My husband is working in Belgium & I'm 7.5 months into my pregnancy. My husband's job will be done in June & our visas will expire in July. Our son will arrive towards the end of April. I have begun the ordering process for all the gear, clothing, etc., that our son will need. Now that I've picked everything out I've realized there's a ton of stuff. Considering that we will be returning to the US when our son is around 3 months old; what are the items that I absolutely must purchase now & what are the items that can wait to be purchased when we arrive in America? Thank you tons!
Newborn & Baby - 6 Answers
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1 :
I would definately get a pack and play.. You can use that for a crib if you don't co sleep. Diapers & Wipes Maybe a bounce chair ( the seat kind that vibrate and have a little toy bar that goes across the top) my son sat in his chair quite a bit as a newborn bath stuff & lotion diaper rash ointment pacifires (if you want to use them) bottles
2 :
Well you obviously need clothing. I suggest just buying mostly 3-6 month clothing, or just a few little onesies for newborns because they grow out of newborn clothing very quickly, and its usually a waste of money. You will need everything any baby would need for clothing: onesies, a few outfits, sleepers, whatever. Other things you need: You need hygiene products... Baby needs to be clean too! I suggest just going to wal-mart or target and buying a gift set of baby hygiene products. You don't necessariy need a baby bath tub but it can be helpful, but you can bathe them in the sink you just have to be careful. You are going to need diapers and wipes obviously, and of course baby powder, and probably a diaper rash creme like a Destin. You need to decide what your going to do for a crib, and then buy a couple fleece blankets, a comforter, a bumper, and a couple sheets in case the baby spits up or urinates in the bed. I would say to hold off on any type of bassinet it's not really necessary. I highly suggest getting a swing. It soothes fussy babies and helps them relax and sleep when you want them to (usually). I would say you could skip the bouncer if you want to. And then travelling baby toys: rattles, little noise makers, tummy time mats, things that stimulate their brain and help them develop.
3 :
You could probably use a sling instead of a stroller for the first 3 months. A bassinet will work instead of a crib for now too, or even just a playpen with the bassinet piece in it. Maybe a small travel swing instead of a big one. 0-3 month clothes should fit until you move. Highchair, exersaucer and any other bigger toys can wait. Other than that the only thing you would really need right away is a car seat, but I wouldn't pay to much for one because one from Belgium wont be legal to use in the US so you will end up having to buy a new one when you move anyways (I'd try to borrow one from someone if you can)
4 :
The list above and: A Carseat! Stroller Baby Carrier/Sling A playmat. He isn't going to be happy just sitting in the bouncer all day, every day for three months. Rattles. Other toys. Are you breastfeeding? Pumping? Formula feeding? You need all the equipment for that.
5 :
SLEEP!!! Honestly, if you were wanting to get by on the bare minimum... Lots of onesies, receiving blankets, and diapers. Bottles if you are not breastfeeding. Socks. Your child can sleep with you or you can make a pallet on the floor for 3 months (come on thumbs down) Toys won't really be that necessary since they aren't getting much hand/eye coordination until 3 months of age.
6 :
Now... - onesies - sleepers - mittens (so they dont scratch the face) - nail clippers - hair brush/comb - thermometer - gripe water - oval - towels - face clothes - shampoo/body was ( I use Johnson's BedTime Wash & love it!) - Lotion - Hat - Car seat (don't really need a stroller... I only used mine twice) - Breastfeeding pillow (if breastfeeding - kellymom.com is a great breastfeeding site) - Receiving blankets - Vitamin D ( if breastfeeding) - Bottles (if formula feeding) - Formula (if formula feeding ... you can get free samples on their websites... like Enfamil & Nestle) - Bassinet ( I loved it!) - Tub w/ or w/out a sling (I prefered the deep baby tub as her body was completely submerged... she hated being cold) - Wipes - Diapers - Vaseline (thats what I use. It's cheap & it works better than all the other junk out there) - Bunting bag (If you live in a cold climate) - Cotton Swabs for cleaning the umbilical cord) - Breast Pads ( you'll leak) - Tylenol (If you happen to have stitches) - Bibs (she stated drooling really bad at 2 months) - Light blankets - Baby Vibrating Chair ( in the beginning she liked that more than the swing, but now it's all swing) Thats really all I can think of. Toys & what not weren't really used until 2 1/2 months. Best of luck!
