Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your child. It’s an amazing experience that some equate to a miracle. The feeling of a human growing inside you is amazing. Even the morning sickness and other issues are muted when you feel the baby moving and kicking.
You are part of a group of close to four million others who give birth each year. All of them have several questions. Among them is: what do I need to purchase for myself and the baby? For some help on this, here’s a shopping guide for expectant mothers.
Breast Pump
Are you looking to nurse your baby once it’s born? If so, you’re in good company. Research has proven mother’s milk is a powerful nutrient that helps the infant grow. Plus, it minimizes their risk for infections while they grow.
However, there are moments when you don’t have the opportunity to feed your child. This is if you go back to work or simply need a few hours of sleep. If you plan on either situation, then you need a breast pump.
The machine utilizes vacuum pressure through tubes to pull the milk from your breasts into a bottle. From this, your caregiver or partner has an opportunity to feed the baby when you’re not around.
Nursing Supplies
On top of a breast pump, you want to purchase nursing-related items. For instance, nursing bras allow you to feed your baby without damage to your child or yourself. The reason is it has flaps that reveal the nipple when open.
Other items for your shopping list are:
- A nursing pillow keeps your baby comfortable and elevated while they feed.
- Breast pads (disposable or washable) to minimize stains from milk leakage.
- Lotion to soothe sore nipples.
Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are a required part of your wardrobe in the earliest days after birth. You must burp your baby after feeding because they don’t have the skills to do so on their own. Though it’s good to hear them release this air, what comes out isn’t as pleasant.
These clothes are used beyond the standard purpose. They help clean up other bodily messes. Plus, if you sit the baby on your lap, you put one of these clothes on your lap to catch the aftereffects of eating.
A Diaper Bag
You need somewhere to put all of the items mentioned above. Therefore, the purchase of a diaper bag is essential. However, you don’t have to stick to the standard container that’s bulky when fully packed.
Try a diaper bag backpack stylish for any type of event. These items, sold at local outlets and online stores like Amilliardi, have many spaces to hold essential baby-related products. In addition, you equalize the weight on both shoulders for an easier carry.
Car Seat
There are so many car seats on the market that it’s hard to make the right decision. To help you out, consult the website for the National Transportation and Safety Administration (NTSA) for some practical advice.
Among the recommendations is to purchase a car seat where the shoulder belt lies snugly across the shoulder and chest. It shouldn’t have the power to slip and cross your infant’s neck or face. Furthermore, the lap belt must lie tightly across the upper thighs instead of your baby’s stomach.
Diapering Supplies
When you’re child comes home it’ll seem you spend more time changing their diaper. The reason is it needs to be done every two to three hours whether it’s dirty or not. This helps prevent rashes on their tiny butt.
You’ll need several dozen disposable or reusable diapers to start with. If the former, then purchase in both their current size and one level up as they don’t last long in the original ones. You also want to purchase waterproof covers, a changing pad, and ointment to prevent diaper rash.
This list of items you require as an expectant mother is a small portion of products. A stroller, crib, and furniture are required. Plus, if you decide to use formula instead of breast milk, then you must purchase the powder ahead of time to be ready for their homecoming. In the end, don’t panic about all of these items. Take it slow and, soon enough, you’ll have everything you need.
