What Do You Really Need In Your Nursery?
Having a baby is very expensive. The first year of a babies life will cost the parents not only sleepless nights but many expensive supplies. I have two precious grandchildren and love spending time with them. The cuddles are so beautiful and I love to spoil them, but don’t have to spend a ton of money to do so.
If you visit many websites or stores, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of products marketed for new and potential parents. Many of the items are cute and enticing, but not necessary. It’s important to get the basics for bringing baby home. If your budget is tight, some of the items for an older baby don’t need to be purchased right away. Focus on what products are needed for the first few months. These can be purchased and set up at home before the babies due date.
Newborn Needs
While bassinets are lovely, they are not necessary. Buying a crib is just fine. When you shop for a crib, make sure that it meets federal requirements for safety. This also applies to the crib mattress. Newborns don’t need to use blankets, pillows or bumper pads. Dressing the baby in a warm sleeper or sleep sack will keep them warm and safe.
Changing tables are fine if you have the room and the money. But, babies can be changed on a bed, in the crib, or on the floor. The important thing is that they are in a safe place. The main thing is to stay next to them at all times to prevent falls. Using a changing pad in the crib will keep the sheets clean.
Cleaning products should be gentle. Sensitive baby skin should be treated carefully. Aveeno is a trusted brand and their baby line is excellent. The Baby Wash & Shampoo is reasonably priced and works for babies body and shampoo. Talc-free baby powder is helpful, too. Aquaphor Baby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream is a good buy for preventing and treating diaper rash.
Other needs for the first few months:
- Baby Wash Cloths are easier to manage than adult-sized cloths
- Baby Bath towels are not necessary, but are softer than most adult-sized towels
- Clothes- sleepers and onesies are the most needed and will keep babies comfortable
- Socks/Booties – these keep little feet warm when they aren’t wearing footie sleepers
- Extra crib sheets – babies spit up and wet often
- Burping cloths – cloth diapers are cheaper by the dozen
- Car Seat – make sure to get an up-to-date federally inspected seat
- Baby Sling or Carrier – Having an infant carrier isn’t necessary, but they are so helpful to parents
- Diapers – If you use cloth, buy at least 3 dozen. If you choose disposable, buy newborn-sized diapers and get 2-3 boxes.
- Rocking chairs are nice, but not necessary
- Pacifier – newborns don’t need these right away
- Nursing pillow – another unnecessary item, but helps to make nursing more comfortable
- Nursing pads – if you nurse your baby, you’ll need these
- Breast pump – if you nurse and want to use bottles as well, the electric pump will be very helpful
- Bottles/Nipples – If you intend to bottle-feed, buy a set of bottles and have them sterilized ahead of time. Baby formula is also needed. Your pediatrician will give you ideas on which formula to use. Keep a bottle brush just for use with baby bottles.
- Baby wipes – You’ll need a lot of these and Pampers Unscented are very gentle.
- Swaddling is popular, but special swaddle blankets aren’t necessary. You will probably be gifted plenty of receiving blankets to use.
- Caps, sweaters, winter snowsuits – These will be needed in the cold months. Baby knit caps keep their ears protected in the wind or on a chilly day.
- Baby Bath Tub – there are many types, but the main thing is to never leave a baby in a tub or near a tub alone.
- Diaper Bag – any tote will do, but a diaper bag usually has many great little pockets and is waterproof inside
- Stroller – Strollers are great and there are strollers in every price range.
These are most of the main things that you’ll need to set up a nursery. Babies can certainly live and be safe without everything on this list, but these items make life easier for moms and dads. Parents want to make certain that their little blessing is safe and healthy. And, then many products are for the ease and comfort of the parents. It helps to shop around and check prices online to get the best deal. You may spend a lot to set up your nursery, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.
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- Lisa has been blogging since 2013, and loves sharing resources and ideas for living a simple life. To get free printables, bonus words, and more - sign up for the newsletter.
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Having a baby can definitely be expensive, but you don’t need everything that’s on the market today. There are a lot of gimmick type stuff that is really unnecessary. I found the main things I used during the first days was a pack n play with built in changing table and a swing. Of course, wipes and diapers but the wipe warmers were useless. Cloth diapers can be a way to save money as well as the environment too.
I agree. If you get too many things, there is no place to put it all. Thanks for sharing your favorite items.