Preparing For Pregnancy: Baby Needs
Why would you want to know what a baby needs before you are even pregnant? Well, it could be a rude awakening if you became pregnant and had no idea what you were getting yourself into. This article will explain the basics of what a newborn needs – just so you’ll know and be prepared.
What could a tiny, helpless newborn need in terms of material things? I mean these tiny helpless creatures just need food, clothes and love, right? Well, I was totally amazed at all the stuff my tiny newborns needed. More stuff than anyone else in the household it seemed.
Probably the most important thing you will need to get your baby home is a car seat. The hospital will not let you leave with baby unless you have a proper car seat in your vehicle. These cost anywhere from $25 to several hundred and come in a variety of styles and colors.
Baby will need a variety of clothing. I’m sure you’ve read in magazines and such that baby needs so many shirts, buntings, etc. But in actuality it depends on what time of the year baby is born. You’ll want several unisex “onesies” as well as several footed “pajamas” and/or gowns. These will certainly get you through the first few weeks and depending on which sex you are having - you’ll want cute little outfits to accommodate the season. A lot of times - conventional clothing swallows newborns - which is why the onesies and pajamas are so nice at first. Have on hand several pair of socks and be forewarned - these little socks have a way of disappearing or loosing a mate. It’s best to buy them in bulk packages. And if it’s cold out - a knit hat or two is necessary.
The next important thing for baby is a place to sleep. Whether you decide to co-sleep (allow the baby to sleep in your bed) or not - I think it’s important to have a safe place to put baby to bed otherwise - for naps and such - especially when baby is old enough to start rolling over. A crib is something you can put baby in from the very beginning - and it’s the safest place for baby to sleep. A bassinet is nice - and baby can sleep in it up to about 3 months of age. A bassinet is nice because of it’s mobility - and at night the bassinet can be pulled right up to your bedside. Be sure to stock up on about 5 or 6 receiving blankets - these work well to swaddle baby in those first days.
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