Shopping for baby
Nothing compares to the excitement of buying the first things for your baby. However, try to overcome the desire to buy the whole store. It is best to buy the basic things, and then buy the rest as needed.
It's very easy to be tempted to buy things that look attractive, but which, in general, you do not need. Remember that you will receive many gifts for the birth of your baby.
PREPARING A CHILDREN'S ROOM
In , during the first few months of your life your child will not notice the environment - all he needs is heat, good nutrition and convenience. Although for most parents, preparing a nursery is one of the most pleasant moments of pregnancy, creating the awareness that the father and mother are the best prepared for the appearance of the baby in the house.
Remember that the child will live in the same room throughout the entire childhood and that the design of his room must "grow" with him. Basic background tones and fashionable trim, such as curbs, friezes and patterns, can easily be updated with the growth of the child.
Walls should be washable or at least suitable for cleaning sponges. Painting is more practical than wallpaper. Prefer natural, water-based paints, not soluble, since the former do not give chemical evaporation when painting the room.
A newborn does not initially need a large amount of furniture, but make sure that you have enough storage space, especially near the changing table. If you do not plan to replace furniture, as soon as the child starts to crawl and try to stand, make sure that it is firm and had smooth, rounded edges. Perhaps you will like to add furniture to a comfortable chair for yourself.
Finishing There are several points that should be considered when decorating a nursery during pregnancy.
♦ Avoid inhaling vapors of paint - invite for painting someone.
♦ If you suspect that the old paint has a lead base, hire a specialist to remove it and repaint it. Lead-based paints can be toxic.
♦ Remember that your center of gravity has shifted, so be extremely careful on the ladder and never try to drag too far, even if you are standing on the floor.
♦ Stop work before you feel tired, so you can get injured sooner than in normal condition.
Night light can give the child confidence,.when he lies in the dark, and the baby monitor will let you hear the child, if he starts to cry. Thick curtains or shutters prevent awakening from outside light. Set the light control for the main luminaire or use the bedside lamp so you can check your child without waking it up. First, keep the temperature at about 24 ° C.Many parents in the nursery use a heater with a thermostat, so there is no need to maintain this temperature throughout the house.
PLACE FOR SLEEP
You can first choose to keep the baby in a cradle or cradle, and then go to the baby cot when he is four months old, or you can immediately use the crib. Cradles and cribs look spectacular and create a soft cozy environment around a tiny baby. However, they can be expensive and will soon become unnecessary. The cot is more practical, since a child can sleep in it for up to about three years, however, it may not be suitable first if the child sleeps in your room, and there is not enough room in it.
Cradle or cradle selection
Cradle is suitable for a child up to four months, it is light, compact, it can be carried and put on a stand. Cradles come in three main types: swinging, which is installed on the floor;pendulum, they are suspended on the frame;A swing with a removable handle.
When buying a cradle, make sure that it is strong enough to withstand the weight of a healthy fast growing child. In addition, you will have to transfer the baby to the crib as soon as it reaches the maximum weight indicated by the manufacturer, or if it is cramped in it, or the child will be restless. Take note also of the following:
♦ Lockers on legs or wheels Make sure that the cradle or cradle with folding legs and / or wheels is equipped with a locking mechanism that allows them to be locked.
♦ Tilting back hood If the hood does not recline the , it can be difficult to take the baby from the cradle.
♦ Rounded edges and corners Ensure that the cradle or cradle does not have sharp edges that can injure the infant. Especially it concerns woven and wicker cradles.
♦ Avoid quilted elements, ribbons and cords Do not be tempted by fancy bedding. Remove all strips and cords that can lead to strangulation. If the cradle has quilted bedding, get rid of it - soft can lead to the syndrome of sudden death of the baby.
♦ Rigid comfortable mattress for size E If you can insert two fingers between the mattress and the wall of the cradle, the mattress is too small.
♦ Good base The cradle or crib must have a strong and wide base.
Choosing child crib
If you decide to place the baby in a baby crib from birth or later, it makes sense to look after it during pregnancy to order in advance. When choosing the option, consider in advance the practicality of the things to be purchased. So, when choosing a stroller, consider the possibility of moving with it in public transport or placing in the trunk of the car.
Think about buying used things. A sling for a baby can be in good condition, as children grow out of it very quickly. However, things that could be damaged during use should always be taken with new ones, such as a car seat and mattresses.
Buy only a few things the size of a newborn. And not only because he will quickly grow from them, but because at birth you will be given very much, which is enough for the first time.
Consider the option of buying almost new things and items from friends.
Many postal and Internet companies specialize in the sale of children's things and equipment, and their prices can be very attractive.
fleece account for how long you expect him to sleep in it. Buying a large one means that the child will have his bed for a while. Some cots have a mechanism for increasing the size, which can be useful. However, remember that in the end you need a sleeping place for the baby, and a crib may be needed if you plan to have another child.
