Preparing for the arrival of a baby often involves spending a fortune on essentials. You may be pinching the pennies here and there by buying budget nappies and pre-loved toys; however, some items are worth the spend. Whether it’s to make your life as a parent a little easier or to give your little one the best possible start, here are some splurge-worthy products for you to consider.
Stroller
A high-quality stroller is a must for all of your outdoor escapades. When choosing the perfect stroller, consider your lifestyle and routine. If you’re part of a busy family residing in an urban area, a compact, foldable stroller is essential for navigating crowded city streets and public transport. Alternatively, if you enjoy regular walking trips, consider a stroller with adequate suspicion and thick, all-terrain wheels, ideal for muddy landscapes and all-weather adventures.
All strollers are designed with safety and comfort in mind. Nevertheless, when looking to purchase a durable, ergonomic, user-friendly model, price often defines quality.
Crib
We’ve all heard the saying, “buy cheap, buy twice”. Regarding your baby’s crib, a high-quality convertible cot bed made from solid, long-lasting hardwood, like oak, could see them through toddlerhood until they are around six years old. Of course, durability isn’t the only thing to consider when shopping for a crib. Size, safety features and ease of use are all factors to take into account. You will also need a breathable, hypoallergenic mattress that fits your baby’s cot precisely.
Smart Monitor
Splashing out on a smart monitor could be the answer to a good night’s sleep for you and your baby. A smart monitor allows two-way communication from any room in the house, tracking your baby’s breathing, temperature, heart rate and movement. Some monitors come with a screen, and some allow you to view your sleepy little one in HD night vision via an app on your smartphone, providing peace of mind at your fingertips.
Baby Skincare
Your baby’s skin is around three to five times thinner than yours, making it fragile and prone to dryness. To keep their skin supple and feather-soft, use gentle, organic products free from dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and parabens. Consider buying an organic baby skincare package with body wash, shampoo, nappy cream, and multipurpose balm. These packages often come with natural cotton or bamboo washcloths to help you gently cleanse and exfoliate your baby’s delicate skin.
Baby Clothes
Baby clothes will be high on your list of essentials when preparing for your bundle of joy to arrive. It’s expected that your rapidly growing baby will go through an absolute tonne of clothing. However, providing them with comfortable garments made from durable, sustainable materials will ensure you get as much wear as possible out of their favourite outfits.
Organic cotton is the best material for baby clothes. Breathable and kind to delicate skin, this fabric is less likely to cause or exacerbate conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Although organic cotton clothing may be pricey, the benefits regarding your baby’s health and the environment make it a worthwhile purchase.
Bottle Steriliser
During the first few months of your baby’s life, you will sterilise many bottles - up to 14 daily. Warm milk is a breeding ground for germs, and even after a thorough wash, you will need to sterilise your feeding equipment to ensure any remaining bacteria is killed. The size of your steriliser will depend on your available worktop space and required capacity. You will also need to decide between a steam, cold water or UV steriliser. To help you make a decision, many family network sites feature best-of lists which you may find helpful; however, keep in mind it is inadvisable to scrimp on an appliance that will be used so frequently.
Nappy Bag
A good quality nappy bag is a necessity when leaving the house with your little one. Cramming nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, and more into a sub-standard bag is a disaster waiting to happen - broken sips, split seams, uncomfortable straps and more. Choose your nappy bag wisely and be prepared to spend a little. An exceptional nappy bag should be roomy, comfortable to carry and feature multiple easy-access compartments. It should also be made of durable, easy-clean material for those inevitable spills and accidents.