What is really useful in a kit for a newborn?
What is really useful in a kit for a newborn?
The birth of a child poses great challenges for parents. They are faced with a new reality in which a tiny being appears, but one with enormous needs. A reality that they do not yet know with their first child and will only learn about. A newborn baby needs, above all, the love, acceptance, and warmth of its parents. However, material things are also important. These are the things we include in the so-called layette for a newborn. Let's see what is really useful in a layette for a newborn.
- What is really useful in a kit for a newborn?
- Clothes
Various things are unnecessary, but clothes in a layette are a real necessity. However, I will warn you right away: do not buy too many of them. Children grow quickly and often wear the initial sizes (56 or 62) for a very short time, e.g., two weeks. Therefore, it is best to have only the necessary basics in small sizes. In my opinion, it is better not to buy size 56, or only in very small quantities. If the baby is actually born very small, there is always time to buy these clothes later. On the other hand, we won't be able to dress a large baby in size 56 anyway.
What clothes and how many are useful at the beginning? It all depends on whether the baby is born in the summer or winter.
My suggestion:
A. Baby born in warm weather (spring–summer)
- 6 short-sleeved bodysuits
- 5 rompers
- 2 pairs of socks
- thin cotton hat
- thin jumpsuit
B. Baby born in winter (fall–winter)
- 4 short-sleeved bodysuits
- 6 long-sleeved bodysuits
- 6 cotton rompers
- warm rompers (e.g., terry cloth) – 2 pcs.
- rompers 5 pcs.
- sweatshirt/sweater 1 pc.
- socks 3 pairs (thin plus 1 pair of warm socks)
- hats 2 pcs. (1 cotton hat and 1 warm hat for outside)
- neck scarf
- warm jumpsuit
For me, scratch mittens were completely useless – they can be successfully replaced with socks. My plan was to have about 3-4 sets of clothes for 3 days ahead. Clothes are washed constantly, and this plan worked perfectly for us.
2. Diapers
The choice of diapers to start with depends on our preferences. If the prospect of washing reusable diapers every day in the chaos that all parents experience at the beginning is unacceptable, let's choose disposable diapers. Preferably eco-friendly, biodegradable ones without unnecessary chemicals. If, on the other hand, you want to use reusable diapers from the start, it's a good idea to stock up on small reusable diapers, known as newborn diapers. In this case, there is a wide range of reusable diapers to choose from, so I refer you to this article and this one.
As for the size of the diapers, the rule of minimizing purchases of the smallest sizes applies in this case as well. Most likely, the smallest size will only be useful at the very beginning. Probably one pack of the smallest eco-friendly disposable diapers will suffice.
3. Accessories
There are many things that are advertised to us parents as essential items for our children. The truth is, however, that you don't need that many of them at the beginning.
I will write what we decided not to buy for our children and what we never needed:
- pacifiers – many children do not need pacifiers; if they are not accustomed to a pacifier at the beginning, they do not ask for one at all. Many people warn against thumb sucking – and here I will say that my children did not have this reflex at all. Of course, there are children with a great need to suck, and a pacifier is a godsend in such cases, but it is worth knowing that not every child needs a pacifier.
- Bath thermometer – unnecessary. You can check the temperature using your own hand.
- Baby monitor – we didn't need one, but that's because our apartment is small and you can hear the baby in every room. Baby monitors are certainly very helpful in large houses.
- Extra feeding bottles, bottle warmer – we didn't need them at all because we were breastfeeding. We had one bottle (which we got in a free sample) – and we only used it a few times.
What was useful in our kit:
- swaddles – our children were born in winter, and swaddles turned out to be a great choice for us;
- small blankets – for the stroller or car;
- a nursing pillow;
breast pump plus freezer bags – the breast pump was a lifesaver for me when I had problems with mastitis and engorgement. The most basic manual pump was enough for me.
baby bath – the most basic, cheapest one is perfectly adequate (no stands or unnecessary gadgets).
muslin diapers – useful for spitting up, changing diapers, etc
4. Furniture + larger equipment
Opinions are divided on the usefulness of dedicated furniture for the youngest member of the family. Personally, I think it's better to cut costs and, for example, not invest in a separate small bed for the baby, and sleep with the baby for the first few months. However, it all depends on your preferences. Some people do not accept sleeping with their child – in this case, spending money on a crib is necessary. As for home/apartment equipment, while I do not consider a crib to be essential, a changing table is a must. I would add a good changing table, set at a height that does not require you to bend over the baby. This is very important for the protection and safety of our backs. Changing diapers is an activity that is performed very often at the beginning, and the lack of an ergonomic changing station will quickly result in at least pain, if not a back injury. It is worth thinking in advance about where you will be changing your baby, so that the place is as comfortable as possible.
Something for transporting/carrying your baby is definitely an essential piece of equipment: a stroller (carrycot), or at least a woven sling. People who own a car need a car seat/baby carrier to transport their baby safely.
5. Cosmetics/first aid kit
Almond oil for bathing or cosmetic emollients containing this oil are mainly useful in the basic care of newborns and infants. For problems such as diaper rash, starch or handmade creams can be helpful. If the rash is difficult to control, always consult your doctor about the choice of ointments and creams.
Moist wipes were useful in the hospital and when going out, but at home I washed my baby with plain water.
A basic first aid kit should include vitamins D and K, saline solution (several ampoules), and a product for disinfecting the umbilical cord.
6. Toys
Many parents praise white noise toys – the gentle sound they make calms children and helps them fall asleep. For slightly older babies, crib mobiles are very attractive. As for other toys, from experience I can say that sooner or later children will be given rattles, teethers, cuddly toys, and books by family and guests, so there is no need to spend money on them.