Newborn Care: Equipment & Products

Babies actually don't need that much other than love and attention in the early years and a few important pieces of equipment (which are unfortunately quite expensive but on which you should not compromise). Many of these items will be given as presents by relatives and friends, so one needs to think about that when deciding to start equipping baby's room and cupboard.

Essential Equipment: 

• Crib or cot (paint must be lead-free)
• Changing table
• Baby bath
• Carry cot
• A camp cot is nice to have, especially when visiting.
• Three-in-one pram (these sometimes come with a piccolo). What is important is that the wheels are sturdy enough to outlast one's baby/toddler and can cope with rougher terrain than that found in shopping malls.
• Nappy bucket if you are using towelling nappies
• Car seat (this must have an SABS stamp, be the correct size for your baby's age and be used correctly and at all times)
• Musical mobile

Products:
The ideal is to use products that are both baby- and environment-friendly – preferably organic. Products that contain calendula and rooibos are also usually gentler on a baby's sensitive skin, although it is important that the base of the product is made from good-quality products that have no disruptive effects on a baby when absorbed. 
These are the essential products you'll want at hand for baby: 

• Baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• Body lotion
• Bum cream (calendula)
• Baby oil
• Calendula lotion or surgical spirits to clean the umbilical stump and navel
• Cotton buds
• Cotton-wool balls
• Baby powder or talc (to be used very sparingly)

By Sister Lilian

Newborn Care: Tips for new parents


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