Trying to figure out what, out of the literally millions of baby products on the market, you need in the first year can be pretty overwhelming. What is needed? What is nice to have? It can be difficult to sort through it all, even with help from those you know. Today, we’re going to look at some of the things you’ll likely need to have with you, either before baby arrives or in those first twelve months once they’re here.
Bassinet and Cot
Baby will need somewhere safe to sleep – that’s a definite. There are a range of options, including bassinets, cots, and Moses baskets – they all serve a different function. Bassinets and Moses baskets tend to be good for smaller babies (especially newborns) and are easier to have in your room with you, making sure baby is close at night when you’re sleeping. Cots (or cribs, as they are also known) tend to be bigger and can cope with older babies before they transition to bigger beds. Whichever is right for you, it’s best to have one ready to go before baby is due – and making sure it meets safety standards is vital. It’s also good to remember that babies don’t need pillows. Lying them down directly on a good quality mattress, with soft, clean sheets that fit the mattress snugly, is all they need.
Car Seat
Another one that you should try and have organised early is a car seat, especially if you’re going to be giving birth at a hospital or birthing centre – you won’t be able to drive bubs home without one. Luckily, there are places that rent out newborn baby capsules that meet current safety standards, so it’s an area that will allow you to save a bit of money until it’s time to upgrade to a bigger seat. Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) may be aware of places you can hire these seats and have them properly fitted near you, so make sure you ask early!
Stroller/Pram/Pushchair
Another extremely helpful thing to have early is a way to transport your baby while walking. These days, many of these strollers are convertible, allowing you to adjust them as baby grows so you can continue to use the same one and still have it appropriate for their age and size. If you can, try buying one in-store rather than online, as getting a good idea of its true weight and dimensions, as well as how easy it is to fold up, can make all the difference between one that will merely work and one that will work for you.
Nappies, nappies, nappies
This one is a little harder, as really, until baby arrives, you’re going to have no idea what size will fit and how fast your baby will grow out of them – and you probably don’t want to end up with a stockpile of nappies that are too small. Grabbing a pack or two of the size you think you’ll need in the weeks leading up to your new family member arriving is a good idea, but there’s no need to go overboard – buying more once you know what size you need is probably more practical. Your LMC will be very used to suggesting the right size, whether you’re using cloth or disposables.
Breast Pumps
Breast pumps are commonly used, especially for those who would love to share feeding duties between partners without interrupting breastfeeding. Haakaa’s range of silicone breast pumps has something for everyone, from the original Gen 1 pump to our newest arrival, the Shell Wearable Pump. Which one to choose will really come down to when and how you’ll use it, and there’s a single pump or complete gift set available for you, whatever your budget!
Bottles and Accessories
If you’re pumping, you’ll need somewhere to store that milk, and the Silicone Milk Storage Bag is the ideal thing to have to hand. It’s completely plastic-free, instead being constructed of soft food-grade silicone. They’re able to be stored in the fridge or freezer, upright or lying flat, and when you no longer need them for milk storage? We have a range of handy accessories that let you use them as a travel bottle, feeding spoon pouch, or sippy spout. In addition, thanks to our Gen 3 range, we also have a whole variety of bottles in different sizes and materials, which have been designed to have their interchangeable tops swapped out. That means if you use a Gen 3 Silicone Breast Pump, you can swap the pump flange for a sealing disk and then a bottle top without ever having to transfer your breastmilk, thereby drastically decreasing the chances of spilling so much as a drop.
There are, of course, a number of other items you’ll need (clothing being key among them!). What did you find essential, and what do you wish you had at the time? Conversely, what did you think would be vital but, in hindsight, turned out not to be so important?