The Ultimate Guide to Buying Essential Items for a Baby

Preparing for a baby is work. One walk around a baby store and you might be surprised at the amount of choices parents have when it comes to buying items for their babies! The baby market has a large selection of products and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Over the years, products have been created to save time, money and the sanity of parents. Some of these items come with a hefty price tag and others do not. What exactly do you need for your new bundle of joy? What are some extra items that you might want to have?

First and foremost, a carseat is a requirement and a necessity. After the birth of your baby, hospitals will not allow you to leave without a safe carseat. Your baby should be properly buckled in for optimal safety. Infant carseats are available to fit different weight and height specifications. All infant carseats should be secured in the car properly and should be rear-facing.

Every baby needs a safe place to sleep. Because it is not safe for your baby to co-sleep with you in your bed, it is essential that you purchase a crib, bassinet or pack and play for your baby. Check the crib slats and make sure they are safe for your baby. Mattresses should be firm and no bedding, other than a fitted sheet, is needed in the crib with your baby. Additional bedding and stuffed animals pose a suffocation threat.

If you choose to breastfeed, nothing is required. Nursing mothers may find that using a nursing pillow makes breastfeeding easier. If you choose to formula-feed you will need to purchase bottles and formula for your baby. Formula is available in different varieties, brands and sizes. There is also a large selection of bottles available. Some babies do fine with less expensive bottles and other babies need the specialty kind.

Diapers are a necessity. Whether you choose to use disposable or washable diapers is a personal choice, but unfortunately at this point, babies do not come into the world potty-trained. Baby wipes are convenient and nice, but if you must, you could use a wet washcloth to clean your baby's bottom. Diaper rash creams are often a necessity for some babies. A changing table is a nice area to change your baby's diaper, but a bed or couch will work just as well.

Of course, you will need to dress your baby in appropriate clothing according to the weather. Most babies will go through several changes of clothes a day. Onesies, sleepers, socks and layettes are necessary to keep your baby warm. If the weather outside is cool or cold, it may be necessary for your baby to have a hat, bunting or coat on. You might also decide to purchase separates for your baby so that you can change the outfits periodically. Shoes are not a requirement until your baby begins taking his first steps.

Many parents agree that an infant swing can be a lifesaver. Although it is not a necessity, it can help soothe a fussy baby and it also provides a safe area to place your baby. Some babies will sleep better in a swing than they will anywhere else. Bouncy seats also are nice luxury items to have. Again, they do provide a safe place for your baby and the vibrations will calm a fussy or tired baby.

A nice convenience for many parents is the stroller. When shopping carts are not available or your baby is to small to fit properly in the shopping cart, a stroller can be a lifesaver. Some carseats are matched with a stroller and sold as a "travel system". The carseat just snaps onto the stroller and there is no need to take the baby out of the carseat before putting the seat onto the stroller.

Although an infant bathtub is not a requirement, baby wash is. Bath products for adults are much to harsh to use on your baby's sensitive skin. Baby powder is dangerous for a baby's lungs, so that is not needed. Baby lotion should be used daily to keep your baby's skin moisturized. Infant nail clippers are a necessity to keep your child's nails trimmed. Adult clippers can easily cut their delicate fingernails.

As your baby gets older, he will begin to eat solid foods. Commercial jar foods are convenient and ready to use, but parents and caregivers are able to prepare their own baby foods. A highchair provides a safe place for your baby to eat his food. Infant spoons are perfect for getting food into the little mouth of your baby.

Toys are necessary for your child's development. The toys do not have to be store bought, but they must be safe. Exersaucers provide a safe and fun place for your child to play and learn. Floor mats, activity gyms, rattles, mobiles and books are all great choices.