What does a newborn really need?

Not everything is indispensable in the endless list of objects intended for the neonateAnd the well-founded excitement for the baby on the way can lead parents to waste a little too much, with items that have now become very expensive. It's best, then, to think ahead and focus on the truly essential items and how to get them at the best price.

As soon as a couple realizes they're expecting, the fateful question arises: "What will the unborn baby need?" There are millions of models of prams, strollers, cribs, cribs, bottles, clothing, and pacifiers available online, and it's not always easy to determine a newborn's true needs. In specialized stores, salespeople recommend purchasing items that, in many cases, aren't actually useful. So, here's what you can buy with peace of mind, without spending a fortune, to welcome the baby on the way with all the essentials.

Baby clothing and underwear

A newborn's bedding and clothing includes a few essential items, the ones you can't do without. You can get the best prices by searching online, or even in specialty stores during sales.

• Small overalls made of chenille, fleece cotton, or lightweight cotton
• T-shirts and bodysuits, always in cotton, with short and long sleeves
• Sweatshirts and sweaters
• Cotton socks, avoiding wool
• Bibs in quantity, considering frequent use
• Winter slippers
• Sheets for bed and stroller
• Small blanket in wool and light cotton

The trio

One of the first things recommended to a couple of future parents is a trio consisting of a stroller, car seat, and pram. The cost of a trio varies, between €350 and €700. But will we really need it? The stroller will be used for a maximum of 3-5 months, the car seat only up to 9 kg (about 6-9 months), and the stroller, usually very heavy compared to the lightweight, umbrella-folding newer models, could prove uncomfortable for daily walks.

The eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to a trio is to purchase a 0/18 kg car seat, suitable from birth to 3 years, and a used pram and stroller, or one borrowed from friends and relatives. The second-hand market for newborns is thriving, ranging from the internet to flea markets and specialty shops. On average, you can save about 50% of your budget while having a much smaller environmental impact. Furthermore, many eco-conscious new parents skip the pram and stroller and instead carry their babies in slings until they can walk independently. This saves 80% of your budget.

Crib and changing table

The crib, usually all lace and ribbon, the changing table with or without a built-in bath, and the crib with bars are another truly significant expense for future parents, ranging from €500 and up. But are they really necessary? And what are the most cost-effective ways to purchase them? Again, if you want to purchase these items, you can turn to the second-hand market, saving about 50% of your budget. Remember that the crib will be used for a maximum of six months, and the changing table with bath up to four or five months.

The eco-friendly and economical alternative is to buy a regular dresser instead of a changing table, which will last a long time, and to furnish the top with a soft changing mat. For bathing, there are universal adapters for the bathtub and shower, and while a crib is beautiful, it's not essential. A crib with sides can be adapted for a newborn using soft fabric baskets.

Diapers and toys

As regards the use of diapers, there are valid eco-sustainable alternatives to disposable ones: they are washable diapers This will save you significant money during the first three years of your little one's life. Mobiles, bouncers, toys, and various accessories aren't absolutely essential, and you can unleash your imagination with creative recycling aimed specifically at creating original DIY baby toys. From mobiles to stuffed animals: there's no baby toy you can't make yourself. Keeping yourself entertained.

Remember that everything that comes into the house must come out. Most baby equipment is very bulky.

Pacifier and bottle

The newborn, who comes breastfed  He doesn't need these items. Pediatricians recommend not supplementing breastfeeding with anything else: no pacifiers, bottles, chamomile tea, or fennel tea. If the newborn is bottle-fed, we will take steps, once the baby is born, to purchase the necessary supplies under the advice of the baby's pediatrician. For newborn hygiene and cleansing, soaps, creams, and other products are not necessary; pediatricians recommend using water and baking soda or starch with every bath.

10 Useless Things for Newborns

Here is the list of 10 accessories which can be easily done do without for a baby on the way:

The cradle

Beautiful, all lace and frills, a crib is one of the first accessories you don't need to buy. A crib with a reducer is enough to ensure every baby sleeps comfortably. Crib is typically used for the first 3-5 months of life, and then becomes just a beautiful memory to be dismantled and stored away. A cost-effective alternative is to look to the used market.

The trio

The trio is made up of three accessories that have become indispensable for every parent: pram, passeggino e booster seat for the car. Designed to last, with a single chassis and three carrycots depending on the baby's age, a trio is one of the most significant expenses for the unborn baby. The pram is used for up to five months, the car seat up to 9 kg (around six to nine months), and the stroller is used until the baby is two to three years old. Given such a significant expense (from €250 and up), it would be better to opt for a good stroller with a booster seat and a car seat that is suitable from birth to 36 months, avoiding the need for a pram as it is used less and is very bulky. Furthermore, many eco-conscious new parents skip both a pram and stroller, instead carrying their children in slings until they are able to walk independently. This saves up to 80 percent of the budget.

Toys

The best toy for a newborn is the face of a caregiver. Newborns love light and shadows, so keeping a lamp on is enough. Toys are absolutely unnecessary.

Hygiene products

Pediatricians recommend washing newborns only with warm water and a neutral soap To prevent irritation to their very delicate skin, specific soaps, shampoos, massage oils, and sunscreens are not necessary.

Clocks, monitors and alarm systems

Among technological devices More advanced systems can monitor a newborn's breathing, heart rate, and peaceful rest while the parents are in another room. Simply keep the newborn close to the caregiver at all times, in the same room, or keep the doors open and visually monitor the baby.

Clothing

The baby clothing It should always be limited to what's necessary for about a month, since clothes may no longer fit after a very short time, even 15 days. Newborns grow very quickly, so it's best to limit yourself to purchasing the bare essentials. Our advice during this delicate stage of the pregnancy is to purchase only the necessary items for the hospital: 8-10 onesies, a dozen or so bodysuits, two or three sets of sheets, and, if the birth is expected in winter, a few warm blankets and a thermal suit to wrap the baby in during outdoor walks.

High chair for feeding

There's no need to buy a high chair for baby feeding: it's huge, expensive, and rarely used. It's better to opt for a space-saving table system and then move on to a booster seat.

Pacifier, bottle, sterilizer, breast pump

You can't know before your baby arrives whether you'll need these items. Many babies, for example, don't use pacifiers or only like one particular type. The market offers silicone, rubber, teardrop, and age-appropriate pacifiers. Breastfed babies generally don't need anything. Pediatricians recommend not supplementing breastfeeding with anything else: no pacifiers, bottles, chamomile tea, or fennel tea. Only if your baby is bottle-fed will the pediatrician recommend what to buy for the little one.

Water thermometer

Besides the water thermometer, the entire bath kit is also useless. The sea sponge, scissors, brush, and comb aren't much use with a newborn, and even afterward, you can do without them. The same goes for a baby's bathrobe. A simple towel will do.

Baby weight scale

Unless your pediatrician prescribes it, a baby scale is not necessary for raising a baby: your doctor will monitor your newborn during periodic checkups.

Read also:

• Infant colic: causes, remedies, and when it goes away
• Toothache in Babies: How to Reduce the Pain
• Cosleeping: Why It's Good and When to Stop

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