Are you adopting a newborn and wondering what must have baby items you’ll need to make them comfortable when they arrive? We explore the 10 baby must haves that should make up your list of newborn essentials, here…
The process of adopting a newborn baby can be an equally exciting and anxious time for prospective parents. Adopting a baby can present its unique set of challenges. However, the opportunity to build sincere and fulfilling relationships with children can be very rewarding.
Adoption means providing loving and secure homes for children who need them. An adoption solicitor can help run you through the different ways you can adopt a newborn baby and your parental rights and responsibilities.
Despite the process being a little bit nerve-wracking at times, one of the most exciting parts is gathering the baby’s essentials for your adoptive newborn! So, consider this article your newborn must haves preparation checklist, where we give you a run-down of ten must-have items for your newborn baby.
10 Must Have Baby Items You’ll Need to Adopt a Newborn
1.) Baby gates
If you have stairs, a baby gate is essential to child-proofing your home. Children learn quickly, so it is important to make your home safe.
Other things to consider include keeping anything potentially harmful out of reach, such as medicine and hot liquids, as well as anything small that could be a possible choking hazard. For more information on how to protect your child from accidents visit the NHS website.
2.) Fun and games
Fun and games are very important for your child’s growth. Every interaction they have is an opportunity for them to learn.
Be creative. Children love to use their imagination, even just making every day interactions more stimulating. For instance playing with the water when bathing them and playing clapping games.
In essence, with newborns we would recommend things for the baby that provide simpler interactions such as singing, chatting and tickling, as they won’t have the threshold to engage in more advanced games.
3.) A first-aid kit
Unfortunately, illnesses do happen, and being prepared with baby necessities will cause less stress later on. A basic first-aid kit should include a thermometer, a cold pack, plasters in a variety of different sizes, rash cream, eyewash, antiseptic, and tweezers.
4.) Baby food
Food should start around 6 months old. The most important thing is getting your baby used to tastes and textures instead of the quantity, as they will still get most of their energy from instant formula, such as baby formula that tastes like breast milk. Precautions and tips for feeding include, avoiding hard foods, not adding sugar or salt, cooling hot food, and removing pips and seeds.
Most importantly, let them have fun! Remember they are learning a new skill so allow them to play, touch and hold the food.
5.) Comfy clothing
Babies grow quickly, so it is important to stock up in a few different sizes! Hand-me-downs and second-hand clothes are a good idea for saving money as you go through your baby essentials checklist, as your newborn is growing all the time.
You want to go for clothes that are soft and comfortable and don’t irritate the baby’s skin. Avoid itchy materials and make sure to wash your baby’s clothes with non-fragrant washing detergent.
6.) A wash bag
Your newborn checklist should include baby wipes that are alcohol and fragrance-free, nappies, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, rash cream, and nail clippers. We recommend buying baby stuff or products that are hypoallergenic and only have natural ingredients in them. We also suggest stocking up on at least two cotton towels and investing in a good quality changing mat.
7.) A crib
The NHS advises that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months. Therefore, we would suggest investing in a sturdy bedside baby crib, as it is both functional and reassuring to know your child is close by and safe.
After 6 months old, babies tend to grow out of cribs, and this is where we would then recommend buying a cot. When purchasing a cot, ensure it meets British safety standards. This should be marked inside on in the instructions of the cot itself.
Make sure to have at least four sheets as they will need to be changed quite regularly.
The NHS also strongly advises against having duvets, quilts, and pillows for babies under one year old as they could suffocate.
8.) Travel gear
When traveling, ensure your hand luggage has everything you need in it. This should include wet wipes, nappies, toys, first aid, and snacks, and don’t forget about sorting out an infant passport for your newborn!
We would suggest trying out a few infant car seats before buying one and avoiding buying a used one because it could be expired. Make sure you read the instructions to ensure it is correctly installed.
It is safest to put the infant car seat in the back seat of the car. Moving to a booster seat and equally a seat belt too soon can put your child at an increased risk of danger. For more information, Which? has plenty of advice on children’s car seats.
9.) A night light & a baby monitor
It is quite common for young children to develop a fear of the dark. Having a nightlight can comfort kids and make them feel safer at night. While baby light shows are considered more of baby’s accessories instead of newborn baby essentials, nightlights can help with kids sleeping for longer intervals. We suggest going for one that has a long battery life and is made of quality materials.
Baby monitors are fitted with a transmitter designed to tell you when your baby wakes up. When looking to purchase the best baby monitors we recommend checking the range and clarity, the price, and whether it comes with additional features such as video and music.
10.) A helping hand
Despite adopting being an exciting and extremely rewarding opportunity for the adoptive parent and child, it does present its own unique set of challenges; raising a child is no easy task!
Many families may require additional support and there are a number of services, forums and advice online, including Barnardo’s and Adoption UK, that can help you and your child, build and grow your relationship.
Think You’re Ready With The Newborn Baby Must Haves for Your Baby to Arrive?
As you can see, there are plenty of things to remember when it comes to preparing your home for a newborn. This is a list of some of the most important newborn must-haves, but there’s plenty more where that came from to compile a complete baby checklist of newborn baby items to get.
If you are ever doubtful about choosing or getting must-have baby items for first-time moms, seeking the advice of other families or the adoption agency can help you out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice on baby health or adoption services. Be sure to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment for your baby. Be sure to consult an adoption specialist if you’re seeking advice on the law. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
