Purchase power
The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful excuse to shop, but take a sensible approach so you don’t spend your hard-earned money on items you don’t need.
There’s a lot to think about before your baby arrives. Not least of this is what you’ll need to have on hand when your baby comes home from hospital. We’ve compiled a really sensible list of the basic items you’ll need to see you through the first few weeks with your baby. Once you’ve settled in and are more familiar with your baby’s needs, you’ll be able to go shopping knowing what you use a lot, and what you don’t really need…
ESSENTIALS FOR BABY BABY CLOTHES
Choose inexpensive baby items that are easy for you to put on and comfortable for your baby to wear. Save the bows and frills for later when your baby is older and more patient. Babies grow quickly, and soon he won’t fit into those tiny newborn clothes, so don’t buy too many clothes in the same size.
4–6 cotton vests: choose the babygro style to keep his back warm
4–6 front-fastening, cotton babygros
2–3 fleecy sleepsuits (for winter babies)
2 cotton beanies
2–4 hooded towels or large bath towels
4–6 face cloths
4–6 bibs (T-shirt necks and popper fasteners are better than string ties)
3–4 booties or baby slippers (for cold weather)
4–6 pairs of cotton socks
2–4 cotton sweaters or knitted cardigans
1 going home outfit (go for practical and cute, not fussy)
GOING FORWARD: As your baby gets older, be practical; it’s important your baby is kept comfortable and snug in winter or cool in summer. Pretty or cute clothing may not always be comfortable, so think before you buy.
Once your baby starts nursery school, you’ll want clothes to be very practical and inexpensive, as school clothes always get dirty.
SKIN AND BATH CARE
Choose products that are specially made for a baby’s delicate skin.
Baby wipes and tissues
Non-fibrous cotton wool pads or balls Baby soap, baby wash or aqueous cream
Baby lotion Baby massage oil Bum cream (plus one for your baby bag)
Disposable nappies and/or shaped cloth nappies
4–6 cloth nappies (multifunctional for mopping up/using as towels and blankets)
Plastic bags for soiled nappies (you can buy scented ones in the baby toiletry section at the supermarket)
GOING FORWARD: You’ll probably want to use a mild baby cleanser for as long as possible. Family soaps can be very harsh on young skins. However, you can really narrow skinand bath-care products down once your baby is a toddler. A good barrier cream is always important, as is a mild shampoo. Cotton wool will give way to face cloths. Wipes will always be a baby and toddler staple.
NURSERY ITEMS
You’ll need a safe bed for your baby – whether camp cot, wooden cot or Moses basket – and he should sleep in a room that’s warm (but not too warm) and draught-free. Don’t place the bed near a window. You’ll also need:
4–6 receiving blankets and/or cotton “cell” blankets
1 soft shawl or blanket
TIP
Oh, go ahead, buy something cute too and support a local business.
Yvonne dress, R365, from hartsgoed.co.za. Buy online and check out the website for the cute soft toys too, all made locally.
MEDICINES
When your baby is very young, you’ll need to have products on standby to soothe a sore stomach or hiccups, help with a stuffy nose or bring down a fever. In the case of fever, you should get medical attention promptly. For any other symptoms you’ll probably also need to seek medical attention – pay special attention to vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as your baby can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly. Make up a very basic medicine chest for your newborn by including the following:
An easy-to-use baby thermometer (learn how to use it when your baby is well, so you aren’t trying to work it out the first time he is sick)
A medicine dropper and/or small plastic syringe
Calpol (and, later on, infant Panado or Stopayne syrup) to use if your baby has a fever
Gripe water (preferably a brand with 0 percent alcohol in it) or Mag Phos tissue salt to settle a sore tummy or soothe hiccups
Colic drops for a sore tummy or colic Saline nasal solution and a nasal aspirator to clear a stuffy nose (the Pigeon nasal aspirator is especially good)
Bennetts Easy Breathe Kit (again for congestion) for babies over 3 months
ABOUT FEVER
If your baby’s temperature reads over 38°C or 38.5°C, phone your doctor/ clinic or pharmacy nurse. See a doctor promptly for a temperature in your baby of 39°C or more.
COUGH AND COLD MEDICINE WARNING
The Food and Drug Administration in the US declared that over-thecounter cough and cold medicines are too risky to give to infants under the age of 2 years. If your baby has a cold, specialists recommend plenty of fluids and rest, saline drops to loosen stuffy noses and using humidifiers while sleeping. Always give medicine on the advice of your doctor only, and follow the recommended dosage meticulously. Also, look out for baby products that say “from 3 months only”, and follow this advice.