Many things are nice for babies to have but are not needed. What do you really need?
Seven things you do need for your new baby:
- A cot: Choose a cot that meets the Australian standard (AS/NZS 2172:2003) to give baby their own safe sleep space.
- A firm flat mattress: Make sure the mattress meets the voluntary Australian standard (AS/NZS 8811.1:2013), is firm and flat, and is the right size for your cot.
- Lightweight bedding: Don’t use anything like sheepskin under the sheet, as that will make the mattress surface softer, and avoid puffy doonas or quilts. Lightweight cotton or bamboo are a good choice if you are using blankets.
- Nappies: Keep about a month’s worth of nappies: you’ll need 8 to 10 disposable and up to 15 cloth nappies a day for a newborn.
- Clothes: Look for outfits with zippers that are easier to manage when you are tired! Outfits with buttons that could come loose or hoods that cover the baby’s head create sleep hazards and must be avoided.
- A car seat: You must place your baby in a correctly fitted infant restraint that meets the Australian standard (AS/NZS 1754) for every trip in the car. It is also very important that you remove the baby from the capsule or infant seat after the trip to ensure safe sleep.
- Lightweight wraps or safe sleep bags made from natural fibres: Use lightweight wraps such as muslin or cotton that allow airflow. Sleeping bags need to be the correct size with a fitted neck, armholes (or sleeves) and no hood to keep from covering baby’s face or head.
Don’t focus on having all the stuff, just the stuff you do need.
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