The necessities: Several weeks' worth of baby formula (to start) 6 or more cotton bibs. 6 or more burp cloths (though receiving blankets and cloth diapers also do the trick) Insulated cooler/carrier for outings.
While caring for your baby, you must understand their basic needs so that they can be met appropriately. From clothing to food and security, the list can seem daunting. There are six basic needs that all newborn babies require: security, clothing, enough sleep, nutritious food, sensory stimulation, love, and attention.
You'll need things like burp cloths, baby blankets and newborn outfits because babies are surprisingly messy and often need a change of clothes multiple times per day. It's also nice to have a rocker or a glider in the nursery, so you can feed and rock your baby comfortably.
If you're confused about when is the best time to buy baby stuff, don't worry. WebBabyShower recommends that you begin your shopping somewhere between 15-20 weeks of the pregnancy (about month 4 or 5). That way you have time to get all the items you need.
Some essentials are onesies, pajamas, pants, and swaddle blankets. Bathing: An infant tub, baby washcloths, baby towels, and wash/lotion for sensitive skin. Diapering: If you're going with disposable diapers, one large box of size 1 diapers can get you started. For cloth diapers, experts recommend having 24.
Holding your baby in skin to skin contact during this first hour allows for delayed cord clamping, helps your baby to regulate and maintain a normal temperature, and has been shown to increase the rates and duration of breastfeeding.
Newborns spend their first week feeding, sleeping and bonding with caregivers. You can bond with your newborn by cuddling, talking and smiling. If you're concerned about your newborn, speak with your GP, child and family health nurse or paediatrician.
Consider giving new moms presents that promote rest, relaxation, and self-care, like a cozy robe, face mask, or eye gels. “You can't go wrong with more elevated items that will keep her comfortable or have her feeling pampered while caring for her young baby,” Reardanz says.
According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.
Some parents bathe their babies daily as part of a bedtime routine or due to regular baby messes, from extra spit-up to diaper blowouts. But for most families, bathing the baby two to three times a week is plenty after the first couple of weeks of life.
If you're buying for your unborn baby, in general it's best to buy 0-3 month clothes, as newborn size can be outgrown very quickly. It's important to never dress them in clothes that are much too big though, especially sleepwear. It could be a suffocation risk.
You should definitely wash baby's clothes, blankets and other washable items that will come in contact with their skin. It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them.
Sometimes, even though buying new clothes is considered unlucky, making baby clothes for the first few days in the hospital out of an old saree or suit is considered fine. You can then agree on who will do the shopping for other baby essentials while you are still in the hospital.
Cost of a baby per month
Based on the annual cost of having a baby, the monthly cost is between $650 and $700. It's common to spend more leading up to your baby's birth and in the first few months as you purchase your baby's furniture and toys, and then around $600 per month after this period.
The Australian government estimates that raising a single child can cost at least $170 a week. That's nearly $160,000 over 18 years and we think it probably costs far more. Updated Oct 13, 2022 .
It's also possible to save on some big-ticket items if you're lucky enough to have a baby shower, friends who've had babies and can lend you clothes, or parents or in-laws who want to chip in. Monthly, you could safely plan on spending between $250 (no child care) and $1500 (with child care) a month on your baby.