Must-haves for your Newborn Baby – India

Finally, the day has arrived, nine months of anxiety, morning sickness and excitement – everything is coming to an end. You are physically and mentally prepared to welcome the precious gift from heaven. But you still can’t make your mind about the must-haves and nice-to-haves for your baby! Of course, you want to stock up on everything! All those cute baby gears you saw on the online shopping websites, all those colourful baby clothes! We have news for you! Your newborn will be happy with a set of nappies/diapers, comfortable onesies/jhablas/vests and a couple of swaddles!

 We are going to break it down for you – Absolute Must-haves for your Newborn.

Receiving Blanket/ Flannel Blanket

Hospitals vary in their policies. Some may provide the blanket; others may insist on bringing it. Please read the checklist your hospital has provided or check with your gynaecologist. It is always good to have a cotton flannel with you to wrap the baby. We would suggest a plain white cotton blanket for your little one. No-no to velcros and synthetic fabrics! Cotton fabric is widely considered as the best for the baby as it is breathable and lightweight. 

Jhablas/ vests

The Newborn baby market is flooded with thousands of baby wears. You will be in a dilemma to select the best for your tiny tot, especially when you are a new mom. Always go for cotton clothes for your newborn. In cotton itself, a wide range is available, so think and choose according to the climate prevailing in your region. For instance, hosiery cotton jhablas are soft and perfect for your newborn but may not be the ideal choice for a hot sunny day. So you can use lightweight, thin voile cotton or a cambric cotton jhabla during the day time and a hosiery cotton jhabla during the night. Also, keep an eye on the design of Jhabla before you buy, side open and back open jhablas will make the dressing time hassle-free for new moms in the initial stages. 

              Baby skin is extremely delicate and at least for the first month, it is advisable to use undyed clothes free of the harmful chemicals. If you prefer Organic Cotton clothes, that is fine. Pre-washed Pure cotton clothes will be just fine. Make sure that you are avoiding synthetic fibres while choosing clothes for your precious newborn.

Cotton Squares

              Muslin squares are highly versatile and have ‘n’ number of uses for your baby. Spread it on the baby dry sheet/bed protector so that baby’s skin does not come in to contact with the synthetic fibre which is used as the absorption layer in a dry sheet. You can use it as a cotton wipe, bib cloth, nursing cover, bath towel and what not! Muslin fabric is lightweight and breathable and perfect for your newborn needs.

Dry Sheet

              Did you know? A newborn’s tiny bladder can hold only up to one tablespoon of urine! So they empty it frequently. Always keep a dry sheet on the bed before you lay your baby so that you need not change the entire bed sheet every time the baby pees or poops. A small sized dry sheet will be perfect for the newborn. Also, makes it easier to wash!

Swaddle

              Swaddling has been followed by your great grandmothers to replicate the feeling of the womb to the baby. You have to be extremely careful while swaddling your baby. Make it too tight, and you risk suffocation, make it too loose and the baby won’t stay in the wrap! Swaddling also helps to minimize the startle reflexes and thus helps to longer sleep.

Buy Picksparrow Newborn Swaddles here.

Booties/ Socks

              Using booties will soothe the baby and keep their little feet cosy and warm. If you are taking the baby outdoors, always make the baby put on soft and breathable booties.

Nappies

               Newborns pee quite frequently so stock up on a sufficient number of nappies in your baby wardrobe. Use cloth nappies instead of diapers. Cloth nappies allow air circulation and prevent rashes.

              The plastic wrap around diapers will prevent the free flow of air and is the main cause for rashes.  Muslin and Terry Cotton are good absorbents so you can choose nappies with these fabrics. Terry might be a little harsh for your baby’s delicate skin whereas muslin cotton is soft and skin-friendly for your newborn.

Also Read: How to bathe a Newborn Baby? – India

Wipes

As you know, the newborn skin is very sensitive. So it is best to use soft voile cotton squares with water or cotton balls and water to wipe. Keep away those paper wipes loaded with chemicals out of your baby’s skin at least for the first month. Cotton Squares/wash clothes can be used as a baby wipe and no need to point out that this versatile cloth is an absolute must-have for a newborn baby.

Diapers

You will need some when you are taking the baby outdoors. We prefer Cloth diapers to disposable diapers. it’s good for your baby and good for the earth.

Mosquito Net

Protect your munchkin from those mosquito bites. Most of the mosquito nets come with a   bed. The umbrella-type mosquito nets may not be completely safe.

Bathtub/Bath sheet

A bathtub which can be kept on the kitchen sink makes life easier. Trust us!

Massage oils

A newborn does not need soaps, shampoos and body lotions! All he/she needs is massage oil and a cotton wipe. Virgin coconut oil is highly recommended. If homemade, the better.

Okay, now shop smart and don’t waste your hard-earned money on those unnecessary baby gears. It’s better not to buy baby essentials for the 3rd month now itself. You will soon learn that a lot of things you thought must-haves for a baby are really not! Give it time, A wiser YOU can probably make better buying decisions.