New Year, New Mama: Our Newborn Essentials Checklist
While every new year brings new resolutions, there’s a little more going on in your life this time around—and there’s only one resolution this year that really matters. To help you prepare for your baby’s arrival and to help you be the best parent you can be, this year and every year, our Parasol family has come up with a newborn essentials checklist. It includes all the must-have baby items for first time moms. As parents ourselves, we’ve totally got your back. 😊
Diaper Bag
As you go from place to place, keeping track of everything with the right diaper bag will make your day go by so much smoother. Lots of different items go into a well-stocked bag, so be sure you find a bag that offers several compartments to keep everything organized. We’re gonna be honest, in our experience, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to pull something specific out of an apparently endless black hole of products at the bottom of a bag!
Thankfully, manufacturers are making it easier than ever for fashion-forward parents to have a diaper bag that’s trendy and functional. Plus, who doesn’t want a bag that has plenty of storage for toys, bottles, disposable diapers, and everything else?
Disposable Diapers and Wipes
These must-have baby items totally belong at the top of every newborn essentials checklist. Trust us, you’re going to need a lot of diapers and baby wipes–and fast. You’re also not only going to need just any diapers but absorbent, cozy diapers that keep your baby’s bum happy.
Your best bet, especially if you’re a new parent and time is seemingly scarce, is investing in a monthly diaper subscription. When you subscribe to our diaper and wipe boxes, they ship right to your door—how cool is that? And when you stick with us, you’ll have plenty before your bundle of joy arrives and afterwards as your little grows.
Stroller
We know you’ll always be out on adventures. Whether you’re taking your little love with you on your morning run or you two are spending the afternoon at the local market, a sturdy stroller makes daily errands easy and fun.
But buying the right stroller is harder than you might think. You have to find something safe, comfortable, modern, AND within your budget. That’s a lot to consider!
Why not invest in all-in-one travel systems? These grow with your baby and even include a car seat to promote smoother road trips. Another option we think you’ll love are foldable, compact strollers. A bulky stroller can be a nightmare, especially if you live in the city or like to travel. But something lightweight can be a real life saver.
Before diving headfirst into the maze of baby strollers, we urge you to do some research to find the perfect one for your lifestyle. No two strollers are alike. While there might not be a baby on board just yet, some places even let you take their strollers for test drives! A versatile stroller is going to make you the coolest mom on the block. We promise.
Bedding
As soon as you see your little love for the first time, you’ll want to swaddle them with their first blanket—and, seriously, who doesn’t love a super soft blanket? Your baby will love falling asleep wrapped in a snuggly, warm sanctuary that’s just for them.
When it comes to bedding, a waterproof crib mattress pad is ideal for your baby’s room. We also recommend having a few different organic crib sheet and light blanket options to choose from. If you live in a colder city, be sure you keep a heavier blanket on hand. Organic wool blankets are always a great idea because wool helps regulate body temperature. It’s also animal-friendly, naturally hypoallergenic, and super soft. In fact, while you’re at it, you should definitely buy one for yourself!
Newborns need about 16-17 hours of rest every day, so make nap and bed time count with quality bedding. Be sure you also wash any blankets or towels with baby-friendly laundry detergent. As a Parasol rule of thumb, you’ll want to stay away from any ingredients you can’t pronounce… and “fragrance” as it (whatever it is, and it can seriously be a mixture of anything) has been known to irritate skin.
Bottles
Of all the things moms need for their infant, a dependable baby bottle is paramount because just like Mom and Dad, a baby’s gotta eat!
Baby bottles come in an overwhelmingly large number of shapes of sizes, so we don’t blame you if choosing one seems tough. Babies are picky eaters, so don’t be too alarmed if you have to go through a few different models to find the one your little likes the best.
We recommend starting the whole trial and error process off with a glass baby bottle. As one of the best options available, you’re totally in luck if your baby takes to it. We love glass baby bottles because, unlike plastic alternatives, glass bottles are riddled with nasty chemicals. They’re also much easier to clean, and for busy new parents, we consider that a BIG plus that will make your life easier!
Don’t forget that as your little grows, you should also make the switch to fun sippy cups that encourage them to drink on their own.
Bath Time Baby Products
A baby’s first bath is always monumental for new moms and dads. Although, real talk, your little might not enjoy it at first. But with time, patience, and plenty of fun bath toys on your side, there’s no reason to sweat it.
To ensure fun baths day and night, be sure you’re using baby products your little loves. We love organic, tear-free shampoos and soaps. We also recommend a soft washcloth to gently brush any remaining suds away. Last, but definitely not least, a cozy hooded towel will keep your little warm without irritating their clean skin. Oh, and don’t forget the bubbles!
First Aid Kit
As any new parent will quickly find out, anything can happen with an infant. No matter if you buy a prepackaged kit or create your own, having first aid supplies within your baby’s room will help you become the parent of the year in a matter of seconds. Believe us, a boo-boo is best treated when you’re prepared with everything you’ll need. If your little isn’t feeling their best, we recommend keeping a small medicine spoon, a baby thermometer, and approved medication in a safe, designated spot.
Here’s another secret you need to know: always have emergency numbers, just in case. To be extra safe, we recommend keeping numbers in your phone and on a piece of paper inside your kit. Make sure you have numbers for your family doctor, your pediatrician, your local hospital, and any family members who live close by.
These must-have baby registry items will provide you with the essential tools you need as a first-time mom. By starting off parenthood and following our handy newborn essentials checklist, you’ll for sure achieve your New Year’s resolution to be the best new parent out there. Life with a baby is exhilarating, and we want to make sure you’re fully ready to take the plunge. You got this!
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