Newborn Essentials – Ultimate Guide for New Parents

How to choose a baby car seat?

There are different brands, models and sizes.

Infant car seats

These are for newborn babies up until 6 months of age approx. These are in most cases rear-facing infant seats.

There are some models that are compatible with strollers, which are called travel systems. That means that if baby falls asleep in the car, you don’t need to take her out of the car seat to put her in the stroller (as this action could wake her).

Just separate the seat from its base with the push of a button and you will have your sleeping baby undisturbed and out of the car.

Convertible car seats

Some models are convertible infant car seats. With this variant, you can turn the seat around and make it a front-facing car seat later. Some convertible car seats are suitable for babies up until 2 years of age, or even more.

The only drawback about a convertible baby seat is that it cannot be removed from the car with baby.

Booster car seats

The transition to a booster car seat will depend on your child’s age, weight and the regulation in the state where you live.

Booster seats are designed for older children from 5 to 12 years of age, weighting between 35 and 80 pounds.

Booster seats always face forward and feature the 5-point harness to secure your child, as well as side protection.

How to install a baby car seat?

The installation of a baby car seat will vary from brand to brand. Although most are very similar. Always look at the manufacturer’s instructions and your own car’s manual before installing your baby car seat.

Other features to look in a baby car seat

Easy to install

There are two systems that support baby car seats, the LATCH system using a base or the belt system.

If you are likely to ride a cab or going on friends’ cars with your baby, a belt system will be easier to use.

If you own your car, it is recommended you get the LATCH system, with the car seat base in the back seat.

Easy to use and adjust

As your baby grows, you will need to adjust the harness so that it is always at shoulder level.

Easy to clean car seat

Look for a water-resistant fabric, as opposed to an absorbent fabric. This will make your life easier when bub starts having snacks and water in the car.

If there is a huge mess, you will probably need to remove the car seat cover and wash it. Make sure your chosen model can be easily removed and machine washed.

Car seat accessories

Infant car seat cover

This is a nice addition to your baby gear to keep baby warm and cosy in winter and protect him/ her from the sun.

There are a few multi-use cover models that can be used as a nursing cover, shopping cart or high chair cover.

This item is obviously not a must-have, but more of a nice-to-have

Car seat cushion

Some baby car seat manufacturers sell separate car seat cushions to make the seat cosier and safer for baby. Just make sure you buy a car seat cushion from the car seat manufacturer to ensure that there are no gaps and that the cushion fits like a glove.

Car seat toys

If you have a winging baby, some car seat toys are useful to keep your baby entertained and busy during day trips.

You can even get a couple of models and alternate them to make sure baby is curious about the new toys.

Car seat canopy

Most car seats for infants include a canopy.

Before getting a car seat canopy, make sure you check if your baby car seat includes one already. Some of them do, but may lack some features, such as a peak-a-boo window.

Some others are short and do not protect baby from the sun shade well enough.

Second car seat base

This will be of utmost importance if your family has 2 cars. If you decide to share the day care drop off and pick up with your partner, they will need a second car seat base in the car as well.

Baby car mirror

This item is particularly useful when you have a young baby traveling rear facing. You can check out baby at any streetlight and see if anything is happening at any time.

Back seat organizer or Car seat storage organizer

This organizer hangs from the front seat to face your child. It is ideal for long trips, once they can grab things and play by themselves.

This is not a must-have for a new born baby but can help you keep your car tidy and organized once your baby grows older.

Car sun shade for baby

This handy item can help you protect your baby from the sun’s heat and UV rays. Baby’s skin is very sensitive to sunlight and continuous exposure to the UV rays could be harmful.

This is a great addition to your baby gear list, and it is not expensive. Some great models include 2 sun shades four approx. $15-$30.

Car seat brands

Some car seat brands that are popular among moms are the following:

• Britax car seat
• Chicco car seat
• Gracco car seat
• UppaBaby car seat
• Nuna car seat

Feeding time

Baby High Chair

At around 4 to 6 months, once baby can sit up on his own and starts eating solids it is a good time to introduce them to a high chair.

