Nursery - getting ready for baby
pregnancy; pregnant; layette; baby gear; baby clothes; nappy; nappies; diapers; car; car safety; nursery; cot; prams ;
Contents
There is much confusing information and advice about what you need to buy or borrow to prepare for your baby's arrival. Although there will be some costs, baby clothing need not be expensive, and you need to remember that your baby will quickly grow out of the first outfits.
It is important when getting equipment for your baby that it is safe. There is a very useful booklet published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 'Keeping baby safe - a guide to nursery furniture'.
Here are some suggestions about what you may need.
Baby gear/layette
- Keep it simple, keep it easy! Babies squirm and wriggle a lot so clothes have to be easy to get on and off.
- When buying clothes for baby, remember that you'll have a lot of nappy changes in a day so buy outfits with an opening crotch that make this easy to do.
- It is often uncomfortable to get clothing over your baby's head so vests with wide necks and front opening night wear are good.
- You'll be amazed at how quickly babies grow, so avoid buying too much in the smallest size. If you are offered 'hand-me-downs' regard it as a bonus.
- You'll need to suit your buying to the season baby is born in. If baby will be born in the heat of summer choose light cotton clothes as babies can overheat easily if they are 'rugged up'.
- All clothing should be soft and fit comfortably - check that seams are smooth and remove any irritating tags.
Note: Don't wash and prepare all of the new outfits. Keep some with tags attached and receipts so you can change them at the store if they aren't suitable or somebody gives you a gift that is the same as what you already have.
Clothing guide
Here is a very rough guide to what you might need. Quantities depend on your budget and on how often you can do the washing (you will need more in the rainy season unless you have a good drier).
Clothing
- 4-7 one-piece bodysuits
- or 4-7 nightgowns (or T-shirts in summer)
- or 4-7 vests with cross over necks
- 4-7 vests with wide necks
- 2-3 cardigans (or more if you have knitting relations!). They are easier to get on and off than jumpers.
- several play suits (but not for sleeping), pants, shirts or dresses according to preference and sex
- 3-4 dozen nappies (if using cloth nappies)
- 1-2 hats with brim for summer
- 1-2 warm caps that cover ears for winter
- 3-5 bibs (more if baby spills a lot).
Nappies/diapers
There is a lot of debate about the advantages and disadvantages of disposable and cloth nappies. The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority concluded that: 'The disposal of baby waste by whatever means is damaging to the environment. Both cloth and disposable nappy systems impact adversely on the environment, but the available studies seem to indicate that there is no clear environmental advantage between the two.'
These are some of the issues.
Cloth nappies
- Cheaper once they have been bought
- Produce less waste
- Use less raw material in manufacture
Cons
- Washing uses cleansing agents, such as detergent and soaking chemicals and produces waste water
- Washing can take a lot of effort
- Need to be changed more often
- Need accessories such as liners and fasteners.
Note: A laundering service is more expensive but may be easier on your time and energy and less environmentally damaging as bulk laundering uses less water and cleaning agents per nappy. (This is a good suggestion for a baby gift for a short time).
Disposable nappies
- Pros
- Convenient
- More absorbent
- Don't need accessories
- Babies may have less nappy rash
- Cons
- More expensive
- Produce more waste
- Need to be disposed of safely
- Contain non-biodegradable material - long term landfill sites needed.
Other baby needs
- 2 light cotton lawn or muslin wraps (cot sheet size) will be useful to wrap and settle your baby (see the topic 'Wrapping babies').
- 1 cot (wheels are handy) plus cot sheets and blanket (pillows are not recommended for babies).
- A crib or bassinet may be used in the early weeks.
- Changing mat and a safe surface such as a change table with sides for changing baby's nappies.
- Pram - look for Safety Standards, ease of use, brakes, easy to use harness and ease of fitting into the car.
- 1 baby bath (or use a deep hand basin/sink).
- 2 large soft towels.
- 1 bucket with a lid for soiled nappies.
- Sling for carrying the baby (optional).
- For baby's feeding needs if you are bottle feeding - see the topic 'Bottle feeding - giving bottle feeds'.
Important note: For information about safety standards for baby equipment see the topics
'Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (including SIDS)', 'Safe sleep for babies and toddlers', Home safety.
Car safety
Baby restraints
Do you need to have one? Yes.
- In South Australia babies aged less than 12 months travelling in a motor vehicle manufactured on or after 1 July 1976 must use an approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted.
- Children aged between 12 months and 16 years must use an approved restraint, child restraint or seat belt, where one is available.
- See the topic Car safety restraints.
Australia
Kidsafe Australia - for information about child safety:
http://www.kidsafe.com.au/
SIDS and Kids - reducing the risks:
http://www.sidsandkids.org/
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.