Preparing for a new baby is a stressful and chaotic time. There is so many items that you need to get before the new baby comes. And what if you forget something then have to rush to get it?
To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of 15 healthcare items that any parent should have:
- Crib and bassinet
This is the most obvious, but it’s still on here. Make sure to buy a bassinet that sits right next to your bed until your child is old enough to sleep in another room. At that moment, buy them a crib that they can sleep in. - Car seat, stroller, and soft carrier
Car seats are important if you want to take your new baby anywhere. They can’t just sit in an empty seat just yet. Also make sure you buy and bring a stroller with you because you may love them to pieces, but they still get heavy after holding them for a while. Same thing with a soft carrier. Make sure it’s a soft carrier because those are specifically meant for babies rather than infants. - Clothes
Another must have, but this one is a bit more fun because you get to dress your new baby up. Whether it’s a girl or boy, make sure to get them clothes that fit and are comfortable. - Bottles and formula
Your baby is going to be hungry, so make sure you have plenty of bottles and formula to last you a while so their aren't multiple trips to the store with your new family member. Remember, though, don't stick the nipple of the bottle in your mouth before giving it to your baby. That can spread lots of germs from you to them. - Burp cloths
After feeding, babies need to burp, and you don’t want any of what’s coming out of their mouths on your clothes. You can also use washcloths, but burp cloths are specifically designed for baby spit-up, and they’re easier to clean. - Swaddle blankets
Swaddle blankets are specifically designed for swaddling babies. They’re made from an extra soft material that keeps your baby warm and tucked in tight. - Diapers
Make sure to have plenty of diapers everywhere in your house and in a separate diaper bag. There are many different brands of diapers out there, so choose one you think is best for your baby. - Baby wipes
These are important for all the spills in your future. Baby wipes are soft on the skin--especially new baby skin--and they can kill lots of dangerous germs. - Diaper rash cream
Babies need diaper rash cream because their butts will get irritated. Like diapers, there are several brands out there, so choose whichever one you think is best for your baby. Try to look for a version that has 12 to 20 percent zinc oxide, and if you’re using cloth diapers, pick one without petroleum because that will cause more irritation. - Nursing supplies
If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you have an area where you can breastfeed. Stock it with all the essentials like pads, nipple cream, burp cloths, and water. - Washcloths
Buy the softest washcloth you can find simply for the purpose of cleaning your baby’s mouth. After every feeding, you need to make sure to wipe their gums of any excess milk because if left, the natural sugars could eat away at their gums. - Infant toothbrush
Once your baby grows their first tooth, you need to start brushing their tooth with an infant toothbrush. The toothbrush is specially designed for babies with very soft and flexible bristles, and it’s made from a special material that is okay for a baby to chew on. - Nighttime diapers
These are different from normal diapers because they’re designed for longer periods of time. If you don’t want to wake up every couple hours in the middle of the night, then make sure you have plenty of these handy. - Teething ring
You will want to have a teething ring on you as soon as possible because nothing is worse than a baby who’s teething. Their cries will hurt your heart, so make sure to get rid of their pain as soon as possible. - Nail clippers
These are miniscule but important. Baby’s nails are like knives. They will cut you, and they will hurt. They also tend to grow really fast, so make sure you have nail clippers with you wherever you are.
Like we said, having a new baby is hard and stressful, but it’s also amazing and wonderful, so don’t stress about the stuff. Take your time and enjoy this moment while it lasts.
