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There are several baby accessories every new parent needs, but they don’t have to cost a lot of money or take up much space. In fact, many of them you can use with any baby, not just yours! So, if you’ve just brought home your new baby and you’re wondering what else you need to buy. Don’t panic. Here are 8 must-have baby accessories that will make your life as a new parent easier in the long run.
One of the baby’s first beds, a crib, is usually a small rectangular structure with safety rails on all sides. For babies younger than about 3 or 4 months, it may also have a slight incline or drop-side feature for easier access. A standard crib should be around 27 inches wide and 52 inches long although if you buy a vintage model, it could be smaller so that your baby can sleep safely until he’s at least 18 months old. If you plan to use a separate crib mattress instead of putting your baby directly on top of your mattress, keep in mind that most crib mattresses are only 23 to 24 inches wide. Cribs are typically sold as either open box models that require assembly or closed versions that come fully assembled.
If you’re new to taking walks with your little one, or you want a break from carrying them in your arms, a stroller is a necessity. The right stroller will allow you to get up and go when you need or want to while giving your back a rest. It can also help create strong bonding experiences between parent and child.
While there are many different types of strollers on the market—ranging from cheap umbrella-style strollers all the way up to high-end joggers that come with car seats. You should make sure to choose one that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping, an umbrella-style stroller might not be for you—instead, opt for something more heavy-duty.
If you’re breastfeeding, a breast pump can be essential in allowing you to take a break from feeding or to let dad feed. There are two main types of pumps: electric and manual. Electric pumps work by creating suction within your breasts, which then draws out your milk. Manual pumps require you to manually massage your breasts as if you were feeding yourself (which is uncomfortable for some women). However, manual pumps are generally less expensive than electric ones—and they’re also easier to travel with because they don’t require batteries. In general, though, either type of pump will allow you more freedom during those first few months with a baby on board!
Cribs and changing tables are designed to help you keep your baby safe while providing comfort. There’s a wide variety of options available, and you can find just about any design to fit in with your existing nursery. An adjustable changing table will help keep your infant comfortable as they grow, making it easier for you to change their diaper or outfit. Most models also feature an overhead light so that you can see what you’re doing, even at night.
Choosing a car seat is one of your first big decisions as a parent—and that decision will follow you for years to come. Some parents feel comfortable buying these used baby accessories, but we suggest you buy new ones in order to be sure there aren’t any defects. With so many options on store shelves and online, it can seem daunting to find a car seat that works best for your family. Fortunately, here are our top ten picks for baby car seats—making it easy for every new parent to find their perfect fit. One key question you should ask yourself when looking into purchasing a car seat is whether or not it’s rear-facing or forward-facing—which brings us to our number one pick!
First and foremost, you’ll need a diaper bag. One of those boring baby accessories but important pieces of baby gear, a diaper bag can be a lot more than just something to carry around your little one’s stinky diapers. A good diaper bag is large enough to fit everything you’ll need for your day at work or at play and has multiple compartments to keep all your stuff organized. The best diaper bags also come with insulated pockets that are great for storing bottles filled with formula or breast milk. If you think you might want one in every color of the rainbow, check out our guide on how to choose a baby bag as well as our favorite bags!
A bottle warmer is a must-have baby accessory. If you’re formula-feeding your baby. You can skip it if you’re breastfeeding because most women use their own body heat to warm up breast milk. Bottle warmers are fast and easy to use. Simply place a bottle into a bag, set it on top of a warmer, and press start. Within minutes, your baby will have a nice warm bottle full of nutrients. If there’s any concern that the water isn’t hot enough (which only happens in really old models), test it before using it by squirting some liquid onto your wrist; it should feel slightly warm but not scalding hot.
One of the best baby accessories that new parents need is a good baby monitor. The ability to watch your sleeping baby is just invaluable. You don’t have to be in constant contact with them, but you do want to make sure they are okay when they first wake up, and every parent needs that extra bit of sleep! Thankfully, there are lots of options out there when it comes to choosing a baby monitor: audio monitors, video monitors, or combinations of both. Think about how you want your nursery set up, then choose your monitor accordingly. You might even find yourself saving on your electricity bill since you won’t have to turn on lights as often for nighttime feedings!
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