As the due date approaches, expectant mothers typically start preparing baby supplies, striving to choose the best products for their little ones. However, new parents often lack experience and may feel overwhelmed by the options in a baby store. In fact, it's unnecessary to buy too many baby supplies at once to avoid waste. Below, Kiddiezoom offers a simple introduction to the essentials to prepare before birth.

I. Important Considerations for Preparing Baby Supplies

1. Baby Clothes
   When preparing baby supplies, the first step is to gather clothing for the baby. Since newborns are born without clothes, mothers should select seasonal outfits in advance. When shopping, ensure the fabric is of high quality, and that the clothing has good warmth, breathability, and moisture absorption, and is loose and easy to clean. It's advisable to prepare 3 to 5 outfits for easy changing.

2. Diapers
   Some mothers may stockpile a large number of diapers, but this is generally unnecessary. Newborns typically require size S diapers. Since they urinate and defecate frequently, it's reasonable to have a few packs on hand, but avoid excessive quantities as babies grow quickly. If opting not to use diapers, consider preparing some breathable and highly absorbent cloth diapers.

3. Formula
   Formula is an essential baby supply that should be purchased from a reputable store. It serves as a backup for mothers who may not have enough breast milk right after giving birth, ensuring the baby isn’t left hungry. It’s advisable to start with a small container of formula.

4. Baby Bottles
   When preparing baby bottles, it’s recommended to choose high-quality products. Ensure the bottles are made from safe materials and that the nipples are suitable for newborns. Additionally, a complete set of bottle brushes should also be included.

5. Other Essential Items
   Besides the aforementioned items, parents should prepare additional necessities, including seasonal baby swaddles, bath towels, an 80-pack of wet wipes, about 4 cotton bibs, a silicone spoon, a small bowl, two pairs of cotton socks, baby powder, a thermometer, baby bath wash, nail clippers, and baby tissues. To facilitate bathing the baby after discharge, parents should also prepare a bath towel and a baby bathtub.

II. How Early to Prepare Baby Supplies

Many expectant mothers begin excitedly preparing baby supplies as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Since a baby will spend about 40 weeks in the womb, is it appropriate to start buying baby supplies right after conception? It is recommended that expectant mothers begin shopping for baby supplies during the second trimester, aiming to have everything ready by around eight months of pregnancy.

When purchasing baby supplies, it’s best to create a checklist in advance to ensure no essentials are overlooked. Buying too many items at once can lead to fatigue, so if you don’t have someone to help, consider making purchases in batches. Before the late stages of pregnancy, all baby supplies should ideally be prepared, as the rapid development of the fetus may limit the expectant mother’s mobility and energy.

Some baby items require checking expiration dates, so prioritize high-quality products. Baby formula, baby care products, diapers, and wipes all have expiration dates, and since there’s still time before the baby arrives, aim to choose items that are far from their expiration.

To avoid feeling rushed and disorganized after the baby is born, it’s essential to prepare all baby supplies in advance. Careful selection and avoiding excessive purchases are important. Additionally, learning about the necessary knowledge related to preparing baby supplies is crucial for new parents. Moreover, gaining knowledge about baby care will help ensure that parents provide suitable products for their baby, promoting healthy growth!