Key things a new mother needs
So you have taken the pregnancy test and it was positive! Congratulations.
What do you do now? As tempting as it might be to go out and buy everything in sight, now is not the time to be spending unnecessary money on goods that will probably never be used. If you keep your head, you will have everything you need with very little wastage.
There are hundreds of baby items on the market at the moment, very few of which, you actually need. A newborn baby has few needs, and you will have no use for many of the baby gadgets that are sold in baby stores. You should never feel that you are less of a parent for not purchasing every gadget that the sales assistant offers you.
The basic needs you will have when you come home with your newborn are as follows:
-A bassinet or other small sleeping cot. Your newborn baby is used to confined spaces and may feel a little overwhelmed if you put him/her straight into a large cot.
-Blankets to wrap him/her in as well as blankets for warmth. Newborn babies like to be wrapped up to simulate being in the womb.
-8 singlets or vests
-8 jumpsuits or wondersuits
-Nappies
-8 bottles if you are using formula
-A bathtub and baby bath formula
-Baby cotton tips, nappy rash cream, baby wipes
-4 baby bath towels. Preferably the ones with the hood
-A Grobag. The store sales assistant will advise which one is suitable for your baby.
-4 baby wash cloths for use in the bath.
-10 bibs that can also double as sick up rags.
-Saline solution to bathe his/her navel
-Baby clothes washing solution. This should be especially for babies and be kind to their sensitive skin.
You will find that your newborn will have very few needs outside your attention, food and warmth. Be prepared to be available to your baby at any time of the day and night. Your baby would prefer you to be near him/her more than all the gadgets in the world.
Your baby will love to hear your voice the most. It is important for you to have lots and lots of contact with him/her and let your voice be heard. Your baby has been hearing you speak for the whole time he/she has been in the womb and so finds your voice soothing and familiar. A newborn baby will take great comfort in familiar sounds and movements. Don't be afraid to hold your baby close to your chest and rock your baby to sleep.
Having a baby in the house is one of life's wonders and you will have ample time in which to make sure your nursery is stocked with the essentials. Rushing out and buying all sorts of 'cute' clothes for your newborn can be a waste of time and money. Although it is a lot of fun!
If you just buy the essentials to start with, and wait until your baby comes before you purchase the more expensive clothes, you can then be sure the ones you choose will actually fit the baby. You never know if your baby will be born large, small or average in size and this can mean that the clothes you have bought may not fit your baby.