Shopping before the baby is born

The expectation of the baby's birth is lived with great enthusiasm and, it is known by all, that the planning of the purchases before the birth is an important issue. It is good to be advised by professionals and by moms and dads who have already had babies and know what it is to buy useless things. Expert parents can guide you on the quality-price of the products and the different brands.

A good date to start shopping is around the seventh month of pregnancy. Make a list of everything you need and take it easy.

The arrival of the new baby will fill the house with new accessories; some of them are essential such as the crib or the stroller, others are not. In addition, it must be borne in mind that some of the things that the baby will need will not be able to enjoy until he is at least six months old (such as the high chair or the potty) so it is not necessary to buy them before birth.

A reasonable purchase must be made, since if the house is small we can save the bassinet and put it directly in the crib, or the intercom is not necessary due to the short distance between the child's room and his parents.

What is essential is to buy brands that guarantee the safety of the baby and that are specially designed for the little ones.

Home shopping

• The bassinet: it must be stable and resistant, without ornaments or ribbons within the baby's reach. You should not put a pillow because there is a risk of suffocation. The bedding should be cotton and the waterproof protector, to protect the mattress. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly against the base of the bassinet. Do not use duvets or bedspreads (better blanket sacks)
• Stroller: it must comply with all safety regulations and the baby must be well restrained. One of the most important things is that it passes through the door of the house, can be taken up in the elevator and that it fits folded in the trunk of the car. That it is light and easy to handle is a point to consider. The most compact and lightest are those whose folding is "umbrella" type. In winter you should buy a jacket to keep the baby warm. You should always carry a bag in the stroller that allows you to store diapers, a portable and waterproof changing mat, wipes and a heating zone for bottles.
• Car seat: it must comply with current regulations on road safety.
• Backpack to carry the baby: it is not necessary but it can be a good solution in cases of wanting to have hands free: shopping, taking other children by the hand ...
• Bathtub: there are many models and sizes. Of course, it has been adapted to the space you have at home. There are some that are a separate piece of furniture (and that can also be used as a changing table) and others that are attached to the bathtub or shower tray. The baby should never be left alone in the bathtub.
• Changing mat: it is recommended that it be of a suitable height so that one does not have to bend down when changing the baby and we avoid back problems in parents. In some designs of children's rooms it can be included as part of a piece of furniture. It must be safe, that it does not move while the baby is changed. The child should never be left alone on the changing table.
• Travel cot: only if it is to be used or to leave the baby at the home of other caregivers.
• Hammock: it should be used little, maximum two hours, and from 2-3 months of age. The baby's back up to six months should remain on a flat surface for as long as possible. It is useful to distract the baby.
• Pacifier: it must be appropriate to the age of the baby. It must be kept very clean.
• Baby clothes: it should be cotton and easy to put on and take off. It is not comfortable that it has too many seams or embroidery and the design should allow the mobility of the baby.
• Bottles and teats: they are essential in artificial lactation. About 4-5 are recommended.
• Bottle warmer: it is not essential but it can be very useful.
• Breast pump: only if the mother will need to express breast milk.
• Bibs
• Toiletry bag: soft brush, baby sponge, rounded tip nail scissors, newborn diapers, cleaning wipes, special cream and soap for newborn skin, gauze pads and 70º alcohol for healing the umbilical cord, thermometer that does not be mercury, and cream for diaper change.
• Toys suitable for the baby's age: mobiles with music, soft toys that can be chewed on ...
• Intercom: only necessary if the baby sleeps separated from his parents and so far away that it is impossible to hear him cry.

From 6 months

• Cradle: must comply with safety regulations, the bars must not be more than 6 cm apart and there must be no edges or screws. It should be high enough so that when the baby stands up it does not fall. The mattress must be firm and fit the crib perfectly and it is advisable to put a waterproof protector on it. The best crib linen is cotton and pillows and duvets should be avoided. It is highly recommended to fit a padded protector for the crib bars.
• High chair: to feed the baby.
• Travel highchair (optional, depending on use)
• Bathtub chair: should be used when the baby is stable and the baby should never be left unattended. It gives more mobility to the baby and can play during the bath.
• Safety devices for the home: cover the plugs, protect the edges, block the stairs ...
• Special plastic tableware for babies when they start to eat alone.

Not recommended

• Taca-taca or walker
• Humidifier
• Sterilizer