Prepare a meticulous newborn essentials checklist and organize items before childbirth for a smooth and confident start. This article provides suggestions on what to include and exclude, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on essentials.
Welcoming a new family member brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and joy, especially for first-time mothers. Personally selecting each item for the baby brings immense happiness. Before childbirth, mothers have a lot to do, and preparing essentials for both mother and baby is crucial. There are various items to prepare in advance to make the process smooth, allowing you to navigate without worry or confusion.
Hence, this article compiles experiences shared by mothers during baby essentials shopping for reference:
- For clothing, including sweaters, knitted garments, and cotton shirts:
Consider Size and Style: When choosing pants, opt for the second size to ensure comfort for the baby after wearing diaper-closure pants. Select half of the tops in size 1 and the other half in size 2 because babies grow quickly in the early months...
Mothers should opt for the second size when choosing pants to ensure the baby can move comfortably after wearing diapered pants.
Choose half the size for the top, half for the bottom because babies grow rapidly in the early months. Button-up shirts are preferable; avoid the adhesive type as the stiff adhesive may cause irritation. Opt for high-necked shirts to keep the chest warm, and avoid wide or off-shoulder necklines.
Pay attention to knitwear and cotton shirts; choose a size larger than the cotton shirt to ensure comfort. Avoid having all clothes in size 1, as it may cause discomfort when worn.
Dress the baby in a cotton shirt first and then layer with knitwear and cotton shirts, as cotton allows breathability while providing excellent warmth.
Material:
The best choice is 100% cotton (natural cotton fiber) as it excels in absorption, softness, breathability, and is safe for the baby's sensitive skin. Avoid synthetic fabrics and nylon, as they may cause discomfort in both hot summers and cold winters.
Opt for soft and smooth knitwear material, avoiding shedding fibers that the baby might inhale.
Color:
For newborns, it's best to choose gentle colors such as light yellow, light green, light pink, or white with cute animal prints. Avoid vibrant colors and clothing that may fade in the wash (due to poor dye quality).
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Product Quality and Origin:
When buying baby clothes, consider the items that come into direct contact with the baby's skin. Therefore, for clothing products, choose those with a clear origin, ensuring good product quality. As a newborn's skin is delicate, avoid low-quality clothes that could impact the baby's health.
Popular children's clothing brands in Vietnam, such as Mio - mio, Baby Born, Lulaby, Bamiza, are favored by mothers. Additionally, brands like Carter, Catasy, and Caminas, produced and licensed in China, are also preferred choices for moms.
- For items like foot covers, hand covers, and hats:
Choose matching foot and hand covers for convenience without the risk of mismatching. Opt for items with outward seams and carefully inspect for any loose or excess threads inside the covers. Trim them to avoid threads winding around the baby's fingers or toes.
- For products like milk towels, bath towels, and cotton towels:
Select multiple types of milk towels, bath towels, and changing pads with 2, 3, and 4 layers. Choose those made from 100% cotton, avoiding blends with nylon as they have poor absorbency and tend to clump together during washing.
Choose two types of cotton towels, thin and thick, both made from 100% cotton.
- Choosing diapers for your baby
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To save costs and prevent diaper rash, during the day, moms can use disposable diapers along with cloth diapers or diaper liners for better ventilation. For nighttime to ensure a dry and comfortable sleep, consider using specific baby diapers. In cold winters or damp springs, before storing diapers in the wardrobe, make sure to dry and warm them, or use a clothes dryer.
In the early months when babies urinate frequently, it's economical to use disposable diapers during the day.
- Choosing nipples and bottles for your baby
To save on costs when purchasing baby bottles, opt for larger capacity bottles (around 240ml) suitable for babies from newborns to over 2 years old. Choose bottles with anti-colic features, made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
- Choosing breast pumps, bottle sterilizers, bottle warmers, cribs, and strollers
In addition to the aforementioned newborn shopping list, consider getting a seasonal stroller for your baby. It will be convenient for walks, shopping trips, or simply taking your baby out for some fresh air.
If economically feasible and opting for exclusive breastfeeding, choose an electric breast pump, preferably with dual chambers for quick and comfortable pumping. Manual breast pumps can be tiring for the hands and back during prolonged sessions.
A bottle warmer ensures your baby stays warm during winter and is handy for bath times. Oil-based warmers are the best choice, but you can also use electric ones with two lights for regular warming and added warmth during baby baths.
These are some small suggestions for the newborn shopping list. We hope mothers can make sensible choices for their precious ones about to enter the world.