One of the joys of having a baby on the way is creating that much-thought-about nursery, and then, of course, there’s the shopping and registry! But one look at a baby store and you can be left wondering what you really need for your baby’s nursery.
Real moms who have received some of the best and some not-so-needed baby items share their tips. From sleep time to playtime, you’ll have a functional nursery to help make life with baby a little easier.
Baby safety
Many first-time moms worry about their baby — whether they are safe, comfortable, too hot or too cold, etc. However, Karis, mom of two, has just the answer for such concerns. Her most loved nursery item was a baby monitor that detected sound and movement. “It monitors the baby’s breathing, and an alarm sounds if they pause for too long. It’s great for peace of mind,” she says.
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Many monitors also come with a video function, meaning you can watch your baby as they sleep or wake without having to go into the bedroom and risk disturbing them.
Here are some other items that will help with your baby’s health and well-being:
- Digital thermometer sets
- Infant bath aids
- Baby nail clippers (some come in full grooming kits)
- Baby bath and care products (such as creams for diaper rash)
Keeping baby comfortable
Many items can help you keep your baby comfortable, but sometimes it’s the basic things that work the best. Laurie, new mom to a baby girl, says that having a lot of blankets has really helped her. “You can never have too many blankets, big or small ones,” she advises.
For the cooler months, she also recommends having snuggle bags that are made to fit over infant car seats and strollers. “They’re great for winter or when it’s cold out, as it keeps your baby warm without having to put them in snowsuits, which you then struggle to fit under seat belt buckles and straps.”
A few other popular items that help keep baby comfy include these:
- An easy-to-use, lightweight stroller
- A soft play mat
- Baby swings and chairs that help them move or sit up
Nursing and eating
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, there are many baby items that can help make it a lovely experience. Hillary, mom to a young daughter and son, recommends one of the most obvious yet much-need items. “Bibs and spit-up cloths are a must. You can never have too many of them at home, in your diaper bag or in the car,” she says.
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Consider these helpful items too:
- A breast pump
- Bottle sets and cleaning kits
- Nursing pillows
- Teething toys
Extra expenses to avoid
Although there are many items marketed to new moms, you can actually use everyday items from around the house to care for baby. Laurie advises that having a special baby food blender wasn’t necessary. “Even though I make all my daughter’s food, I found a regular blender stick easier to use when making purées,” she says.
So before creating your registry, write down the items you want, and then see if you already have something similar at home that will do the job.
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