Many parents-to-be find themselves wondering what things they REALLY need for their new babies. Many retail stores publish lists of “must-haves,” but are all those things really necessary? If you plan to practice attachment parenting, the answer is no, most of the “Baby Must Haves” are not needed. Here’s a list to get you started.
Need:
Breasts. This is top on the list of “baby needs.” Not only does breast milk provide the perfect nutrition for your baby, but a baby finds comfort and is often soothed to sleep at the breast.
Mommy and Daddy. A baby, especially during the first year, really benefits from having his parents close by. If at all possible, having one parent at home helps to provide baby with a strong sense of security and attachment.
Mattress Pad. Cosleeping parents often purchase a lap pad or other waterproof barrier to place under their fitted sheet to protect their mattress from baby spills and leaked breast milk.
Sling. Babies love to be close to their parents, and truly benefit from being “in arms” as much as possible during their early months. Many experts believe that babies should spend nine months in the womb and another 9 months in an “external womb” – a sling. There are many different types of slings out there, so find one that suits you and your baby.
Car Seat. You can’t go anywhere with baby in the car unless you have a car seat!
Diapers (cloth or disposable), clothing, blankets. Of course, babies need diapers (unless you plan to practice elimination communication), clothing, blankets, etc.
Optional Purchases:
Toys. Most babies will have toys, but if money is a concern, you needn’t buy expensive new toys. Many babies will be just as happy playing with household objects or homemade mobiles. Make sure that anything you give your baby to play with is safe and does not contain small pieces he or she could choke on.
Crib. Many parents prefer to take one side off the crib and push it flush against their bed, rather than bringing baby into bed with them. A lot of parents, however, find that their crib ends up simply holding baby toys or blankets.
High Chair. This is a truly optional purchase. Many AP families decide to delay the introduction of solids until at least 6 months, which is the recommended age for introducing solids to a breastfed baby. Many of these families prefer to seat their youngsters at a child-size chair and table rather than in a high chair to allow baby to get in and out at will.
Not Needed:
Swing. A swing is really a parent substitute. While some babies find the motion soothing, many babies would really prefer to be carried in a sling against mama’s or daddy’s body.
Monitor. Cosleeping parents have no need for a monitor, since baby will be right with them.
Pacifier or artificial nipples of any sort. Breastfeeding babies should have their sucking needs met at the breast, especially in the early months. Mothers who need to pump and give their baby a bottle should wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing artificial nipples.
Baby Bathtub. Babies can be bathed without a special tub. Many babies are bathed in the kitchen sink. Some parents take a shower with their babies, and many parents prefer to get into the adult tub with their babies.
