First Year of Parenthood (0 months to 1 Year)
When the bundle of joy finally arrives, some parents may be unprepared to care for the newborn. Thus, it is tantamount that young parents-to-be pick up knowledge during the pregnancy period to be prepared emotionally and mentally for the responsibilities ahead.
Yes, sleepless nights may come sooner than you think, few days after the baby comes. That’s why before the baby arrives, parents should prepare the baby room and the basic necessities required for the baby. So, what are the essential items you should get, at least 2 months before the estimated date of delivery, besides your hospital bag?
In case the baby pops out anytime, these items must be prepared:
- Baby Cot bed/ bassinet/playpen/ baby bed
- 1 pack Newborn diapers
- Sufficient packs Wet Wipes
- Nappy bags (Diaper Disposal), in case you run out of plastic bags
- Diaper Changing Mat for diaper changing, at least 50cm x 70cm (Though newborns are small in size, they double in 2 months’ time, it is better to buy a larger changing mat to last a longer while)
- Larger Changing Mat / Urine Pad /Cot Mattress protector (to prevent urine leakage from staining cot sheets). Recommended Size of approximately 90x70cm or 100x80cm is large enough for a baby till 1 year old), cotton material recommended for being breathable and natural (not synthetic like polyester)
- Diaper rash barrier cream
- Socks, mittens, pyjamas
- Sleeping sack / sleeping bag/ swaddling blankets
- Cotton bath towels
- Cotton face towels (Ample) to wipe the baby clean during feeding
- Burp cloths / muslin napkins also work
- Baby oil and cream
- Hanging Diaper Organizer/ Hanging Diaper Caddy /Hanging diaper Stacker(to organize all the baby essentials) – this is so important to keep the baby cot or bed clear and safe for your baby. You wouldn’t want your baby to play with the oil or roll over the creams careless placed at the side of the baby bed.
You can hang it at the side of your baby cot bed or playpen, or anywhere in the nursery, it is compact and space-saving.
For others, they opt for a desktop Diaper Organizer bag which comes with a cover. A bag that has at least 3 compartments and functions like a hand carry bag with 2 handles, placed at a small table beside the cot bed. That works fine too.
Definitely for sure, even if you get a really big hanging diaper organizer, be aware that it does not substitute a baby wardrobe or drawer. It is made of fabric, not designed for heavy weight items, so it is not advisable to stuff too many clothes or bulky items on it.
- Baby Crawling Mat and Baby Gym
- Hanging mobile toys for vision training (to bring colors and movement to baby who has limited vision.)
- Milk bottle, brush, sterilizer
- Diaper bag
- Pram / stroller that can be flatten to 170 degrees position with full canopy cover.
- Portable diaper changing mat (for diaper changing outside)
The list is not exhaustive. Being prepared puts our hearts at ease as young parents.
