Are you curious about the essential items for your baby? The reality is, you don’t need much. Forget about extravagant items like wipe warmers and baby music players; my little ones not only survived but thrived without those so-called necessities. When it comes to baby essentials, the list is surprisingly brief.
- Bibs: It’s a mystery why I rarely had my children wear bibs during meals, perhaps it was sheer laziness. They were definitely not clean eaters, resulting in many stained outfits.
- Changing Table: While we had a changing table for my daughter Emma, it ended up being unused. Instead, I opted to change diapers on the kitchen counter, which was more convenient. I simply organized the diapers and wipes in a kitchen cabinet and placed a towel on the counter. Who has the energy to run upstairs every half hour?
- Diaper Pail: The Diaper Genie? A waste of time! We registered for one, but once I learned it required special liners, I quickly ditched it. Who wants unpleasant odors hanging around in the nursery? A simple plastic trash can with grocery bags worked just fine.
- Baby Bath: Why bother with a large plastic tub when a sink is so much easier? For my two youngest, I lined the kitchen sink with a towel and placed them inside. Climbing stairs was not something I was keen on doing.
- Baby Laundry Detergent: Regular detergent like Tide Free does the job just as well and at a lower cost.
- Diaper Bag: Before kids, I mistook a diaper bag for a laptop case, using its compartments for pens and sunglasses. Once I had children, I simply transitioned to using large bags for all my essentials. I refused to compromise on style, despite driving a mom car.
- Burp Cloths: On occasion, I would grab a dishtowel to use as a burp cloth, but more often than not, I just ended up with a permanent stain on my shoulder.
- Bottle Warmers: We bottle-fed our children but never took the time to warm the milk. It was an unnecessary step, especially during those exhausting nighttime feedings. Both grandmothers disapproved, and I can understand why now.
- Baby Shoes: Remember, those tiny feet won’t touch the ground for quite some time.
- Blankets: We accumulated countless blankets for our babies, but since blankets aren’t recommended in cribs, their purpose was largely redundant.
In essence, the only true necessities are diapers, wipes, a means to feed, and clothing for your baby. Everything else is largely optional. Don’t forget, a lot of love is essential, as is a strong gag reflex to handle the inevitable messes.
For more insights on home insemination, you can explore our other blog posts at Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, for those looking to boost fertility, check out Make a Mom, which provides valuable resources on this topic. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit CDC’s pregnancy resource.
Summary
When preparing for a new baby, it’s essential to focus on the basics—diapers, wipes, feeding supplies, and love. Many of the commonly marketed items are unnecessary, and simple alternatives often work just as well.