10 Important Things to Buy When You’re Expecting A Baby

When you’re expecting, it can become one of the most overwhelming time of your life. You are elated and excited about this new addition, but there is also so much stress and awareness that your life is going to change forever. The natural way to combat this seems to be buying items that can make your life easier.

But in the 21^st century, there is an abundance of what you can get your hands on. But don’t worry. We’re not here to make your already stressed mind more stressed. Instead, Gliderskirt has compiled a list of 10 things to buy when you’re expecting, so that your life becomes easier.

1. Breast Pump & Bottles For Expecting Mothers

When you’re expecting, it’s easy to forget about how you’re going to be feeding the baby. This is especially true if you’re breastfeeding and are relying on nature to do all the work. What many expecting parents don’t realize is that many times a mother’s body will produce more milk than the baby can consume at any given time. Such times are great to pump and store milk for night-time feedings with Dad! So, if you’re expecting a baby, it’s good to be prepared with a set of bottles, sterilizing kit, bottle warmer and temperature checker, and a breast pump. Even if you’re not breastfeeding, the bottles and easy cleaning supplies are important because you may not have time to do frequent dishwashing.

2. Diapers for Newborns

Diapers for newborns are different – snugger and softer than a regular baby or toddler diaper. Your hospital will provide you with a few days but you don’t want to be caught off guard when you run out. Stock your nursery with at least two months’ supply of diapers and diaper cream if you’re expecting a baby. You will go through them quicker than you think you will.

3. Newborn Car Seat

You have your new baby but how are you planning on taking your bundle of joy home? From the simple trip home to even shorter trips around the block or to relatives’ homes – you’re going to need a newborn friendly car seat installed in your car if you’re expecting a baby. In fact, it’s good to have your whole car deep cleaned and serviced to ensure it is baby safe before even installing the seat.

4. Maxi Pads & Ice packs

After nine months with no periods, everything changes once your bundle of joy arrives.  In the weeks after giving birth, as your body heals, there will be cramps and heavy bleeding. During this postpartum time caring for both yourself and baby, you won’t have the time to go shopping for supplies. The hospital will provide you with extra-large pads for a few days, but to manage pain and bleeding as you heal, it’s good to have a stock of maxi pads and ice packs to sooth inflammation.

5. Baby Mittens and Footsies

Newborns are wriggly little things, and they love moving their limbs to try and understand motor control. However, what many new parents don’t know is that their toenails and fingernails grow very quickly. If you’re making a list of what to buy before your baby arrives, then definitely include soft, breathable, cotton mittens and footsies. These are important so they don’t accidentally hurt themselves or scratch whoever is holding them between regular clippings.

6. Baby-Safe Massage Oils

Massages are a great way to flush out toxins, improve muscle development, and bone growth. They’re also a great way to bond with your newborn baby and allow their skin to breathe and keep their skin well moisturized. If you’re expecting a baby, you can stock up on massage oils that are fragrance-free and safe for babies. They’ll be good for a post-bath massage, and even for you to indulge in.

7. Flat, comfortable shoes

Parenting comes with a lot of walking. Walking your baby around the house, running from one end of the house to the other, taking your baby for walks, emergency runs to the store. Your feet will give out easily, especially with a sleep schedule that has been turned over. It’s best to keep two pairs of shoes – one indoors and one outdoors. They need to be sturdy but comfortable, allowing for good blood circulation. Flat sneakers, dare we say Crocs? or nurses’ shoes are ideal for this.

8. Burping Cloths

A new baby in the house although wonderful, can also be quite messy.  Expect lots of spit up as they learn to eat and digest and then plan for lots of little sniffles and general mucus duty. If you’re expecting a newborn, stock up on a bunch of burping cloths to carry with you during feeding and changing time. Make sure they’re made of hypoallergenic material so they are soft and gentle for baby’s face and are easy to clean.

9. Baby Monitor

Baby monitors are a good way to get some much-needed alone time while also keeping an eye on your child – especially if they’re not sleeping in the same room as you. During the first few weeks, you’ll be sleeping at the same time as your child and your monitor will let you know the minute baby is awake and is in need of your attention. Moreover, as time progresses, your other day to day activities will resume and your monitor will provide a way to keep one eye on them at all times. A baby monitor is the best way to rest assured that your baby is safe and sound asleep.

10.  Rechargeable Night Lights

This is an underrated but an extremely good investment for new parents. Most nurseries include nightlights since babies might not want to be left alone in the dark. But it’s all too common for parents in a hurry to bump and hobble around the dark while half asleep. Solar-powered night lights change that. Having a sensor-mechanism nightlight in your hallway or near the foot of your bed can help new parents move around during a night feed without disturbing others in the house. They’re also easy to move and aren’t a permanent fixture, should your situation change over time.

There are many things that are helpful for parents expecting a new baby in 2020. The world has a lot to offer. As long as you can predict your needs and do your research, you should be well equipped to deal with this amazing new change about to happen in your life.