
Nursing
& Feeding
The choice of how to feed your baby is entirely up to you. Breastfeeding has many
advantages over bottle-feeding; it is also immediate, simple and nearly free.
Bottle-feeding has the advantage of being less physically demanding on the mother and
others can help with feeding. Whichever way you choose to feed baby, you will need some
equipment to make things easier.NURSING BRA
Buy your front opening bras in the last few weeks (after 36 weeks) of pregnancy
otherwise you may end up buying a bra thats too small.
NURSING PADS
Nursing pads are a good way of dealing with leaking breasts as they draw milk into the pad
keeping you and your clothing dry.
NURSING PILLOW
A nursing pillow can make feeding more comfortable as it supports baby's weight while
raising baby to the ideal position for feeding, it also prevents strain on mum's muscles.
Later the nursing pillow can be used as back support for baby when learning to sit up on
their own.
BREAST PUMP
Expressing milk is useful when your breasts become engorged or if you need to leave milk
for someone else to give a feed. You can buy a hand pump or an electric pump. If you plan
on returning to work and expressing milk for baby to have while at work, its worth
investing in an electric pump as it is easier and more effective.
BOTTLES
Many products claim to have the best design to prevent colic, gas and other stomach upsets
caused by baby taking in too much air during feeds, however, there is little evidence that
one product really works better than another. Babies can sometimes be fussy about what
they prefer and you may need to experiment a bit. Disposable style bottles (those with
plastic liner) are easier to clean and easier to get the air out by squeezing the liner as
opposed to a regular bottle. They do however cost more and require more assembly time.
EXTRA TEATS
Always keep an extra supply of teats to replace the ones that wear out so to avoid baby
getting too much milk to fast. Try to rotate the bottles with the extra teats every other
week to have the teats last longer. Buy silicone, rather than latex/rubber, as they last
longer, are less likely to tear away and they can be washed in the dishwasher.
BOTTLE BRUSH
After feeding, rinse the bottle and use a bottle brush to get rid of formula or milk
residue before sterilising the bottle.
BOTTLE WARMER
Electric bottle warmers will safely and quickly warm the bottle without overheating.
Alternatively, heat the bottle in a jug of hot water. Avoid a microwave for heating
bottles as it may cause hot spots, which may scald babys mouth. Shake the bottle and
test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before giving it to baby.
STERILISER
Bottles and teats can be sterilised either by using chemical sterilising tablets or
liquid, or by boiling, although not all plastic bottles can be boiled. Another quick and
convenient way to sterilise bottles is by using an electric sterilising unit. Wash bottles
and teats thoroughly with detergent and use a bottle brush to get rid of all milk residues
before sterilising. Teats can be cleaned with salt and then rinsed thoroughly, squirting
water through them before sterilisation.
FORMULA
Ask your health care provider for advice on which formula to choose. It is important to
choose a formula suitable for babys age and it will need adjusting as baby grows.
Avoid a "follow-on" formula for babys younger than six months. When mixing
formula it is very important to follow the instructions carefully and measure the powder
and water accurately.
DUMMY
If you decide to use a dummy, buy the newborn size. Look for the orthodontic shaped kind,
believed to be best for tongue and palate development. Buy ones with air holes around the
guard so air can circulate and saliva wont irritate skin and the guard should be too
big to fit in baby's mouth. Clean a new dummy before use, also test it by pulling on it to
make sure no parts tear away, which may cause choking. Never tie a dummy around baby's
neck or to a cord as it could strangle baby.
HIGH CHAIR
A high chair is suitable once baby can sit upright unassisted, usually between 6-8 months
of age. The high chair should be stable and difficult to tip over, a pyramid-shaped base,
wider at the bottom than the top is safest. A harness is an essential part of the high
chair and should always be used to prevent baby from falling out. Ensure that the serving
tray remains in place after it has been locked. Make sure collapsible high chairs have a
mechanism to prevent the chair from folding up accidentally. Consider a high chair that
can be converted into a low chair, this will prolong its use to an older age. A simple
design metal chair is easier to clean than a wooden chair, also look for nooks or crannies
that may collect food and make it difficult to clean. Avoid a chair with any cross bars,
which make it easy for baby to climb up the side.
SPILL MAT
A spill mat can be placed under the high chair and wiped off easily after a meal, saving a
lot of washing floors.
EATING UTENSILS
Buy colourful, plastic utensils to avoid breakage as eating utensils quite often end up on
the floor. Buy a plastic spoon with smooth edges as them are softer on babys gums.
Avoid a metal spoon or very thin plastic that could break if chewed. Remember to sterilise
all babys eating utensils before use.
[ Top ] [ Buying
Baby Basics ]
Bathing
Bath time is a wonderful time to get to know your baby a little better.
However, not all babies take to a bath like a duck to water. Good preparation will help
make bathing more enjoyable for you both. Make sure to have the following items at hand
for a fun filled bath time routine.
