Congratulations on the impending arrival of your new baby! Expecting a new baby is an extremely exciting time, although also one that may leave you feeling uncertain and a little unprepared. If you’ve never been a parent before, then it can be daunting knowing what to expect, and perhaps most importantly what to buy.
According to websites like Amazon, you require thousands of dollars of gear if you hope to be a “good parent!” The good news is that all of this is mostly just marketing. In truth, you only need a few essentials to take care of your baby. To help you simplify, and weed out the marketing from the must-haves, here are the most important things you will need for your baby’s room.
A Humidifier
Your baby deserves to have clean fresh air for its little lungs. Installing a humidifier is a great way to ensure that they breathe in clean air, full of plenty of moisture and humidity. In the beginning stages of your baby’s life, even the slightest cough can be very uncomfortable for them. A humidifier can help ease their symptoms, and help them heal faster.
A Crib
A crib or bassinet is a must-have for your baby’s room for obvious reasons. Although your baby might not be very good at sleeping in the beginning stages, it’s important that you get them into the habit of sleeping in their own bed. It can be particularly important for them to sleep in their own bed when sleeping unattended.
For example, if you need to get some housework done, putting them in a crib ensures that they won’t roll off the bed or any other surface. Make sure that the crib you buy is approved for safety standards, and also the mattress. It doesn’t have to be fancy, the most important thing is safety.
Diaper Table
Although many parents simplify and change their baby’s diapers on the couch or floor, you’ll find that over time this isn’t the most convenient way to do diaper changes. A diaper change table is incredibly handy for getting your baby dressed when they get out of the bath, and of course for changing their diapers.
Not only does it make it easy to clean up messes, since it’s all in one contained space, but you don’t have to worry about stains and streaks on places like your bed or couch. Not to mention, many diaper changing stations also come with a built-in baby bath. This can be extremely handy during the first month of your baby’s life as you can bathe them and change them in the same place.
Nursing Chair
Whether your baby is bottle-fed or breastfed, a nursing chair is essential. You’ll probably be feeding multiple times throughout the night for the first few months of their life, so having a place to sit is important. Although any sort of chair will do, a reclining chair or rocking chair is best, as it allows you to sit comfortably while feeding them.