The Newborn Essentials-Part 3

Nobody really teaches you how to be a parent. There are no comprehensive classes telling you which baby care products you should have on hand. During the last couple of days, we’ve been offering a few tips for the essentials, the stuff you need, the stuff you don’t need, and a few ways to save a few bucks.

Read on for more necessities for newborns.

• To get prepared for bottle and formula feeding, buy a bottle starter kit. They usually include 6-8 four ounce bottles with nippes, 6 8 ounce bottles with nipples, a washable bottle brush, and a small assortment of bibs. You can buy these separately, but you’ll end up paying a lot more.
• If you’re planning on breastfeeding, pick up a few bibs, breast pads, which can be found in reusable or disposable styles, and breast pump and milk storage containers. A nursing pillow can make things more comfortable, but do your research and try to find a decent used pillow first.
• You would think sleeping arrangements would be fairly straightforward, but there are a dizzying array of choices. First, consider a Pack N’ Play with a changer and bassinet. This will take care of your baby for the first month or so. Pick a stable and decent crib with a mattress, a couple of mattress covers, and 2 sets of fitted sheets. A swaddle blanket or baby sleeping bag can make life a little easier.
• For safety reasons, never buy a used infant car seat. Buy new and do your research to find a brand and style you like. A parenting pro tip: if you’re not sure how to correctly install the infant car seat, just head over to your local police department. Officers are usually happy to install it correctly, and pass along some helpful safety information.