|
Baby
Needs
Once the baby is born you
can get carried away buying things for the new
born. There is no doubt that you will enjoy
buying things for your baby, but you will have
to be careful not to buy things you do not need.
It is important to remember that babies grow
quickly and buying a lot of things that they use
only in the first few months will be a waste of
money. It would be best if you could borrow some
of things from family or friends. Costly items
like prams; rockers, high seats etc. can be
bought second hand as they are used only in the
first few months. You will find clothes, in a
second hand shop in good condition, as they are
used only for a few months. Your family and
friends will gift a lot of the things that are
required by the baby for the first few months.
It is a good ideas to talk to friends who have
had babies before you and find out what they
thought was necessary for the baby during the
first few months. Here are a few suggestions on
what you will need in the first few months:
Nappies: If you are using reusable cloth
nappies, then you will need a large supply of
cloth nappies so that you do no run out of them
in between washes. Two or three Changing Mats to
place the baby on, while changing nappies so
that your sheets do not get stained, if you are
not using a changing table. Soft wash cloth or
cotton wool to clean the baby. The washcloth
will have to cut into medium sized squares; you
will need a few of these.
Separate bucket to collect, soak and wash the
soiled nappies.
Bath time: Small babies do not get dirty,
so they do not need a bath everyday. Many babies
do not like having a bath. You can just sponge
your baby using a damp soft towel and then pat
him dry and change him into fresh clothes. Some
parents let the baby have a bath along with
them. If you do this you will have to ensure
that the temperature of the water is right for
your baby. Some parents use a baby bath or their
sink to bath their baby. Again you should ensure
water is just warm enough for the baby. Other
things that you might need are:
 |
Cotton wool to clean the baby's face.
|
|
|
Sponge to bath the baby. |
|
|
Baby soap and shampoo. |
|
|
A baby bath rest would be useful as it will make
your baby feel more secure and you will feel that he is better supported
as well. |
Bedtime: Things that you need for bedtime for your
baby will depend on where you baby is going to sleep. Some parents prefer to let
their baby sleep independently. Some babies do not like to sleep alone as they
fee insecure and lonely. If the baby sleeps with you, it would help to have:
|
|
A small mattress that you can place over your
mattress. |
|
|
Cotton sheets to cover the mattress and the baby.
It would be better to have a few spares as well.
|
|
|
Cotton blankets for the baby, the number you use
will depend on the time of the year. |
|
|
Pillows placed on the side of the baby to ensure
that he doesn't roll off the bed at night. |
|
|
If your baby sleeps in a cot, you will need: |
|
|
A mattress that is firm and fits the cot well.
|
|
|
Cotton sheets to cover the mattress and the baby
with. Keep a few spares to use when those being used are washed.
|
|
|
Cotton blankets, the number you need depends on
the time of year it is. |
|
|
Baby monitor |
|
|
Room thermometer to monitor the temperature of the
room the baby sleeps in. |
|
|
Night-light will make the baby feel more secure.
|
No matter where the baby sleeps make that his bed clothing
is separate from yours.
|
