Deciding what to buy, or borrow, for your baby can be quite overwhelming. The choice
of baby equipment is enormous and safety should be an important consideration. The
following information covers the types of equipment you may need when you arrive
home with your baby for the first time. Of course you may decide you need much more
than this, but most moms would probably tell you to wait and see before outlaying
a lot of money.
Baby Car Seat
These will need to be fitted properly to your car before you are allowed to leave
the hospital. Although there are many brands to choose from there are really only
two styles. One is the reversible car seat that starts out as a rear facing car
seat and converts to a forward facing car seat as your baby grows.
This type of
car seat means you have to take your baby out of the seat and harness whenever you
are moving from the car. The capsule, which is fitted within a protective outer
layer, allows you to remove baby from the car while still strapped into the harness.
This means you do not have to disturb your baby if they are sleeping.
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If you are buying a second hand car seat or capsule, it is essential to find out
the safety history of the equipment. Never use a restraint that has been involved
in an accident. Ensure the straps show no signs of wear, and the protective outer
layer of a capsule is not cracked or damaged.
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You may wish to purchase a head support for use in your car restraint. This simply
helps to stop your baby’s head from moving around too much from the movement of
the car.
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Hiring your baby’s car restraint is an option this service usually includes fitment
of the restraint. When you attend your antenatal classes or clinic visits ask for
some information on local companies that offer this service.
Stroller
Before purchasing a stroller you need to identify the features you need.
Ask yourself a few questions –
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What sort of walking will I be doing? For example, will you be using your stroller
to walk around the streets for exercise? If so you may need one with good suspension.
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Do I want this stroller to be suitable for my newborn and as he grows into a toddler?
If the answer is yes you will need to ensure that the seat retracts to laying flat
for your newborn. You may also consider having a reversible handle that allows you
to look at your newborn and then as he grows older and wants to look around more,
he can face away from you.
- How large is the boot of your car? Take some measurements of your boot or better
yet, ask to try putting a number of strollers from your local baby shop in and out
of your car.
- Will I need to carry it on public transport? You will need to make sure that it
is not too heavy and can be folded quite compactly.
- How easy will it be to fold and store? Trial all of the strollers you are considering
in the store. Try to do it one handed as well. It is likely that you will end up
having to do this at some time.
- How tall are you and your partner? Stooping to push a stroller over a long period
of time can cause you to have back pain.
- How large is the basket under the stroller? What sort of shopping will I be doing
with this stroller or what will I want to store under the stroller?
- Will this stroller be used for two children? Can it accommodate a toddler seat
or a 'skateboard' attachment for your toddler?
Safety Issues –
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What sort of harness does the stroller have? Ideally it will have a “five point
harness”. This means a strap that comes between the legs, two lap straps and two
shoulder straps. This type of harness ensures that a child cannot slide out from
the bottom of the stroller, nor can he climb out of his lap strap, similar to a
restraint in a car. Make it a habit to put the harness on to your baby even when
they are little. It will prevent them from falling out if the stroller is tipped
over and it will form a habit for them and they will hopefully be less resistant
to wearing it when they are older.
- Does the stroller have a safety mechanism to prevent the stroller from collapsing
while your baby is in it?
- Are the wheel locks easy to put on, and do they remain secure if the stroller
is moved while the stroller is locked?
- Is the stroller well balanced? Is it likely to tip over?
Change Table or Mat
A change table is not essential as long as you have somewhere that is safe and comfortable
for your baby. Ideally it will not be in a drafty location and you will be able
to have all of your baby’s toiletries at your fingertips for when you are Changing
Your Baby. Many mothers choose to use a plastic covered and cushioned change mat
for changing their baby. This can then be moved around the home, as you need to.
Where ever you choose to change your baby make sure you have checked the area for
potential safety hazards.
- Ensure the surface you are changing your baby on is stable and secure.
- The mat should have raised sides of at least 10cm to prevent your baby from rolling.
- Make sure sharp objects are not within easy reach of your baby.
- Ensure the mat is not near any power outlets, and that your baby cannot easily
reach any electrical equipment.
- Ensure your baby cannot become entangled in any curtain or blind cords.
- Never leave your baby alone on a change table or raised surface for any length
of time. Serious injury could result from a fall. Also do not leave your toddler
alone with your baby while they are on a high surface as they may accidentally pull
or push them off.
Baby’s Bath
Your baby can be washed anywhere, baby bath, normal bath, laundry sink, and even
the shower. Baby baths are great but are quite large items to store after they have
grown out of them, around 12 weeks. If you do purchase a baby bath ensure that it
is easy to drain, is a reasonable length and if possible can fit an anti slip seat.
The anti slip seat can then be used in the large bath as they grow. Never leave
your baby alone near water.
Baby’s Cot
There should be no more than the equivalent of a woman’s two fingers between the
mattress and the side and end of the cot. If you are borrowing or purchasing a second
hand cot here is a list of some safety aspects that you should be aware of. The
following information is provided as a guide when purchasing:
- There should be a minimum of 600mm from the base of the mattress to the top of
the cot.
- The space between the bars should be 50mm-85mm.
- The space between the cot sides and the mattress should not be more than 25mm.
- Be aware of holes/spaces where your baby’s arms, legs, head and fingers could
become trapped.
- Try to choose a cot that has no more than two legs with castors.
- Look for fixed-base cots with the lowest possible base. If it has an adjustable
base, change it to the lowest base setting as soon as your baby can sit up.
Portable Rocker or Bouncer
These can be very useful when your baby is young and they can grow with them. Some
rockers have adjustable heights to the backrest and if it has this feature can be
used as their first chair for feeding. Check for these safety features:
- Ensure the base is wide and sturdy to prevent it from tipping over.
- Ensure the rocker/bouncer has a “five point” safety harness.
- The rocker is designed to be used only at floor level.
- Always check the area for potential hazards.
Feeding Equipment
If you are breastfeeding your baby you will need very little in the way of feeding
equipment.
- A comfortable chair that supports your back.
- Breast pads and at least 3 well fitted feeding bras.
- A cushion that provides support for your arms and baby. A “V” shaped cushion is
ideal.
If you have chosen to use a milk substitute or formula to feed your baby you will
need to have some provisions in place for when you return home.
- Sterilising equipment. This could be an electric or microwave steriliser, or simply
boiling your bottles etc with a sterilising solution.
- Approximately 6 bottles with teats appropriate for a newborn.
- Formula that is appropriate for a newborn and also the measuring scoop to make
the formula up.
- Ensure you have a bottle and teat cleaner to thoroughly clean your baby’s bottles.
Baby Monitor
Here are some worthwhile features to look for when you are selecting a monitor.
Remember that these are for listening to your baby while they are in another room
to you and should not be used for you to leave your baby and travel any great distance
from them.
Check how far the range is from the baby unit to the parents unit.
The parents unit should be able to operate away from mains power.
Ideally they will have a rechargeable base for the parents unit.
The parents unit should have a light display as well as an audio function
Some monitors now have movement and breathing sensors as a feature.
Some monitors also have a night light in the baby unit.
