Baby Gear Essentials

You certainly can live without many of the baby items available today, however, some baby gear will make parenting a lot easier. Other items also make baby's life easier and safer, plus some items do look trendy!

Let’s look at some of the essential baby gear you will need. First you'll need a car seat. Even if you don't travel often or far a seat is vital for protection. Some hospitals require that you have a baby seat, before you leave the hospital.

For carrying bubs around, a strap-on baby carryall or sling might do the trick. It is like a backpack, however, you can wear it on the front as well. These are good if you need both hands free and for bonding between parent and child as you are close to them.

If the strap-on baby carryall is too heavy, then a good pram or stroller is great, especially for those shopping trips. Make sure the stroller or pram has a brake for hills and near the curb. Some prams the carriage or handle is adjustable so your baby is facing forward, which is good to see whether they are sleeping or awake and is excellent for you and bubs to smile at each other and communicate. Having one with an adjustable hood allows for the right amount of shading or sunlight.

Both at home and away, a good nappy bag with a portable plastic change mat is a good idea. This is handy for all those extra nappies and wipes you may need and the mat will help you during those smelly moments that always seem to come at the most inconvenient time.

A bassinet is fantastic as they are easily moved around the house. It also gives bubs a different environment and encourages eye and head movement. There are times when your newborn wants’ to sleep, but you want you still want to see the baby easily. A bassinet is the perfect solution, naturally, you'll want one that is ultra-sturdy.

As your newborn develops, providing him or her with a means to gently exercise those growing muscles, a bouncer with straps is useful. Some even have music built in them and the attachments are good for entertaining baby. Once again these can be moved around the house or taken to friends/relatives places so they are not lying on the floor.

Speaking of music, a good CD or iPod player with speakers can work wonders. Also the sound of a vacuum, washing machine or hair dryer can also assist with sleeping. Classical music helps young minds develop and is relaxing as a back ground music. Gentle sea sounds and other gentle music will provide a peaceful atmosphere that will help both child and parent.

Toys are great for baby’s exploratory nature, especially safe ones that are okay if bubs puts them in his or her mouth. Building blocks of various sizes help the developing mind learn about shape, volume and colours. Sound-making toys help them correlate self-initiated movement with the resulting noise, but make sure they have an off switch as some will drive you crazy.

Another essential item is a baby monitor. They offer peace of mind to parents, especially when your newborn is in their own room. These days you can get monitors with video and movement monitors in them.

Don't forget to stock the medicine cabinet with that whole range of needed items for emergencies.