This is a guest post by Tracey Clayton. Let’s welcome Tracey to the blog! She did a great job on this post. 🙂 

The arrival of a child to the family, especially the first, involves having to buy all the items that the baby needs during the first months and years of life. There definitely are a few must haves that would ensure a child’s health and comfort. It’s best to prepare everything before the baby is born and avoid more panic and rush than necessary.

25 Must-Have Baby Items & Why You Need Them

#1 Crib & Mattress

Crib or a cradle should be made of wood, strong and sturdy. Every parent should pay attention to the process of making of the crib because some cribs are coated with toxic paint and glue which emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Take your time to pick carefully the best option for baby’s bed. Mattress should preferably be new and made to fit the crib. Non-toxic mattresses made of organic materials are the best choice. 

This is the crib my sister got from Amazon. It converts to a toddler bed and then to a full size bed, so it can be used from birth to college. Here’s a link to the bed rails you’ll need to convert this to a full bed. 

#2 Baby Carrier

When performing day-to-day tasks you will want a baby carrier. They free up your hands and are comfortable enough that you and your little one will be able to move around while staying in constant contact. Whether you choose one with latches and a hip bolster or a single piece cloth one, you’ll be grateful for the freedom they provide. 

#3 Baby Car Seat

Baby car seats are of utmost importance if you’re planning a trip with your child. This specialized car seat will provide baby’s safety and the most natural position in the car.

#4 Stroller

Strollers should be solid and firm. When buying a stroller, pick one that can be folded and fit in a car, and of neutral colors in case you’re planning more children in the future. A good quality stroller can last for a long time.

#5 Changing Table

Get a changing table and a soft surface with waterproof backing. It would be good if the changing table had built-in shelves so that parents have everything they need in their reach.

#6 Clothes

Depending on the season, the baby will require clothes with short sleeves, no sleeves or long sleeves. Give priority to clothes of light colors and without applications, which can be washed at high temperatures.

#7 Detergent

Detergent – wash your child’s clothes with a green detergent that does not contain toxins and parabens which are very harmful to the skin and general health of the baby (they can cause irritation, eczema, allergies, etc.) and also protects the environment.

#8 Diapers

More and more parents are choosing organic diapers for their babies, considering they are a more ecological and natural choice for the baby.

#9 Sheets & Blankets

Sheets should be made of organic cotton and they shouldn’t be treated with any chemicals, so be aware of any claims that sheets are iron-free and the like. Baby blankets should also be lightweight and made of cotton. These types of blankets are the most comfortable for the baby.

#10 Baby Sleep Sack

If a child is restless during sleeping time, the best option is a sleep sack. It should be made of natural materials with a carefully placed zipper or velcro strap so that the child can feel safe and comfortable while parents wouldn’t have to worry about getting up every now and then to check if the baby is covered.

#11 Baby Tub

Babies should be bathed every two to three days, and most practical way is to buy a baby tub of quality plastic. There are some special baby tubs that can fit in a sink.

#12 Bathing Products

Also, you will need mild shampoos, soaps and baby bath washes that are PHP neutral and free of parabens. Research on the bathing products is essential because baby’s skin can react easily to something that is full of chemicals and of poor quality.

#13 Creams

Creams for baby’s bottom – the ones containing panthenol and zinc are great. Zinc is good for treating and preventing a rash while panthenol calms the skin.

#14 Wet Wipes

Wet wipes should be carefully selected as they may cause skin irritation or allergy, but they are very useful for traveling and when you change your baby at home. Of course, nothing can replace good old soap and warm water.

#15 Towels

Babies need to have their own towels, and three smaller and two larger should be enough.

#16 Nail Scissors

Nail scissors with rounded tips are an essential in order to prevent unwanted scratches on the skin. Moreover, many babies like to put their fingers in their mouths, and there can be a lot of accumulated dirt under the fingernails.

#17 Bulb Syringe

A bulb syringe for suctioning the nose is very important because your baby will breathe easier.

#18 Bottles & Pacifiers

There are a large number of bottles on the market, of different manufacturers, but what should be taken into account is that the bottles are BPA free. Also, pacifiers should be made of natural rubber, rather than silicone, even though the silicone ones look better.

#19 Baby Food Mixers and Steamers

Baby food mixers and steamers will make a mother’s life easier. This way, the food for the baby can be prepared in 20 minutes and at the same time it preserves all the nutrients. Don’t forget to put salt on the vegetables. Nobody likes completely tasteless food.

#20 Shoes

Shoes are not necessary in the beginning, but they will be sooner or later. They should be made of natural materials like leather so that feet can breathe and move easily.

#21 Feeding Chair

When the baby begins to eat solid food you’ll need a chair. The role of the chair is to help the child to participate in the family table. Ideally, the chair should have wheels so that it can be moved from one place to another and have adjustable height.

#22 Play Yard

Play yards are very practical. They all you to perform many tasks without worrying about the safety of your child. In a playard, a child is protected from falling, cannot leave to go out and crawl somewhere, cannot put fingers in the plug, etc. To make it easier your little one to accept this, be sure to put in some favorite toys, as this will help him/her feel safer and experience the play yard as his/her territory.

#23 Baby Walkers

Baby walkers will help the child coordinate the movements better, with the overall process of learning how to walk and keeping the balance. Not to mention that the sudden falls would be much less dangerous.

#24 Camera

Get a good camera. Nowadays we all have a pictures taken with mobile phones, but of course, nothing can replace professional photography, and that’s what you want to keep as a memory.

#25 Baby Footprint Frames

Baby print frames for hand and/or foot prints are another great way to have a memory from your child’s early years. Moreover, your child will be grateful to have something like this when he/she gets older.

About the guest author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She loves cooking, baking, sewing, spending quality time with her daughters and she’s passionate in writing. She is contributor on High Style Life and her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Twitter and Google +.

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