Some of the Most Important Baby Accessories You Will Need From Birth Onwards
Welcoming a new baby, whether they are your first, second, third - or even your tenth - is a truly special and exciting time. First time parents may find the experience is loaded with trepidation and new experiences, while parents who already have one or more kids may still have the odd surprise here and there. This is perfectly natural. No two kids are the same (yes, even twins), and no two pregnancies are the same either!
If you are a new parent you might be surprised by just how much stuff you need to buy in preparation for your little one’s arrival, and parents with kids already will also find that there are new innovations that have become available since their previous child or children’s birth. Some things are considered absolute essentials in child rearing while others are more ‘nice to have’ rather than strictly vital.
As such it can be hard to know exactly what you need to buy - especially if this is your first time. Many providers of childcare equipment will try to tell you that their products fall into the essential category, only for parents to find that they do not need them or don’t find them convenient or easy to use. For parents who want to avoid some of the pitfalls of parenting, you might like to think about what you need rather than what companies are telling you that you need.
This article will discuss some of the essentials that many parents cannot do without, but it is not exhaustive and it always pays to do more research or reach out to the professionals for advice on choosing the right child rearing equipment for you and your child. It all depends on your parenting style, so take this with a grain of salt and think about what you will need for your unique circumstances as a parent.
Top accessories to help with childcare
If you are planning to drive or take a taxi back from the hospital or birthing centre then you will need a car seat to ensure the safety of your precious bundle during their first car ride. Car seats vary depending on the age of the child, though most can be adjusted as your little one grows. For example, they must be seated in a rear facing position until they are older - usually around 2 years old - and modern car seats can be adjusted to be rear or front facing depending on your baby’s developmental stage.
A bassinet is a convenient place for your little one to lay down for a nap. They are ideal from birth up to about 4 months of age and differ from cribs in that they have lower sides and can often be detached from the base. They make it easier to pick them up for a feed, or to put them down if they fall asleep in your arms or their car seat. A bassinet is also a good choice for parents who want their little one to sleep in their bedroom until they are a little older.
Whether you are into baby wearing or prefer a stroller or pram, you’ll need an age appropriate way to get your baby about in your day to day life. Strollers are great for older babies, but for the very tiny tot you’ll need a pram that allows them to lie completely flat. Some strollers are designed to recline completely and therefore are ideal for babies from birth up, but many parents prefer to choose a pram system that can be interchangeable depending on the baby’s age.
Baby wearing is enjoying a resurgence recently, and while you might not be able to do it all the time - sometimes we need our hands free as parents - it’s definitely something you should consider because it gives you extra bonding time and contact as you go about your day. Baby wearing accessories are more technical and comfortable than ever before, and are designed to allow for the correct development of your child’s hip joints as they grow. These are just a few of the things you will need in preparation for your child’s arrival, you’ll also need to get them a selection of clothing, toys and feeding gear designed for their first months of life.