There are many models and brands:

Portable high chairs

A travel high chair is ideal for parents on the go. Some models can be folded and are light weight.

Traditional high chairs

An infant high chair is higher than a regular chair and it enables baby to seat at the family table height.

The fact that it is elevated is great to aid baby with meals and clean up later.

Look for a model that is easy to assemble and clean.

Convertible high chair

These are designed to grow with your child. Some models are made for children up to 3 years of age.

High chair that attaches to table

These are also known as hook-on high chairs. If you don’t have much room at home for a traditional high chair, this is a great alternative.

Always check the weight limit to ensure the unit can support your baby’s weight.

Fabric high chair

This is another great option for parents on the go. Plus, they are super lightweight chairs

Booster seats

Booster chairs can be place on top of a regular chair. If you don’t have much space at home for a high chair, this is another great alternative to consider. Some models are suitable only for older children, like the model of the photo. However, there are booster seats also for babies! Check out our article on best booster seats to learn more.

Some baby high chair brands are

• Graco high chairs
• Evenflo
• JOOVY
• Fisher-Price
• Baby Trend
• Bloom

Baby Bottles

If you are either breastfeeding, expressing milk or formula feeding your baby, you will come across the world of baby bottles soon.

Some babies struggle to take the bottle, for that there are a series of steps you can take for your baby to accept the bottle.

There is such a variety of baby bottles, that for some parents can seem overwhelming how to choose a baby bottle for their breastfed baby. There’re silicone bottles, glass baby bottles, BPA-Free Plastic bottles and even baby bottles made of stainless steel.

There are many brands you to choose from

• Nuk
• Philips Avent
• Medela
• Comotomo
• Dr Brown’s
• Life Factory
• Pura Kiki
• Lansinoh
• Tomee Tippee
• Playtex
• Munchkin
• MAM
• Gerber

These are the best baby bottles for breastfed babies.

Baby Bottle Sterilizer

If you are a new mom, you are going to need to sterilize your baby items at some stage. Click here to see our Top Guide on all sterilization methods.

Most baby bottle sterilizers are electric and use the steam method.

There are also modern electric sterilizers that use UV light to sterilize baby’s bottles and also other items like cellphones and remotes.

All electric steam sterilizers need to be plugged into a wall socket, hence are not the best option if you are looking to sterilize a baby bottle while you are away from home or travelling. For parents on the go, the best option is a UV bottle sterilizer that is portable.

Other ways to sterilize your baby items is using boiling water, a microwave sterilizer or a chemical solution diluted in water.

Baby Bottle Warmer

There are three things that a bottle warmer can give you: speed, consistency and convenience.

If you are wondering what the best baby bottle warmers are, check out this guide.

Just make sure your chosen baby bottle fits in the bottle warmer before making a purchase!

Other baby essentials for feeding time are

Baby utensils

• Baby spoons
• Baby fork
• Baby Bowls
• Baby plates
• Baby drinking cup

Normally made of BPA-Free plastic, silicone, stainless steel or wood. Baby dinnerware has a short handle, ideal for tiny hands and no sharp edges.

Baby waterproof bibs

For meal times a waterproof or silicone bib will make it easier to clean than a fabric bib.

Children bibs come in various shapes and fabrics. Bibs for newborns are soft, there are also teething bibs and dribble bibs even bandana bibs for babies!

Baby Sippy Cup 4 months and 6 months

Once you introduce your baby to semi solid foods it is time to also give them water to drink. Your baby’s first sippy cup will need to be chosen according to your baby’s age.

As time progresses you will need to change the sippy bottle. Babies transition from bottle to cup of a slow flow to a faster flow.

Newborn Essentials for Nursery

Baby Monitors

What is a baby monitor?

From the time your baby is born and especially if he has his own room, a baby monitor can be very handy.

