10 Essential Baby Items Every New Parent Needs

Welcoming your baby into the world is one of those experiences in life for which you are fully prepared, yet nervous and unprepared. From the swirl of emotions that your baby’s birth evokes to the cutest moments when they smile in their sleep or hold your finger with their tiny, loving hands, entering parenthood is indeed a beautiful journey unique to you. Whether you are preparing for the birth of your first child or are a new parent who just had a baby, this article is for you. We curated a list of the top 10 baby items every new parent needs so that we can help make your parenthood journey a tad bit easier – because that is what CITTA stands for and does through its lovingly natural babycare products and initiatives like the CITTA Care Club. Keep reading to know more!

Baby Car Seat

A car seat for baby tops our list because you will need one to carry your baby home safely, and of course, countless other times when you start going out and about with your little one as they grow, very quickly indeed! Even if you have the support of multiple family members during the ride back home, a baby car seat is essential which will give you immense peace of mind since you’ll know that your baby is safe in the car. Remember to ask for professional help to install it correctly, and you’ll feel even more secure!

Feeding essentials

You will need to feed your baby even before you leave the hospital, so having your feeding essentials in place can make this entirely new experience much more comfortable for you. A breast pump, comfortable feeding pillow, and burp cloths are a must if you are breastfeeding. If you are formula-feeding, you’ll still need the pillow and burp cloths, along with bottles that have nipples, an insulated bottle for travel, and of course the recommended formula food.

A safe, hygienic space for your baby to sleep

A crib, bassinet, or cradle – whatever your choice, it makes sense to buy this one long before your due date, just like the car seat! While there are a thousand add-ons advertised as ‘essential’ along with the crib, all you really need is a pair of breathable mattresses, a waterproof lining pad, a few pairs of swaddles, and some soft sheets that don’t irritate your baby’s skin and stay put in the crib. Blankets or other movable accessories in your baby’s crib can be actually hazardous for them. You could also invest in a rocking chair where you could put your baby to sleep.

The diapering essentials

A changing table or portable changing pad, comfortable diapers that have ‘pee indicators’, non-irritating baby wet wipes, a separate bin/ garbage bag to dispose of the diapers, and a good diaper rash cream are what you will essentially need for a single diaper change. Your baby can need around 10-15 diaper changes as a newborn, so investing in these essentials is of utmost importance. Our Moisturizing Baby Balm contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal natural ingredients that prevent diaper rashes, as well as other kinds of baby rashes and skin irritation issues in babies. It is entirely free of harsh chemicals as well. You might want to stock up on them before they are sold out yet again!

Baby bathtub

A bathtub with bands that help to secure your baby in one position and keep their head and upper body above water level can make baby bathtime a fuss-free affair. Learn the basics of bathing your baby and a few more bathtime essentials.

Natural and mild baby shampoo and body wash

bathing can actually have a very drying effect on your baby’s developing skin and hair. It is extremely important to choose the correct bathing products for them. Invest in a natural, non-drying baby shampoo that is tear-free. Similarly, a body wash specifically designed for your baby’s thin, sensitive skin is necessary for your baby. Here too, check the ingredient list carefully and choose one that uses plant-based ingredients that are safe and non-irritating for your baby’s skin. Our Newborn Bath Set with the Tender Foaming Baby Wash and Gentle Foaming Baby Shampoo will equip you with the most caring (and convenient) products for your baby’s bath time.

Baby Moisturizer

Babies have thin skin which loses moisture at a faster rate than adults. Since their skin barrier function is not fully developed, their skin is more prone to infections and irritation. It is very important for you to buy a moisturizer that protects your baby’s skin from dryness and rashes without causing any adverse reactions. While choosing one, you must remember that you’ll be applying it to your baby’s skin every day – it must be made of skin-safe ingredients. Our Moisturizing Baby Balm is crafted with the goodness of 7 natural oils, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E to deeply moisturize, nourish, and protect your baby’s skin. It can be used on your baby’s face, body, and nappy area as well, so you wouldn’t need to worry about buying three different products. And of course, like all CITTA products, our balm is free from all harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, allergens, and toxins.

Newborn Baby Clothes

Clothes are probably the easiest to over-buy as a new parent! What to buy will depend on the season your baby is born in. Remember to buy newborn baby clothes with front zippers/ closures so that you can easily lay down your baby while changing diapers. Buy multiple daily clothing items like onesies, long pants, t-shirts, socks, and burp cloths. Buy jackets and sweaters in lesser numbers. Always choose soft, breathable fabrics to avoid any skin irritation.

Gentle laundry detergent

A gentle laundry detergent with mild/no fragrance is best suited for babies. Harsh chemicals in regular detergents can irritate their skin and cause allergies as well.

Oil for baby massage

Massaging your baby is a practice that offers multiple benefits for your baby as well as you. It can calm down your baby, prepare him for sleep, and deepen the mother-baby bond that you share. Massaging regularly with appropriate natural oils also improves skin texture and promotes the overall growth of the baby. Our Nourishing Baby Massage Oil for baby massage is a unique blend of 12 natural oils carefully selected for efficacy. Anti-bacterial Ashwagandha and Turmeric oil and anti-inflammatory Basil oil protect your baby’s skin while Coconut, Sesame, and Sweet Almond oil deeply nourish your baby’s skin.

Apart from these essentials, you would need to be emotionally and financially prepared for this new chapter of your life. Remember to eat well and take good care of yourself! Talk to your friends and family and share your concerns with them, if you have any. We hope that this list will help you feel a little more prepared to enter parenthood!