BABY LOTION/OIL
After bathing and drying baby, it is nice to give baby a massage using baby lotion or
baby oil. Alternatively a vegetable based oil such as peanut or almond oil can be
used.
BABY SOAP
Look for a mild cleanser designed for use on babys entire body that will clean
with out drying. Best to buy soap-free, alcohol-free, allergy and dermatologist tested
baby soap or baby bath liquid.
BABY SHAMPOO
Newborns do not have normal tear secretion to protect their eyes from irritants so
its important to look for a soap free kind. Use a small amount of shampoo on
babys hair twice a week.
BRUSH/COMB
Buy a soft brush to gently brush babys hair. Get rid of cradle cap by applying
coconut oil to scalp and removing flakes with brush or comb, then shampoo it out, repeat
daily until condition improves.
WASH CLOTH
Buy a flannel or pure cotton terry washcloth or use a muslin cloth to wash babys
tender skin.
BABY TOWELS
Buy soft and absorbent cotton terry towels, the hooded kind is best to keep babys
head snug while drying the rest of the body.
NAIL CLIPPER
Buy a special baby nail clipper with tiny edges to make trimming babys nails a
little easier and lessen the risk of clipping skin off baby's fingers.
BABY SCALE
All new parents worry about their babys weight gain, buy a baby scale to monitor
your newborns weight at home, instead of waiting for a visit to your health care provider.
BABY BATH
When buying a baby bath give some thought to where you are going to bathe baby. To
fill a plastic bath and carry it around is often impractical. Consider using a smaller
basin while baby is little and take a shower or bath with baby as they get bigger.
Alternatively, use the kitchen sink or laundry tub, if the taps can be swivelled away.
TUB THERMOMETER
Test with your elbow or use the inner surface of your wrist to check that the water is
not too hot yet warm enough for a comfortable bath. Safer yet, use a bath thermometer,
this should register about 30°C (86°F).
BATH TOYS
Add fun to bath time with a few bath toys. No need to buy new toys, use a sponge, plastic
cups or empty plastic bottles.
SLIP-RESISTANT MAT
When baby moves to the adult bath it creates the need for greater safety measures. A
rubber mat, which attaches by suction to the bottom of the bath, will lessen the risk of
baby slipping and getting hurt.
BATH SEAT
Sturdy waterproof seats which attaches by suction cups to the bottom of the adult bath
will help keep baby in an upright position. Look for one with a T- bar or straps that run
between babys legs to prevent slipping under water.
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby Basics
]
Clothing
Refrain from buying lots of newborn clothes, as baby will outgrow these
quite rapidly, rather buy three to six month sizes and upwards. Buy wool, cotton or
cotton-blends over acrylics and nylon. These fabrics are natural and less likely to cause
allergic reactions. Plus it won't hold odours caused by milk and spills when properly
washed. Make sure to buy only machine-washable fabrics and wash clothes in baby detergent
before wearing.
BOOTIES/SOCKS
Avoid buying dainty booties as they tend to slip off easily. Rather buy the kind with
elastic or the bobby sock kind. Shoes are not necessary until baby starts to walk.
HAT/BONNET
For winter babies you need a hat as babies loose 80% of their heat via their heads. Best
to buy a balaclava or beanie because babies don't like things tied around their necks.
Summer babies need a sun hat or legionnaires hat to protect them from sunburn.
OVERNAPS
These are only necessary when using cloth nappies. The most popular kind is those with
Velcro fastenings and soft binding round the legs. Avoid plastic pants that don't
"breathe" as this can cause nappy rash. Rather buy wool that will absorb
moisture while retaining warmth, so that baby wont get cold when wet.
SINGLETS
Woollen singlets are essential for cooler climates, while cotton singlets are cool for
summer. For colder weather wear a woollen singlet over a cotton singlet. Buy singlets with
dome crotch openings to avoid them crawling up and envelope necklines for ease in getting
on and off over the head.
JACKET/CARDIGAN
Remember newborns hate having things pulled over their heads so buy or knit little
cardigans rather than jerseys. Watch out for too loosely knit patterns in which
babys fingers can get caught. Babies generally need one layer of clothing more than
adults in winter and one layer less in summer. To check if baby is warm enough, place your
hand inside the clothes and feel the stomach or back of neck.
NIGHTGOWNS
All sleepwear fabrics should be flame-retardant. You may decide to sleep baby in stretch
n grows rather than traditional baby gowns. However, if you dislike stretch
n grows as sleepwear buy nightgowns made of viyella. Alternatively buy a
nightgown with a buttons at the bottom, like a sort of sleeping bag, so babys feet
stay warm while allowing freedom of movement inside.
BIBS
Stay away from the tie kind, at least until baby is sitting up in a high chair, rather buy
pull-over towelling ones or bibs with snaps or Velcro.
ROMPERS
Carrying and lifting babies often leave their tummies or backs exposed. To avoid forever
pulling clothes down, buy all in one baby suits to wear after the umbilical cord falls
off, or buy stretch n grows with enclosed feet for warmth.