Video monitors are used to see what your baby is doing inside his cot in whatever location you are in the house.

There are several types of infant monitors: audio, video or network (WiFi).

One of our favorites is the Infant Optics DRX-8, and we’ve done a review about it, check it out!

Baby Cribs

There are many sleep options for baby:

• Baby Bassinets
• Baby co-sleeper bassinet
• Baby craddles
• Full SizeBaby Cribs
• Convertible Cribs
• Luxury Cribs…

Bassinets that connect to bed

You can read about our recommended bassinets that attach to bed, here.

 

These type of baby beds are great for your baby to sleep next to your bed, protected.

Whatever sleep option you choose for your baby, this will be the main item for your nursery. If you are trying to decide what sleep option is best for baby, check out our cribs and nursery section on the menu above.

Baby Mattress

Your baby mattress always needs to perfectly fit your chosen sleep option for baby. Make sure you buy the baby bassinet or crib together with the mattress, to make sure they fit.

If you are unsure, read our guide on how to choose the best cot mattress for your baby.

Baby mattresses can be made of the following materials:

• Foam crib mattress
• Memory foam crib mattress
• Innerspring mattress for baby
• Organic baby mattresses

Check out this article to see which the best cot mattresses are.

Baby cot bed sheets

There are many baby bed sheets designs. You can find baby girl crib sheets and baby boy crib sheets. The most important thing is that when your baby is born you follow the safety guidelines for sleeping.

You would only need a mattress protector and a baby mattress cover sheet only. If it is cold, your baby will sleep swaddled or in a baby sleep sack.

Once your baby is older, you can introduce other items to the cot, such as a toddler pillow.

Newborn Sleeping bag

These sleep sacks are a safe sleep option. They are used to replace loose blankets in the crib or bassinet, as they can be a suffocation hazard for your baby.

Fabric materials can vary. There are summer sleeping bags, which are light weight so that baby does not overheat. Winter sleeping bag are thicker and cosier, ideal to keep baby warm at night.

Changing Table

This will be your baby diaper changing station. There are many models available. Some are integrated to the baby crib or baby dresser.

Make sure you also have a changing table pad that fits the tray section. The baby changing pad needs to be soft but firm, to support baby’s weight.

Baby Dresser

This is your baby chest of drawers. The dresser may be integrated to some crib models or integrated to the changing table.

You will need a dresser for baby’s clothes and diaper changing accessories. As your baby grows, you will need to organize his/ her clothes by age. If you run out of room, you can start hanging baby’s cloths in a kid wardrobe or use a diaper organizer or caddy.

Diaper Caddy

A diaper organizer has a diaper stacker section where you can keep all your nappies for the week. Some organizers have room for up to store 72+ diapers.

A nursery organizer can help you keep your baby’s room tidy, as you can keep all baby essentials for baby diaper changing time and bath time in one place.

Breastfeeding chair

You will spend some good amount of time breastfeeding. Hence, it is important to be not only comfortable, but also supported by your breastfeeding chair.

Never sacrifice comfort for style. It is of no use to buy a nursing chair that it is not comfortable, only because it looks good in your nursery.

Remember always that you need to be able to get out of the chair easily, without disturbing your sleeping baby.

In addition, try to use a versatile version that can stay at home and become a comfy chair after you finish your breastfeeding journey.

Baby security blanket

A security blanket is a soft toy, usually made of a plush material and with an animal head. Introduce it to your child wile you breastfeed from 4 months of age.

This item will become an attachment object and a comforter for your child if you are not around.

Nursery Decor

All the items mentioned above will be part of your nursery’s decoration. However, if you imagine your baby nursery as one of those beautiful Instagram photos, try to mix and match similar styles to give your baby nursery some harmony.

Some moms even choose a baby nursery theme for their baby, which can look really adorable.

Room Decor Ideas for Baby Nursery

Wall decor or wall art for baby nursery:

These include wall decals and murals and wall borders and colour lights. You can also paint one wall of a different colour than the rest, matching items you’d like to highlight.

