My son just turned 6 months, so I can share with you items that I found crucial for his first 6 months but often not mentioned in most of the newborn essentials checklist out there.
Since you are here, I will assume that you are looking for things that might have been missed out from your baby essentials list. So I won’t mention the obvious items like nappies, wipes, carseat, stroller, or cot bed.
You can also read my list of must haves items for first time mom to survive the first 3 months with new born here.
Baby nail clipper
You will be amaze how fast baby nail grow. You can feel their sharp little nails digging into on your skin every few days. And ofcourse babies scarth themselves a lot too not being able to properly control their hands. Thats why I find baby Nail cutter is a must have item early on for your new born. I got Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Healthcare Kit that comes with nail clipper, filer,scissors, brush, comb, digital thermometer, nasal aspirator and toothbrush. It is a good deal and nail cutter is the first item that I used with my son and also the most frequently used item until now. He is 6 months old.
Sleeping bag
My son is very wiggly and he always kicks his blanket off from his body even while he is sleeping. A better alternative from blanket is a sleeping bag. I got one a few days after he was born after failing to keep him under his blanket for longer than half an hour especially during the night time. I used Gro snug newborn Grobag to swaddle my son in comfort during the night. It also useful when taking him out in the pram on a windy or cold day.
Baby night light
You don’t want to turn on a bright light for night time feeds, nappy change or just to check on your baby in his cot. Keep the room dim at night will less likely to disturb baby sleeping pattern.
Lots of baby clothes – I really mean loads
Believe me newborns do sick or bringing milk up after a feed quite often in early months. They also poo many many times a day. Their clothes can get messy very quickly and you will be surprise how fast they go through a pile of clean clothes.
I prefer baby bodysuits and sleepsuits/sleepers as they make things a lot easier for you when it’s time to change nappy.
Muslin squares
Because newborns often bring up milk after a feed or sick a bit if you lie them down to early. Having muslin close by is very helpful. I tend to have one muslin next to baby bed and in rooms where I feed the baby. They do get cover up in milk pretty quickly so the more muslins you have the better. Amazon has a large collection of baby muslins for you to choose from. I like the colourful ones as it keeps baby interested sometimes.
Nappy rash cream
Nappy rash can be easily prevent by change nappy frequently. Most importantly right after a poo because it contains substance that usually irritate skin. I have tried my best to do that. However there are a few circumstances in the early months that my son got nappy rash. Letting air flow around that area and put nappy rash cream on help soothing off the rash faster. Either Bepanthen or Metanium Nappy Care Ointment will do.
Lastly and the most important one is lots of mum hugs and cuddles!