5 Must-Have Essentials for New Parents

Having a child is the biggest change that a family will ever go through. Sure, marriage is different than dating, but it’s really only a title while the rest of your life remains relatively the same. When you add a baby to the mix, though, things change dramatically. All of a sudden there’s a small newborn in the house that needs your constant care and protection. Because of the stress that comes with having a baby, it can be easy to overlook the essential items that you need.

When you’re making a checklist of what you’ll need as a new parent, there are certain things that you don’t want to forget. Not only will the baby need some of these items, but they’ll also make your life much easier. Here are five of those must-have essentials for new parents to look for.

Prepared Meals 

This tip will come in handy after you’ve welcomed your new baby home. Prepping meals beforehand will take away one worry from your already newly busy and tiring lifestyle as parents. Buy some disposable pans to make it even easier, with less cleanup. 

You’ll want to try preparing and freezing meals that you can bake in the oven. Be sure to write the date, contents, and cooking instructions on the top of the disposable container. It can be difficult to plan ahead, but thankfully, there are plenty of meal delivery services that cater to newborns if you find yourself in a pinch.

Burp Cloths  

This one is simple. Babies spit up, drool, pee, and poop. They’re naturally very messy creatures. Paper products can add up in cost and aren’t the best for the environment. Reusable cloths will come in handy for the frequent messes you’re sure to encounter as a new parent. 

They’re relatively compact and easy to use on the go as well. Keep a good amount in stock to ensure you don’t run out. The general rule of thumb is that you want around a dozen burp cloths on hand, with a minimum of eight. Of course, the more you have, the better, because you’re going to be going through them like crazy and you don’t want all of them in the laundry at the same time, which leads us to our next item.

Fragrance-Free Laundry Supplies  

Babies have rather sensitive skin in the beginning, some more than others. It’s a good idea to think ahead and wash and dry whatever you have prepared for your baby’s arrival with fragrance-free laundry detergent and dryer sheets. 

Their crib bedding, clothes, stuffed animals, and anything else they come in contact with should be clean, free of harsh chemicals, and gentle on their skin. It can be difficult to tell if your baby is going to be allergic to any type of specific detergent at first. If you notice that their skin is itchy and red for more than a couple of days, switch up the detergent and consult a pediatrician.

White Noise Machine    

Some babies, more than others, are finicky sleepers. Some can sleep through anything and others wake at any sound. Getting your baby used to some background noise is beneficial because it’s nearly impossible to keep a room quiet all day, every day. A white noise machine is a safe and effective way to introduce some comforting and consistent background noise to your baby’s daily sleep schedule. 

They’ll likely startle less easily with small sounds while they’re asleep and you can get stuff done without worrying too much about waking them. When your baby gets a steady night of sleep, that means you can get one, too.

Bathtub 

As we all know, babies are small, and regular bathtubs are big. So, how are you supposed to bathe your little one comfortably? Well, thankfully that’s a problem that’s easily solved. Plenty of baby supply stores sell baby-sized tubs that you can use to bathe them safely. 

They typically are angled in a way that keeps your baby’s head propped up while their body is comfortably laying in the warm water. Remember to never leave any baby or small child unattended in the tub even for a second, as a majority of injuries to children and babies occur in the bathtub.

Baby Monitor With Camera 

Technology is a beautiful thing. The days of audio-only baby monitors are long gone. Now there are baby monitors with video cameras widely available to new and anxious parents to install in full view of their new baby’s crib. Not only will you be alerted when your bundle of joy is crying, but you can also sneak a peek at them from time to time to make sure they’re okay. 

So easily being able to check in on your little one when you’re away will put your mind at ease. It will also save you from having to get out of bed if nothing is wrong and you’re already sleep deprived.