By Shwetha Nair, Team iDiva
So they told you not to buy anything for your baby before she's born because it's bad luck to do so! If you believe in that, good luck to you.
But hey, no one said anything about getting your mom or your family members to buy you all the stuff you'd need for your munchkin. Because whatever they say, it's better to have the essentials before the baby gets home unless you'd rather scramble for everything with a wailing baby at hand.
Here's what you really need to buy for your baby before you bring her home.
Tooshie control: Bladder control isn't a built-in feature for babies. Cotton diapers, nappy pads, diapers, cloth nappies... Take your pick on what you'll be using on your little one's tooshie.
Tip: If you aren't sure, buy one of each to see which one the baby seems most comfortable in. Ideally, stick to cotton diapers in the first couple of months, especially if you have a good support system at home.
Rub a dub: For washing the reusable cotton nappies or soiled swaddle cloth, you'd need dettol/ antiseptic wash to soak it in and a soft detergent. Baby detergents (powders or liquids) are mild and don't irritate your newborn's skin.
Bundle 'em up: Swaddle cloth, old saris or one-meter-long cloth that are available at stores, can be used to swaddle or wrap babies masala-dosa style. These help keep babies cozy, recreating the warmth of the mother's womb in the days after their debut into our world.
Tip: Also, add cotton sheets or light blankets to your list to put over rubber or quick dry mats to place baby on.
Pee-poop proofing: Rubber sheet or quick dry mats can easily double up as changing mats too.
Tip: You'll need more of these only if like me, you don't want to subject your newborn to diapers like pampers / huggies 24*7.
Towel time: Babies need a long list of towels in all sizes but they surely come in handy. Baby bath towels (opt for the robes with hoods that have cute rabbit and bear-shaped ears), wash cloths (they are a wee smaller than hand towels and are used to give your baby a rub-down bath), napkins (for you to wipe their noses and keep 'em clean), burp cloth (so they don't spit up on your clothes!) and bibs (to keep your rugrat from spoiling her princess onesie).
Tip: You will be gifted most of these as a baby bath set by family and friends who come to see your kid. So, don't buy all of 'em yet!
On-the-move essentials: Baby wipes (they are a great help to get messy hands, bums and faces cleaned up on the go), hand sanitiser (this one's for mommy & daddy to keep you from passing those invisible monsters - bacteria and germs - to your little one), diaper rash cream (to keep baby's bottom the way it was always meant to be - soft and super smooth), rattle (to keep baby occupied), and changing mat. And to carry all this and more, you need a handy, multi-compartment baby bag.
Tip: a) Avoid baby powders or talc since it is not recommended by docs nowadays, mainly because they may cause breathing problems and serious lung damage to your cool child; b)Carry garbage bags to put soiled diapers in. Optional buys include: Baby carriers / slings or prams, which ideally can be bought later.
Bath essentials or toiletries: Babies have super sensitive skin. Period. So, choose baby bath essentials with utmost care. What works for one baby may not be so for another. So go for gentler, 'tear-free' options. Things to stock up include: Baby oil, coconut or olive oil, baby soap, baby lotion, moisturising cream, baby shampoo.
Tip: Nappy creams are a must-have since they act as a barrier between your baby's soft, supple skin and the constant friction they have to endure while moving around in their diapers.
Clothes rack: It's fun to plan and shop for your baby's wardrobe but don't go overboard. The highest growth spurt a child goes through is during her first year. So, before you know it, she has outgrown those expensive booties you got her. Ergo, spend wisely. Most friends and relatives would gift you baby clothing sets, so ideally buy the bare minimum you'd need. Must haves include: Baby cotton vests/jabalas, socks/booties, rompers/ body suits, caps, cotton tees and shorts.
Tip: Avoid mittens or gloves since they impede baby's hand movements and affect ability to learn motor skills like grasping.
Baby gear: Bottles, teats, bottle cleaning brush, milk storage containers (for expressed milk) and bottle steriliser (this can be skipped if you have someone to wash & sterilise your baby equipment in boiling water after every use in the initial months) are must-haves.
For mums: Some essentials for new moms help them cope with the demands of their newborn, like easy-access nursing bras and gowns or maternity button-down shirts or kurtas, breast pumps (that aid in pumping the breast milk at your convenience and storing it for later use), breast pads (to soak up breast milk leakage) and baby feeding pillow (so that moms don't get sore backs nursing babies throughout the day).
Baby bath tub & bath support: This one is necesary if you won't be giving baby the maalishwaali-style bath. Bath supports made of foam come in baby shape moulds, so your baby will be steady and won't slip into the water when you give her a bath.
Emergency Meds Kit: Baby thermometer (this is a must-buy!), colic aid (for baby gas or indigestion) and baby crocin drops (for fever if prescribed by doc ). Everyone will urge you to buy a foldable mosquito net umbrella for your baby - buy one only if your home is prone to mosquitoes.
Monster Patrol: Buy a night light so that you can always look over your little one and keep the creatures of the night at bay, if need be ;) More importantly, it will help you identify problems your baby may be facing more quickly, especially if she sleeps in a cradle by herself.
Baby bed: This one completely depends on whether your baby will be co-sleeping with you or will be put in a separate bed or cot. Babies spend most of their time sleeping in the first few months, so give this decision enough thought before you spend or invest in one. While comfort is important, safety is essential too. Cradles or Moses basket last for just the first few months, so avoid these and get a baby crib that can be used for a longer duration.
Baby Bank: Lastly, a baby storage cabinet to park all the pretty little outfits, toys, thingamajigs and what nots in a cute animal-themed cupboard. It will help you remain organised and assign a space for all your LO's super-cute little people things.
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