Baby's First Year
Denise Borja & Lissette Bury
Baby Clothes:
Most of the baby's clothes are sized as preemie, newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. for an everyday wear for a baby, think about the comfort and ease. look for soft, roomy and durable clothing that allows the child freedom to move around and explore. here are some basic needs:
One- piece (5-7) : some of these are basically spiffed-up pajamas appropriate for sleeping and playing. Outfits that zip or snap down the front and all the way down the leg will also help because they help change the baby easily.
Shirts (5-7) : Look for T-shirts and turtlenecks with plenty of room at the neck snaps at the neck. Most parents prefer styles that go over the tummy and diaper and snap at the crotch.
Leggings or Pull-on pants (5-7) : look for stretchy waistbands that's fit easily over the baby's diaper and belly. They allow you to change one piece of dirty clothing without assembling a whole new outfit.
Out Layers (5) : Sweaters, fleece jackets, and sweatshirts that zip up easy to put on and take off. Buy larger sizes and look for loose armholes. Avoid clothing that has dangling strings, tassels and ribbons.
Hats and Mittens : A broad- brimmed sun hat for the summer and a warm hat that cover the ears in the winter. Mittens that are easy to get on and take off.
Socks or Booties : You will need lots of socks for indoors and some booties for outside.
Shoes : NO need for real, hard- soled shoes. Just cover the baby's feet with socks or booties.
Pajamas/sleepers (5-7) : Avoid sleepwear that has complicated snaps or requires lots of efforts to get on or off!!!!
Diapering:
Diapers : Babies will probably go through 10-12 diapers a day.
Wipes : Whether you plan to buy wipes, make your own, or use wash cloths and warm water. Make sure you are always prepared.
Changing Pad or Table : Have a designated place for diaper changes. Keep your hands on your baby at all times when changing on elevated surfaces.
Baby Gear:
Baby Carrier : Make sure all straps and harnesses will support your baby securely.
Stroller : It's an efficient way to get around town. Think about the storage space while shopping with your baby.
Car Seat : A safe car seat is mandatory. Refrain from purchasing a used one.
Breastfeeding & Bottle-feeding:
Nursing/feeding Pillow : Designed to support the baby while nursing. It keeps baby at a better position.
Breastfeeding Accessories : Lanolin ointment: relieves sore nipples. Hot/cold gel packs: soothes swollen or sore breasts. Disposable breast pads: keeps you and your shirt dry
Burp Cloths (6-12) : To catch spit-up and wipe up other baby fluids.
Bottles (6-12) : Newborns start with 4 -ounce size but you will need 8- ounce bottles as the child begins to drink larger amounts. you will need as many bottle nipples as bottles.
Formulas : If you don't breastfeed, choose one from the many infant formulas.
Bottles Brush (2) : They are handy for scrubbing small parts and crevices in the bottles.
Breast Pump : It allows you to pump milk from both breasts simultaneously.
Breast Milk Bags : Its a storage bag for pumped breast milk. the amount depends on how often you intend to pump.
Feeding:
Highchair : You don't have to by one. Look for a model that's easy to clean.
Bowls : Look for ones with suction cups on the bottom of the bowl which will stick to the tray and will refrain from falling to the floor and creating a huge mess.
Baby Spoons : A rubber-tipped or plastic spoon is easier on the baby's gums and its small enough to fit in the baby's mouth.
Sippy Cups ( 3-5) : Its easy for drinking. Look for cups with handles. Don't get cups with straws.
Bibs (3-5) : Waterproof or quick-drying kinds are useful.
Baby Soothers, toys, & Entertainment:
Pacifiers : Its and essential item. Some like it and some don't.
Bouncy Seat : It comes in handy and it is a safe place to put the baby down. Make sure the baby is strapped securely.
Play Mat/ Gym : Soft mats with baby toys that dangle from overhead.
Toys: Your baby doesn't need a lot of fancy playthings, but it's nice to have a few rattles, musical toys, and soft toys at the ready.
Books: Chunky board books are a great way to introduce reading to your baby.
Sleeping:
Bedding: Though you'll see plenty of fancy bedding sets in baby stores, all you really need are about three to five fitted crib sheets and perhaps a waterproof crib mattress pad.
Wearable blankets (2 or 3) : These fleece or cotton sacks zip over your baby's sleepwear and keep him warm at night.
Swaddling blankets (3): Many newborns love to be swaddled, and having a few blankets made just for this purpose can make your life much easier.
Safety:
Outlet covers: Exposed outlets are an almost irresistible attraction to curious explorers.
Cupboard and drawer latches: Choose from several types, including ones that latch or twist open and closed.
Toilet seat locks: These fasten on top of a closed seat and require you to press a button or undo a latch to open them.
Baby monitors: The transmitter needs to be close enough to your baby's crib to pick up sounds (within 10 feet) but far enough away to ensure that the cord's out of reach if there is one.
Health:
Bulb syringe: Use with saline drops to clear your baby's stuffy nose.
Teething toys: Chewing on these can ease your baby's discomfort.
Digital thermometer: This is an important item to have in your medicine chest.
Baby nail scissors or clippers: These help you trim your baby's nails safely.
Baby-friendly laundry detergent: Some brands are specially formulated to be gentle on baby skin.
A soft-bristled baby brush: This is especially helpful for handling cradle cap.