Firms that produce more expensive cribs tend to offer additional conveniences, such as an adjustable mattress height. Some cots are designed to be installed in the corner, others have removable sidewalls so that the cot is a continuation of the parents' bed - an excellent solution if you want the baby to be as close to you and at the same time not in your bed. Fixators facilitate the movement and cleaning of the floor under the crib.
When buying a crib, it is very important to check the following safety elements:
♦ A narrow enough distance between the side strips The distance between the side strips so that the child does not fall out should be no more than eight centimeters.
♦ Double locking mechanisms on the side rails There should be a latch at each end of the longitudinal bar so that the child does not lower the side wall. When lowering, the longitudinal bar must be above the mattress at a height of at least 23 cm so that the baby does not fall out. The raised upper part of the wall should be above the lower position of the mattress at a height of not less than 66 cm. Before buying the crib, lower and lift the sidewall of each model to see which one works best. Note that if the wall is released too easily, the grown-up child can learn to lower the sidewalls himself.
♦ Well-assembled connections and mechanisms Check that all parts of the assembled crib are clearly fixed and the cot is stable.
♦ Convenient mattress There should not be a single chance that the child could be stuck between the mattress and the bed. Actually, the mattress must necessarily be new and rigid, covered with a film and reinforced on the sides and corners.
♦ Simple practical design Avoid frilly designs, as a child can be trapped in a hand or head.
♦ Clean and Safe Never buy a used or old mattress if you do not know who it was. Any cot must have a confirmation of compliance with safety standards.
Choosing a mattress
If you purchased a crib( or you already have one), you need a new mattress. Most mattresses are made of foam or springs. Many parents choose foam mattresses made of polyester or polyester, because they are lighter and cheaper than spring mattresses. Always choose foam mattresses of high density( about 24 kg per cubic meter) with ventilation sections at the top and in the middle. Spring mattresses, in all likelihood, will keep the shape longer. Look for a mattress with at least 150 springs. For maximum water resistance and durability, choose a mattress covered with vinyl with reinforced corners.
RETURN FROM THE HOSPITAL
When you pick up a child, he should feel comfortable and safe. If you go on foot, you will need a fixed or folding stroller or "kangaroo";if you are lucky - a child seat in the car.
Fixed or folding stroller
Without one thing you do not want to do completely - it's a folding or stationary stroller. There are a lot of them - traditional with spring suspension, "three-in-one", stroller-cross-country vehicles, standard and double folding strollers. To make the right choice, think about your lifestyle. If you are going to use the stroller in the city every day and plan to have more than one child, it is better to purchase a traditional stroller with good running and long service life;if you are an active woman and strive to maintain a good physical shape, then the answer can be a stroller, a cross-country vehicle, which allows jogging. Before purchasing, check the child's age recommended for the stroller to make sure that it can be used from the moment of birth.
"Kangaroo" and the
"Kangaroo" bandage that keeps the baby close to the chest can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some models leave the handles and legs free, others completely cover the child. Before buying, make sure that the sling provides good support for the head and back, has wide shoulder bands that are comfortable for you and allow you to easily wear them without assistance.
Children's sashes are usually more durable, their size depends on the child's age or maximum weight. They have a hard pillow under their head for extra support for a child who can not yet hold the head.
Before buying a sling, make sure that the stitch is not broken anywhere. The greatest strength and durability gives a triple line. All buckles, zippers and fasteners should work easily and freely, and shoulder straps are conveniently located on the shoulder and have good pillow supports. Verify that the fabric is washable and non-shrinkable and that it has a standard logo for a safe product.
For transporting a small child, a cotton sling with a pillow that can be machine-washed is best suited;for heavier older children - portable devices with an aluminum frame.
Baby seats in car
This is an important purchase before the birth of a child, since you need a seat in the car to transport the newborn from the hospital home. The seat is held in place by the seat belt, while the child sits with his back in the direction of travel for greater safety. The first seats can be used from birth until the moment when the child's weight reaches 13 kg( usually about half a year).The most convenient are three fastening points, belts tightened by one movement, one handle, a grip for the head to hold the head of a small child in a vertical position, and deep soft sidewalls. Automobile child seats can also be used as comfortable seats outside the car - some of them are equipped with skids, others have wheels, and they will replace the stroller.
Dual-use seats are installed in the car and will last longer, although their design is less suitable for a very small child, as they are often too vertical. First they are used as the first seat, then converted into seats in the direction of travel, suitable for a child weighing up to 18 kg.
FEEDING
The tools that you will need will depend on how you intend to feed: breast or bottle. But even if you want to breastfeed, you still need some devices for sucking out milk, a bottle for storing it, and for water.
