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During your pregnancy, there is going to be a lot you want to buy, but not all of it is essential. Instead of buying every type of baby product and gear you find, keep it simple and just get what is truly necessary. The following list describes five of the must-have baby products.
1. Stroller and Carseat
The first type of item you will need is a carseat, which is often combined with a stroller, making this an important combo item to have for your baby. While you don’t need a carseat that fits in the stroller, it is highly recommended when you have an infant. It makes it much easier to move them to the stroller and back to the car. Aside from the combo units, there are a variety of other strollers to consider getting for your baby. There are standard-size strollers, small travel strollers that are easy to fold up and put in your trunk, and jogging strollers if you intend to walk or run with your baby.
2. High Chair
You will also need to have a high chair at least by the time your baby starts sitting up and eating that way, as opposed to holding your baby to nurse. Try to get the high chair within the first few months after your baby is born if you don’t get it while you are pregnant. Basic high chairs are stand-alone chairs you can put anywhere in your kitchen. They are small and lightweight enough to move around to different areas of your dining room table and move out of the way as needed. To save space, there are also high chairs that attach to the end of a dining table, which are also good for traveling.
3. Bassinet or Crib
Make sure you have somewhere safe for your baby to sleep. If you decide to co-sleep, that is totally fine, but you may still want a co-sleeper
for the bed. This keeps your baby contained and in one spot on the bed next to you, keeping it safe from rolling, but also allowing you to keep the baby safe next to you and your spouse. If you don’t want to co-sleep, but want the baby in your room, there is the option of getting a bassinet. This can be placed right next to your bed since it is small and easy to move around as needed. A crib will eventually be needed, though you don’t necessarily need it right away. However, it is good to think about a crib now. There are cribs that convert to toddler and kid beds, so the investment is well worth it.
4. Feeding Supplies
aren’t going to be necessary from the moment your baby is born. Even if you are nursing, you might need a breast pump and some bottles to store breast milk when you are pumping at work. Depending on your needs, you may also need to stock up on formula, bottles and nipples, and storage for your feeding supplies.
5. Baby Entertainment
You might also want to pick up a few things that will keep your baby occupied and entertained when he or she starts becoming more alert. Bouncy seats
are often a great option since they aren’t too expensive, don’t take up a lot of space, and can help keep baby occupied while preparing her breakfast or folding laundry. You can also get some toys for the crib and her
when she is having tummy time, some soft snuggly toys to cuddle with, and bright and noisy toys for when your baby is a little older.