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Equipment
There are so many items that you could
purchase for your baby. The reality is that most of them are unnecessary.
The only essential items of equipment you need when you have a baby are
something to carry them in, something for them to sleep in, and a car seat
if you will be driving. Of course, that would take away the fun of browsing
and shopping! Here we go through the different options for the essential
items.
Something to carry the baby in
The choices are a pram, pushchair or baby
stroller, or a sling. The advantages of a pram or pushchair is that they can
look good, and give you some space to carry other items. With a wide variety
of baby carriages now available, it can be difficult to choose the right one
for you. Some of them are part of a whole system, connecting the car seat
when you baby is a newborn, and adapting as he grows older. Look for a
carriage that allows you to have the baby lying flat when he is very young.
Some of the carriages available can face either towards you, or towards the
direction you are walking. This may be an advantage with a newborn and you
want to be able to see him all the time. When buying a baby carriage, think
about the weight in case you have to lift it into the trunk of your car or
onto buses, the ease of putting it up and down, and the size it is when it
is collapsed to ensure it fits into your car. Also consider the height of
the handle, especially if you and your partner will both be using it.
Slings come in many varieties. There are
basically two types. The first is a harness that goes around your baby and
has straps that you attach over your shoulders and around your back. These
Baby Bjorn is an example of this. These slings are very popular but may be
difficult to adjust, especially if more than one person is going to be using
it. If you live in a hot climate it may not be very comfortable as the baby
is held very tightly onto you. The second alternative is a large piece of
fabric that has a buckle that does up on your shoulder. These are slightly
less secure than the previous type, but many babies like the feeling of
being curled up inside the sling, much like when they were in the womb. You
can also use a long piece of fabric and simply tie it on your shoulder. This
gives the advantage of being able to use any fabric you like, especially in
a hotter climate. These are commonly used in many countries - in Mexico they
are called a rebozo.
Somewhere for the baby to sleep
You can either choose to have the baby in a
bed on his own, or share your bed with you. If sharing your bed
(co-sleeping) you do not have to worry about any special bedding. Many
parents worry about rolling on top of their baby, although this is highly
unlikely. If anyone in the bed has been drinking alcohol, or taking drugs,
co-sleeping is not advised. There is evidence that co-sleeping can reduce
the risk of SIDs or cot death as the baby is closer to his parents and his
breathing is regulated by theirs. Many parents find that their baby sleeps
more peacefully if in the same bed as them and they get a better nights
sleep. Others find that the grunts and wriggling of the baby are disturbing.
If you choose to have your baby sleep in
his own bed, you can decide to have a basket, crib or cot. In reality, a
drawer does just as well but most parents prefer to purchase a pretty bed
for their baby. A basket can be a good choice when your baby is newborn as
the small space gives him more security. Bear in mind that it will not last
for more than about 2 months as your baby will soon outgrow it. If you are
buying a cot, think about the space between the bars to ensure your baby
cannot become trapped, and having an adjustable base can be helpful when he
is small so you do not have to bend down as far. It is not advised to have
anything attached or tied to the cot that the baby could become entangled
in. The cot can either be in your own bedroom beside your bed or in a
separate room. Consider what is most important to you rather than what your
best friend chooses or your mother in law advises.
Books
There are literally hundreds of thousands
of books on pregnancy, childbirth and parenting to choose from. We have
compiled a list of some of the most popular books that you can take a look
at the list below.
Pregnancy
Books
Childbirth Books
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Books
Parenting Books
Books for Dads
Books for the unexpected
Breastfeeding Books
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