Room Decor Items

Some room décor items are picture frames, a baby mobile, clocks, letters & plaques, mirrors and memory boards and growth charts.

Baby Bath Time

Bath time for babies is synonymous with fun time. There are a few items for small people that can make bath time easy and fun for you, too. However, always expect a bit of mess!

Baby Bath Tub

Before choosing a baby tub for your home, make sure you see what options are available and measure the space you have.

For small homes, a baby bath tub for kitchen sink can be a great alternative. If you have a bathroom without a bath in it, a baby bath tub with stand can be considered.

We have put together a guide to help parents choose from a variety of baby bath tub designs. You can also check out our best baby bath tub reviews, here.

Bath Toys

Having a few bath toys can be a great stimulation for your baby. They will feel curiosity and may get distracted if they don’t like water that much.

There are bath toys for newborns, for 2-year-old and older children.

It can be a good idea to use all the bath toys only at bath time. Baby will learn that there are some toys that are only for bath time, and your place won’t get messy with wet toys lying around, it’s a win-win.

Baby Bath Towels

There are various designs, but one of the most popular ones is the baby hooded towel, which is small. As your baby grows, you will need to upgrade your baby towel set to toddler towels.

Why not use large adult towels from the start? Towels for babies are fresher and softer than used adult towels. Baby’s skin is very delicate, and a nice towel will help you look after your baby, together with baby shampoo, baby soap, baby moisturizer and other baby creams you may choose to use.

Once baby grows into a toddler it will be easier to take them out of the bath by showing them a nice fun towel they can wear.

On-the-Go

Getting out and about with your baby is exciting.

If you feel anxious about going out with your baby for the first time, we’ve put together some ideas for you to get ready to get out.

Baby Stroller

This is one of the very basic items for babies. There are different types of strollers, so it may be a good idea to get informed before buying one.

• Standard Strollers
• Travel system strollers
• Umbrella strollers
• Lightweight strollers
• Convertible strollers
• Jogging strollers
• Twin jogging strollers
• Double umbrella strollers
• Tandem strollers

Our comprehensive guide has all the information you need to help you decide on which stroller model is best for your family.

For travelling families we have some great advice on how to fly with an infant stroller, check it out.

Baby Carrier

Sometimes your baby just wants to be close to you. For that reason, having a child carrier is a good idea keep your baby close to you, but to also free your arms.

Baby carriers are a great-to-have item. If you are worried about budget, a carrier doesn’t need to be expensive. Check out our guide on best baby carrier for newborns, high quality and low on price.

Diaper Bag

A good diaper bag is the ideal companion for going out with your baby, as it can help you keep everything well organized.

A few things to look for in a diaper bag or diaper backpack are plenty of room to organize all your baby items, ease to clean, stroller handles, interior and exterior pockets, insulated bottle pockets, and a section for you to put your wallet, phone and keys.

Click here to view all the things you may need to go out with your newborn baby.

Baby Dummy

Don’t forget the dummy! This little baby item has the power to stop a crying baby in a split second.

There is a lot of debate about the use or no-use of the baby dummy, also called baby pacifier or soother. This little item has parents divided.

The use of a dummy will reduce the risk of SIDS, according to research. Apart from that, the sucking motion is also a reliever of pain for babies.

Another advantage of a dummy is that it can stimulate a premature baby to suck, which can later help the latch to the breast. Plus, it can calm a crying baby very quickly.

On the other side there are some disadvantages to be aware of. It is said that babies that use a dummy may catch more ear infections than babies who don’t.

In terms of development, if a baby uses a dummy for a very long period (more than 2 years), the pacifier may change the jaw shape, causing problems in the future. The dummy, unfortunately doesn’t help babies who are starting to talk.

Feel free to click through any article link on this page to keep reading about baby gear and advice. We’ve got your newborn essentials covered.

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