First Year Baby Gear

Your first year with a newborn baby boy or baby girl will be an exciting, adventurous, trying and learning experience for the whole family. Preparing in advance for that very important first year can make a huge difference in deciding whether these moments are positive or difficult. Let’s face it, that first year will present plenty of challenges and expected frustrations but with the right attitude and the right baby gear your first year can be a wonderful time of laughter and treasured memories.

There are several areas in which you’ll want to be prepared for that first year with a newborn baby: sleeping, feeding, clothing and getting around. There will be plenty of other events to plan for but having the clothing and furniture prepared in advance for the basics will make life a lot easier for everyone involved.

First off, keep your newborn baby boy or baby girl snug and warm. The first few months of a newborn’s life it is imperative that you protect their delicate body from chills. Have a good supply of onesies, pajamas, jumpers and hats to protect your little one while they sleep, crawl around and travel. Most pediatricians will recommend soft, durable organic cotton for the first year since it’s comfortable, breathable and easy for a baby to move around in. Also remember that clothing for the first year can be cute but more importantly should be practical. Little suits and dresses are adorable but your baby is more interested in exploring and crawling and clothing that is rugged and durable is a better choice.

Your newborn baby will be spending most of his or her time sleeping or eating. Be prepared for both with high quality cribs, crib bedding, highchairs and serve ware that will make these precious moments comfortable and easy to clean. Choose soft, non-allergenic crib bedding and sheets so your baby will rest in comfort and have plenty of plush pillows and cushy bumpers to keep your little one safe.

When your newborn isn’t sleeping he’s probably hungry. Be sure you have a durable, high quality highchair to safely keep your baby in position as you endure the task of getting him to eat his food instead of wearing it. Having a full set of plastic plates, dishes, sippy cups, forks and spoons will also be necessary since most of it will end up on the floor eventually.

Like any proud parent you’ll want to take your newborn baby boy or baby girl on trips to show them off and to bond while hiking or traveling. This is a great idea but make sure you have the right travel carriers, car seats and diaper bag with all the essentials to make your trips as worry-free as possible. Try to keep travel and visits to a minimum during the first few weeks. Face time with friends and family is expected but keep the time short so you don’t wear the little one out and cause a temper tantrum. You’’ want to shop carefully for car seats that feature all the necessary safety requirements so you can focus on the road while driving.