Must Haves for First-Time Parents: Essential Gear and Must-Have Infant Items

Welcoming a baby into your life is a thrilling and life-changing experience, especially for first-time parents. As you prepare for your new arrival, gathering the right gear and supplies can make a world of difference in your daily routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore the must haves for first-time parents and highlight the must-have infant items that will help you navigate the early days with confidence and ease.

1. Diapers and Wipes: The Basics 

One of the absolute must haves for first-time parents is a reliable supply of diapers and wipes.

• Disposable, Cloth, or Hybrid Diapers: Consider stocking up on a variety of sizes as babies grow quickly. There has been debate about whether elementally chlorine free (ECF) diapers are as safe as totally chlorine free (TLC) diapers. The reason TLC diapers are preferred over ECF is because people are concerned about dioxins created from the chlorine bleaching process. However, a study published in the Environmental Health Perspective found that diet has more than 30,000-2,200,000 times the exposure to dioxins than diapers. However, your own comfort level around the subject is what should determine what type of diapers you use. 

  The best diapers we have found based on surveys, parental preferences, and    comparisons of diaper absorbency and ability to not leak are the following: 

• PurePail (0% chlorine bleaching, dyes, and inks) - We offer 
• Coterie (TCF)
• Hello Bello (TCF)
• Wipes: Gentle, hypoallergenic wipes for cleaning during diaper changes.
• Little Toes Baby Wipes 

2. Changing Essentials

• Changing Table or Pad: A comfortable and safe place to change your baby. Invest in a sturdy changing table or pad, ensuring you have a designated space for diaper changes
• Diaper Pail: A diaper pail is also a must-have infant item, allowing you to dispose of dirty diapers without worrying about lingering odors.

3. Feeding Essentials

• Bottles and Nipples: Bottles and nipples are must haves for first-time parents, regardless of your feeding method. This is personal preference whether you like glass bottles, silicone bottles, or plastic bottles. 
• Breast Pump: For breastfeeding moms who want to express milk.
• Formula: If not breastfeeding, having a good formula on hand is crucial.
• Burp Cloths: To clean up after feeding.
• Milk Collectors: Collect extra milk to save instead of wasting to nursing pads
• Nursing Pads: bamboo nursing pads for sleeping 
• Milk Booster: While this is not an essential for all women, it is not uncommon for women to struggle to produce enough milk so an all-natural milk booster is really helpful. 

4. Sleep Essentials

Ensuring your baby has a safe and comfortable sleep environment is one of the most important must haves for first-time parents, especially so you can kept some much needed rest while your little one does. 

• Crib or Bassinet: A safe sleeping space that meets safety standards.
• Swaddle Blankets: Swaddle blankets are another must-have infant item, helping your baby feel secure and sleep more soundly.
• Grow with Me Swaddle: Swaddle that transforms into a sleep sack for children 0-18 months old 

• Baby Monitor: To keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
• Sound Machine: sound machine to help your little one sleep - parents preferred sound machines with heartbeat and shush sounds. An alternative to the one we offer that parents also loved was the Hatch Sleep Trainer. 

5. Clothing

• Onesies: Babies need a range of comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing. Onesies are a staple and definitely one of the must-have infant items, perfect for layering or wearing alone.
• Sleepers or Footed Pajamas: For bedtime and naps.
• Mittens and Hats: To keep your baby warm and protect them from scratching themselves.

Liminova Outfitters offers a bamboo onesie that is very soft and hypoallergenic on the skin with a two way zipper for easy diaper changing and convertible mittens and footies. 

6. Bathing Essentials

Bath time is an important part of your baby’s routine, and having the right supplies can make it a fun and safe experience.

• Baby Bathtub: A baby bathtub is a must-have infant item, providing a secure space for bathing your newborn.
• Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Use gentle, tear-free baby shampoo and body wash to keep your baby’s skin and hair clean without causing irritation.
• Hooded Towels: To keep your baby warm after bath time.

7. Health and Safety

• Thermometer: A reliable thermometer is one of the must haves for first-time parents, allowing you to monitor your baby’s temperature.
• Nail Clippers: Baby-sized nail clippers are another must-have infant item, helping you keep your baby’s nails trimmed safely. Parents preferred electric nail trimmers over a typical adult nail trimmer. 
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries or health concerns.
• Baby-Proofing Supplies: As your baby begins to explore, baby-proofing supplies like outlet covers and cabinet locks become essential.
• Vitamin D Supplement: Most doctors recommend a Vitamin D supplement when your baby is first born. 
• Nasal Aspirator: A nasal aspirator is a must-have. Many parents complained that a lot of nasal aspirators don't work well, but we got many recommendations and rave reviews for the NoseFrida nasal aspirator. 
• Infant Tummy Relief: Babies will have gas or colic or an upset tummy when they are born. Earthley's all-natural infant tummy relief works great and can also help with adult and children's upset stomaches as well. Gripe Water is the other brand that was highly recommended. 

8. Travel and On-the-Go Gear

When it’s time to leave the house with your baby, having the right gear is crucial.

• Car Seat: A car seat is one of the absolute must haves for first-time parents, ensuring your baby’s safety during car rides.
• Stroller:A stroller is another must-have infant item, making it easier to take your baby on walks and outings.
• Diaper Bag: To carry all the essentials when you’re out and about for the day.
• Diaper Clutch: Much easier to carry around when you're only going out for a few hours. It can hold keys, diapers, pacifiers, wipes, and a few other necessities. It also turns into a changing pad with a pillow so you always have a place to change a diaper. 

  Blog Post on Recommendations for Car Seats and Strollers 

9. Comfort and Entertainment

• Pacifiers: Try our PACI-PACK with 5 different silicone pacifiers to find which pacifier comforts and soothes your little one. Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates) and one piece with a 1.5" + shield to reduce choking hazard.
• Baby Swing or Bouncer: A baby swing or bouncer is another must-have infant item, providing gentle motion that helps calm your little one.
• Toys and Books: Age-appropriate toys and books are essential for stimulating your baby’s development and keeping them engaged.

10. Laundry Essentials

• Baby Detergent: Hypoallergenic baby detergent is a must-have infant item, ensuring that your baby’s clothes and linens are washed in a gentle formula that won’t irritate their skin.
• Laundry Basket: A dedicated laundry basket for your baby’s clothes is another must-have, helping you keep things organized.
• Mesh Bags: Mesh bags to put your baby socks and little clothes in so they don't get lost with the other laundry. 

Preparing for your baby’s arrival involves gathering the must haves for first-time parents and the essential must-have infant items that will make your life easier and your baby’s life more comfortable. By ensuring you have these crucial items on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the joys and challenges of new parenthood.

As you embark on this exciting journey, having the right essentials will provide you with the confidence and peace of mind to focus on what truly matters—enjoying every precious moment with your new baby.