Browse > Home / Baby

Baby


Having a baby is an exciting experience, no matter how many times you get to experience this joy. With a new baby comes the opportunity to choose a unique baby name, buy baby clothes, and to create the best possible life for your baby. Even if you’re not the one having a baby, this can still be an exciting time. Here’s how you can properly welcome a new baby into the world, helping them feel loved in their new family.

Having a Baby?

When you’re having a baby, you might want to start making a list of things you need to do before he or she arrives. This list may start with choosing a baby name that you and your partner agree on – though it isn’t always easy. A good way to approach choosing a baby name is to have each partner make a list of their favorite names and then compare the lists to see if there are any that overlap. Or you might want to each create a list of baby names and then see what name seems most appropriate when baby arrives.

Before baby comes, it’s also a good idea to think about your baby might need when they’re in your home. Though you might have some furniture from past children, you will still need to purchase new clothing, new bedding, and other things to go in the nursery. If you don’t already have a baby nursery, you will want to define the space in your home so that baby can have an area of their own, and you can begin to fill it with the things they need: diapers, blankets, a changing table, etc.

What Baby Needs

If you haven’t had a baby before, the list of things you need to buy can seem overwhelming. It’s a good idea to talk to a close friend who has already had children, as they can give you a realistic answer to what your baby truly needs, and what can wait until later. A few things that baby needs immediately include:

• Baby formula – Even if you’re planning on breast feeding, it can be helpful to have some baby formula available if breast feeding is challenging or baby has a special allergy that can only be addressed by formula.

• Baby bottles – Getting baby bottles ahead of time will help you have the necessary tools in your home immediately. And don’t forget about buying special racks to make washing your baby bottles in the dishwasher easier.

• Baby crib – Your child will need to have a space in which they can sleep and rest during the day. This crib should be thoroughly inspected to make sure the sides stay in place and that baby can’t get their head stuck between any bars. Some manufacturers now make baby cribs that can transition into toddler beds, so if this seems like a wise investment for you, it might be an option.

• Baby bedding and baby furniture – When choosing how to fill up the baby nursery, you will want to look into your baby bedding and furniture options. Many mothers today choose organic and natural fiber bedding, as well as VOC free furniture to ensure baby has the best environment in which to sleep.

• Bassinet – A smaller space for your child, a bassinet can be perfect for a baby when they first arrive home, though they may begin to outgrow it in a few months.

• Nursery decorations – While baby might not remember what their nursery looked like, you will be spending a lot of time in there, so make this a comfortable and beautiful space.

Baby decorating and shopping is easiest when you have a list on hand. You can then add some of the less expensive items to a baby shower list, to alleviate the financial burden. What you need to remember is that your baby requires certain items to be comfortable, but many of the trendy items now being sold aren’t necessary – i.e. special feeders, expensive breast pumps, etc.

Buying Baby Gifts

If you’re not having a baby, but your friend is, you might want to look into baby gifts that will actually help your friend as they begin to be a mother. Baby products like baby clothes and trinkets are always appreciated, in addition to gifts for mom like books on parenting and storybooks. Though baby food isn’t necessary at the start, you may want to look into machines that can help the mother make their own baby food when baby is ready for that next step. No matter what is on the baby shower registration list, try to find things that are functional, as well as adorable.

When you have a new baby, it can be tempting to buy everything that a baby store sells. You want to fill your baby’s life with exciting toys and new clothing, but realize that your baby will grow quickly, so focusing on controlling your budget will allow you to buy more for them in the future. That said, having a baby is exciting, so you may be tempted to buy a few frivolous things – and why not?

Other Pages: