PARENTHOOD.IE

Every parent with a newborn will trawl the baby shops looking for everything and anything that seems vital. There is no end to the amount of baby equipment we can amass for a newborn. We list our best and worst buys you can do.

 

The best baby equipment

Baby bouncer or rocker – indispensable for most and one of the products parents recommend the most. It is mobile, can be placed on a counter or table, making it easier to communicate with your baby and allowing him to see you as well. Very handy for getting your baby to nap or sit up securely.

Baby boppy or Breastfeeding pillow – whether you are bottle or breastfeeding it can be comfortable for your arms and back to prop up your baby. The pillow can later be used to help your baby sit up, as they tend to fall over quite a bit.

Babygym – make sure you get one you can easily move around the house. It’s a great way to entertain a baby, but will require a bit of more supervision once your baby starts rolling. Very useful with the baby boppy.

Baby monitor – not all parents will find the monitor relevant, but for a first time parent it may be a comfort knowing that you will hear your baby’s cries, without having to tiptoe around the house.

Baby carrier – most parents are advised not to pick up their baby too much, but it is also unavoidable. A baby carrier will give you more freedom of movement, not strain your back or arms, but still give your baby the closeness and warmth of your body.

On the verge of unnecessary

Baby doorway jumper – if your baby loves it from the start, it’s a saviour, but if he won’t take to it just pack it away.

Moses baskets – a very popular baby product that has a very short lifespan, often ending up as a lovely laundry basket. It can only be used for a 1-2 months, although it is mobile, your pram will probably do the same job.

Expensive changing table – the nursery may look pretty and stylish, but in the end you will have used most flat areas around the house to change your baby’s nappy. Put more effort into creating a comfortable and accessible changing area with storage, in the room you spend most of your time.

Baby equipment not to buy

Toys for babies – you can count on one hand the amount of toys a baby needs. Pastel coloured soft toys are mostly cute in the cot, but of no interest to your baby. Choose a few interesting toys, with mirrors, rattling sounds and clashing colours, preferable black and white.

Newborn clothes – always go bigger, you just won’t realise until the year after how many items of baby clothes your baby never wore.

Bulky potty – most parents fear the dreaded potty training and will get any gadget to facilitate the transition from nappies to potty. More importantly than flashy applications, is that the potty fits well, is easy to clean and can be brought to other parts of your house.

Baby safety hat – a bit of a fad that seemed and excellent product, it protects your baby’s head from bumps and bruised when the start walking. Possibly useful to some, but also very warm and uncomfortable to most babies.

When buy for a baby, remember that you don’t need to have everything ready in advance. Take plenty of advice, but try to imagine how it fits to your, your baby and lifestyle. There is enough clutter that builds up with a new baby, without having to ad unnecessary