (US/ Canada) and Luvlap (India) are great buys.

Stroller wind shield: This is a good to have stroller accessory to protect the baby from rain/ wind

Diaper Bag: Bag to carry baby items while travelling. You don't have to really get a fancy one, you may use any bag of your convenience to organize and carry. Just ensure items don't get mixed up and you don't have to dig into it, while you are looking for wipes to clean the baby's mess 😜

Sun blinds: You would need sun blinds to keep the sun out while travelling by car

Toys: Baby doesn't need lot of toys at this stage, except for few rattles and musical toys, which make pleasant sounds. Hang them to the rocker, swing or stroller, to have those sounds keep your child occupied for hours.

Nail cutter: Baby nails grow very fast and you would most certainly need nail cutter/ clipper, to prevent the baby from scratching. 

Comb/ brush: Use baby comb with soft bristles, to comb your little one's hair

Detergent for washing clothes: Buy mild detergent, which is designated for washing baby's clothing, including towels, blankets, burp clothes etc.

This brings us to the end of the list. I know you are super excited and can't wait shopping for your munchkin. God speed! Happy shopping!!!

* All the product/ brand recommendations in this post are purely based on personal experience.

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