First-time parenthood is exciting, intimidating and life-changing all at once. There are so many products available that it isn’t always simple to know what’s really needed and what’s fancy advertising. Arming yourself with the necessary baby gear in advance can simplify your life and make your baby’s life more pleasant. From nappies to baby monitors, here’s an affordable, helpful guide to the essentials every new parent should look at.
Nappies
You quickly discover, as a new parent, that babies use an awful lot of nappies. Whereas convenience might appear to be your name in the guise of disposables, an increasing number of parents are turning to natural and organic nappies for their baby’s skin, sanity and the planet. Failing to choose the proper nappies is not just a matter of keeping your kid dry, but it’s also about protecting their sensitive skin from chemicals and keeping your household trash at bay.
To make sure that your baby has the best experience with them, sourcing natural, washable nappies accompanied by soft nappy liners is a great solution. These are made from organically certified cotton, ethically created, using designs that midwives and mums once swore by in the 70s. No laminated fabrics, no man-made materials, no plastic studs – only gorgeous organic knitted merino wool, brushed organic cotton and organic muslin. They’re simple, breathable and gentle on a baby’s skin.
Additionally, quality organic nappies have a big advantage when preventing nappy rash. Chemical dyes, perfumes and plastics that retain heat and dampness are often present in traditional nappies, ideal conditions for irritation. Organic wool and cotton allow the skin to breathe and stay cool and dry. They’re absorbent as a natural part of themselves without artificial layers, so you can keep your baby safe from possibly irritating chemicals from day one.
From a parent’s viewpoint, washable nappies are also inexpensive in the long run. Sure, the first cost will be higher than disposables, but you can wear them for months or even years if you know you have more than one child on the way. And they are much more environmentally friendly. For every reusable nappy, there is one less disposable nappy filling landfill for the next few hundred years.
So, are organic diapers better? Sure, there’s a bit more laundry involved, but most parents find that the benefits outweigh the extra effort. There’s something incredibly satisfying about folding a stack of freshly washed organic nappies, knowing you’re doing right by your baby and the planet.
Bottles
Even if you’re breastfeeding, it’s handy to have bottles on standby for expressed milk or when someone else takes over feeding duties. Choosing bottles made from BPA-free materials is important for your baby’s health. Glass bottles are a great option as they’re durable, don’t absorb odours and can be easily sterilised, while high-quality plastic bottles are lighter and less breakable.
Bibs
Bibs are such a small thing that can make such a big difference. Dribble and milk splatters during the early weeks are inevitable, but having some quality on hand saves your baby’s clothes from frequent alteration. Soft, absorbent organic cotton bibs are gentle to the skin and easy to wash.
For everyday use, easy-to-use press-stud or tie-back fabric bibs are best, water-resistant-backed ones being useful for sloppy meals. The key is comfort and ease of use, so avoid stiff or scratchy fabrics that may irritate your baby’s neck.
Towels
Bath time is perhaps one of the day’s pleasures, but it’s also the time when your baby is most exposed to cooling down. A soft, hooded towel is perfect for wrapping them in it straight from the bath and keeping them warm. Organic cotton towels are excellent at being super-absorbent and gentle on tender skin, or use bamboo towels, which are another eco-friendly option with a pampering touch.
Baby Monitor
Whether your baby is in the adjoining room or even further away, a baby monitor gives peace of mind. Basic audio monitors will alert you when your baby moves, but video versions allow you to look at them too. If you’ve got a larger house or want to keep an eye on your baby while you’re gardening or in the kitchen, it’s worth investing in a quality range and clear reception monitor.
Sleeping Bag
Baby sleep bags, or wearable blankets, are a safer alternative to replace loose blankets in the cot. They will keep your baby warm without obstructing their face. Sleeping bags also provide comfortable sleeping for babies at night without kicking off the covers and becoming cold. It should be the right size to prevent your baby from slipping through, and natural breathable fabrics will assist in keeping them at an even temperature. Choose a sleeping bag with a suitable tog rating for the season. Lightweight ones for summer, but warmer, quilted ones for winter are best.
Every family and every baby is different, but having these items on hand can make those early months a little more manageable. Organic nappies are healthy and environmentally friendly, bottles are convenient, bibs and towels are for cleanliness and comfort, and sleeping bags and baby monitors provide security and reassurance.