Bottles
Bottles can be standard or with a wide neck, can accommodate 115 or 260 ml of liquid, have a wide-necked shape or under the grip of the hand, straight neck or at an angle. The neck at an angle does not allow the child to swallow a lot of air, which leads to flatulence. Bottles can be glass or plastic. The market also has bottles with a disposable liner, they are expensive, but convenient for travel.
For a newly born child, a 115-ml bottle is large enough, but it is more practical to buy larger bottles that will be useful when the child is older. Most sterilizers handle standard and wide-necked shapes, but some travel bags are suitable only for standard bottles.
Nipples
In sale there is a wide variety of nipples made of latex or silicone;nipples from latex begin to deteriorate in about a month, the life of silicone - about a year. If you are planning mixed feeding( breast and bottle), then the best choice may be natural or orthodontic nipples, made for the mimicry of breast sucking. Anti-nipple nipples provide air to the bottle when the child empties it, which reduces the amount of air swallowed during feeding. First get nipples with a small hole or with a variable flow.
Feeding
Breastfeeding
♦ 2 bottles and nipples
♦ Sterilizing tablets or sterilizer
♦ Bottle cleaning bottle
♦ Nipple coverings( non-plastic)
♦ Breast pump( optional)
Bottle feeding
♦ 6 bottles and teats
♦
Sterilizer ♦ Bottle Cleaner
♦ Bottle Warmer
♦ Mattress or diaper changing table
♦ Diapers
♦ Anti-irritation cream
♦ 70 disposablelenoks of the first size or 24 cloth diapers
For fabric diapers
♦ Safety pins or tresses
♦ Waterproof panties
♦ 2 pockets for diapers
♦ Sterilization liquid
♦ Loose napkins
Wear clothing
♦ 4 overalls
♦ 2night shirts or pajamas or 2 extra overalls
♦ 4 cotton sweats
♦ cap( type depends on the season)
♦ cot or cot( cradle) or cot with mattress
♦ 3 under
♦ 3 upper bed sheets( optional)
♦ 2-3 light blankets
Bathing
♦ Baby bath
♦ Baby toiletries
♦ 2 large soft towels
♦ flannel or sponge
♦ baby comb
♦ scissorswith blunt ends
Breast pumps
If you are a working mom or are worried about having a husband to feed your baby, a breast pump can help with which you can pin the milk for later use.
PURCHASING AND BATHING
It's worth having a swaddling box, because it helps to prevent tension in the back;choose one in which you can store diapers and devices for cleaning the body.
However, you can simply use a pellet mattress placed on the surface at the waist level. Changing the drying wax from dust and lightly shake to make the baby comfortable. When you are out with a child, a small changing mattress for trips will be very useful;folding mattresses are inexpensive and easily enter a children's travel bag.
A special baby bath is not necessary, but it makes it easier for the child to wash. You can consider the option of installing a special trough in the bathroom, which will keep the child in a lying position with the head above the water, while your hands will be free to wash.
Products for children
Up to three months, it is best not to use any soap and other products for washing. Enough clean water. However, for a dry and flaky skin, a baby oil or a moisturizer may be beneficial. Avoid the use of baby powder, as there is evidence that it can lead to suffocation of the child by inhalation. Always check that the baby's skin is protected with a cream with full protection from ultraviolet rays( many items for babies are on sale).
CLOTHING
Children's clothing is mainly sold according to age - for newborns, for 3 months, 6 months, etc. European clothing usually has centimeter sizes, starting at 50 cm. For a large child, you can not find clothes in sizes for newborns,so if your child's weight is expected to exceed 4.5 kg, you should buy clothes for three months. There are special sizes for very small and premature babies.
Your child probably will not like it when they are dressed and undressed, so choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Choose natural fabrics, as they cause less perspiration and skin irritation. Always check clothes for lack of high seams and scratching labels.
All-in-one clothes
The most practical all-in-one clothes, that is, the overalls with buttons in front and around the crotch, which facilitates access for changing diapers. The bones of a child are very soft, and it is important that the overalls have enough space "to grow" in the legs and feet.
Swaths
They should have a wide throat or triangular cutout to easily slip over the head. Many pasterns are buttoned in the crotch with buttons, providing additional heat and keeping the diaper in the right place. Clothes should be free enough for a child to grow in it.
Pajamas
Most of the nightgowns for children have tightening laces on the backstage at the bottom, if there are none, the legs of the baby can freeze, so you need to put on your toes. Perhaps, you prefer that the child sleeps in overalls, and when it's warm - in the swing.
Outdoor clothing
Young children lose a lot of heat through the head, which is large enough in relation to other parts of the body, so in winter a hat is needed, it is recommended to use it in the spring and autumn. If in summer you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, you should wear a hat from the sun. If it is very cold and the collapsible stroller does not provide sufficient protection, a "baby nest" is necessary. Shawl, cardigan and mittens are useful in cold weather and must have a tight knit so that the tiny fingers do not jump out of it. In case of hot weather, get a few light summer overalls.