So... there's this cute little baby, & you have to buy some stuff...
The only problem - what the heck are you supposed to buy a new born? What do you really need when you're that age?
Well - it's funny - what you think they need, and what they really need are too completely different things.
My advice about items for babies:
Toys
Babies don't play with toys for at least 3 months (& some find paper bags far more interesting up until 12 months of age) - if you're going to buy toys, just buy something that is colourful & will hang above the babies cot, providing some enjoyment.
New-born clothes
Do you know how long a baby lasts in those? The average baby probably only needs about 5 sets of (really adorable) new born onesies (you know the little suits that cover them from neck to toe) - and, if "mum" has been really excited (or the baby has older siblings) - you can bet your bottom dollar, that she's already got 5.
If you are buying clothes for a gift - find out what the mother has, or buy some slightly older clothes - clothes that will fit a 3 month, or 6 month baby.
Blankets
Blankets are great - especially the polar fleece type ones (depending on where you live & how hot it gets - if too hot, substitute blankets for sheets).
If you have too many you can get really creative - put some holes in the blanket for the seatbelt & turn it into a car-seat blanket. Sew the edges of it together & make a cheap sleeping bag for when watching TV.
Make the blankets into panels - sew them together & make a quilt for when the baby gets older.
Diapers
Great - sure to be used. If you are giving diapers as a gift, first find out if the parents use disposables. If they are dead against diapers, you may be insulting them.
Flannels/Wipes
The one thing that I bought the least of, but used the most - baby flannels. These are awesome. You have no idea how many times (in the first few months) your sweet little baby is going to puke all over the place, poop all over the place, & just make a general mess!
Flannels are the best for at home (because you generally need something you can get really wet), and the wipes are fantastic for the car.
Car Seat
Of course this is essential - one word of advice - make sure you get a capsule one, that turns into a bigger seat.
You're better off renting a capsule (rather than buying one), because the baby isn't in it for long enough.
Radio
The soft singing (or talking) on a radio is sure to lull any baby off to sleep. If you can afford it, purchase one of the baby CD's - although most parents will find they don't need it, the radio does the perfect job!
Cot
Your best bet here is to buy a basinette/cot combo.
The basinette is higher than the cot, & the parent can move (or change) a sleeping baby with ease. You need to move the baby into the cost by the age of 3 months (by which time he is moving about too much & may fall out of the basinette). So, if you can buy a basinette that converts into a cot (& even better, a bed for later on) you've saved yourself a whole lot of money.
Stroller/Baby Carrier
This really depends on the baby.
I used to carry my baby around a lot, because he was quite unsettled - in which case a baby carrier (& one that's easy to use!! Try it out before you buy it) is the best item.
A stroller is great for settled babies - get one that you can move into the sleeping position for when your baby nods off (which is constantly for about the first 6 months).
When your baby gets older, a toddler stroller is fantastic - not only for when your little darling gets tired, it also keeps sticky hands from breaking everything thing in the shop!
Camera
You'll want a good camera (preferably a digital one), so you can take loads of photos of your sweetpea.
&... that's about it! If you are looking for some great products check out our baby products section of Grizzlynut.
Shirlene owns an online shopping mall - Grizzlynut.
On grizzlynut you can find loads of freebies, shops, wholesale sources, games & more. If you're looking for an all round online shopping mall, you've come to the right place!
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