New parents have a lot to learn about their newborns. You will work with a pediatrician and other professionals on the most crucial elements, such as how to hold, swaddle, and place a diaper on a newborn. However, you may still be in the dark about what products to buy them. Retailers will have you believe you need hundreds of baby care products as new baby items emerge each year. However, the essentials haven't changed much over the years, and the list is short.
We'll help you sift through unnecessary items (otherwise known as marketing gimmicks) and provide the top 5 newborn baby care products to buy.
Baby Swaddle
Swaddling, also known as the burrito, is when you wrap your infant in a thin blanket to emulate the feeling of being inside a womb. It is a crucial baby care product to have during your baby's first stages of development (around the first two months). You can make your swaddle with a blanket or simplify the process and purchase one. The ideal swaddle blanket will be:
- Soft for your baby's gentle, sensitive skin. Bamboo is said to be one of the finest materials, as it's not just soft, but breathable.
- Durable enough to withstand the laundry and other wear.
- Relaxing in color, like earth tones. Psycholigist's believe color plays a significant role in a baby's mood.
Infant Car Seat
Never put your baby in a car without strapping them securely to an infant car seat. Car seats offer safety and security for the baby, as well as ease of mind and convenience for the parents. Rotating infant car seats, or swivel seats, have become the most popular option, as they contain all the benefits of a traditional car seat with the advantage of swivelling.
Baby Bathtubs
Also known as basin tubs, baby bathtubs are the safest and easiest way to give your newborn a bath. There are a variety of styles and materials on the market, and as a parent, you must decide which is best for your baby. When in doubt, turn to your pediatrician or an experienced mom/dad. Our recommendation when purchasing baby bathtubs is to choose non toxic materials, like BPAs, BPA alternatives, and formaldehyde - to name a few.
We also prefer bathtubs with built-in safety features, such as a textured surfaces to prevent the baby from sliding down into the water.
While on the subject of baby bathtubs, let's not forget to buy all-natural baby body washes, like the HobeyB Kids Baby Wash with avocado oil. It's the perfect, gentle wash for bathtime, rich with ingredients that moisturize and protect your baby's delicate skin, like aloe vera, avocado oil and rice extract.
Gentle Diapers
The best diaper to buy is the one that is non-toxic and gentlest on your baby's skin. Cloth diapers tend to be the best, as disposable ones are proven to cause skin conditions like eczema. Cloth diapers are also much kinder on the environment.
When it comes to toxins to be aware of, stay away from diapers that contain:
- Pthalates
- Dyes
- Lotions
- Fragrances
- Plastics derived from petroleum
Don't forget that diaper rash is common among babies, generally caused by prolonged diaper use. Other causes include sensitive skin and diaper tightness.
If your baby experiences a rash, don't be alarmed. You can treat or prevent diaper rash by purchasing a diaper rash cream. Powders are also available, but studies show that creams containing zinc oxide are more effective at preventing and treating diaper rash. As with any product you put on your baby's skin, ensure the diaper cream is free of harmful ingredients, such as the HoneyB Diaper Rash Cream with zinc.
Pacifiers
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death with infants. Evidence suggests that pacifers can reduce the risk of SIDS, so introduce them to pacifers during the first few weeks. Pacifiers also calm babies and prevent anxieties, especially during stressful situations. Experts recommend that you wean your baby off the pacifier around 6 to 7 months, so they don't develop an emotional attachment.
You can better ensure your baby's safety, security, and comfort with these these five newborn care products.