OUTFITS
Buy outfits that are easy to get on, off and open for nappy changes. Avoid clothes that go
on over the head, or snaps in back. Look for snaps down both legs and preferably
down the front. Make sure outfits dont have any irritating seams, pinching zips or
appliques that are unlined. Avoid strings at the neck, bows or buttons that can be pulled
off and swallowed or twisted around babys neck.
SCRATCH MITTENS
A newborn can have rather long fingernails and some manage to scratch themselves while
sleeping. Scratch mittens will help prevent a lot of these scratches.
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby Basics
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Changing
Nappies are one of the most essential items a baby needs. The choice is between
cloth and disposable nappies, each having its own pros and cons. Often a
combination of cloth and disposable nappies are used for different times and occasions,
try both and make up your own mind which suites you and baby best.
CLOTH NAPPIES
When buying cloth nappies it is best to spend a bit more on an expensive type, as
they will last longer. Best quality seems to be Indian cotton or Chinese cotton nappies.
Judge the quality of the nappy by fluffiness, the fluffier the nappy, the poorer the
quality. If you buy cloth nappies and later decide to go with disposable nappies, use them
for burp cloths.
NAPPY PINS
Keep nappy pins stuck in a bar of soap or run them through your hair before use and
they will go through the nappy more smoothly. Look out for plastic clips that rule out the
possibility of giving baby a jab. Better yet, buy the kind of overnap that fastens with
Velcro and fits snugly over the nappy, not requiring nappy pins.
NAPPY LINERS
Use a one-way nappy liner with cloth nappies to keep skin dry, reduce staining and
to make washing easier. Note that for babies not yet eating solids, the stools are runny
and go straight through the nappy liner. If used for newborns save a bit by cutting each
liner in half or if you dont want to use disposable nappy liners, use gauze squares.
NAPPY BUCKET
Nappy buckets should be able to close tightly and many come with a lock, babies can
drown in nappy buckets because they can't lift themselves out. If you dont use the
bucket for soaking nappies, use it as a laundry basket for babys things.
STERILISING SOLUTION
Used cloth nappies should be soaked in a sterilising or sanitising solution to
whiten, brighten and sanitise them. However, if you soak dirty nappies in cold water and
then wash at a temperature of 95°C, you dont need the sterilising solution. Also
rinse once with white vinegar (softens nappies and removes detergent residue and urine)
and again with only water. Hang nappies in bright sunlight to dry or air, this help to
whiten them and also helps to kill bacteria.
RUBBER GLOVES
Invest in a pair of rubber gloves to use for the scraping-nappies-clean-chore.
DISPOSABLE NAPPIES
Dont overstock on the newborn size as babies outgrow these quite rapidly.
Most babies will be 5kg or so shortly after birth. Bear in mind that babies need a nappy
change pretty much every 2 hours (with every feed). Make sure you have enough nappies to
get through a week averaging about 10-12 nappies per day, dont worry though it
settles down after about the 2nd month.
NAPPY WRAPPER
A convenient way disposing of disposable nappies is to buy a nappy wrapper unit.
The nappy is wrapped and sealed hygienically in the unit lessening smell and
cross-infection. Even if you dont buy a nappy wrapper unit, buy a small size plastic
bag or specially made packs of fragranced nappy disposal bags to dispose of disposable
nappies and baby wipes.
BABY WIPES
Baby wipes come in a lot of varieties and sometimes they may irritate babys
skin with their perfume or lanolin, causing nappy rash. Best to avoid those containing
alcohol and propylene glycol if babys skin shows signs of irritation. If you
dont want to use baby wipes, use a washcloth or make your own wipes:
2 1/4 cups distilled water
2 Tbs. Baby bath or baby shampoo
1 Tbs. Baby oil
1/2 roll paper towels
Cut the roll of paper towels in half (so it looks like two rolls of toilet paper) and
take out the centre cardboard tube. Mix the water, Baby bath and Baby oil in a round
container with lid and put the paper towels into it. Then turn it over and let the water
soak the paper towels all the way through. Just pull from the centre to use!
BARRIER CREAM, OINTMENT & BABY POWDER
Most babies suffer from nappy rash at some time. There is a huge range of
preventative and healing ointments, creams and powders available. Petroleum jelly is an
excellent barrier to urine while zink and castor oil cream will help heal the skin and
protect it from moisture. Ingredients such as calendula and chamomile are believed to have
anti-inflammatory properties while lavender has an antiseptic quality. Baby powder helps
in absorbing moister and keeping baby drier. Cornflour is a good alternative for baby
powder. Make sure babys skin is dry before applying a barrier product otherwise
dampness can be trapped and worsen the rash.
NAPPY BAG
You can either buy a new nappy bag or use a rucksack or gym bag you already have.
Make sure it is big enough to hold the following:
Waterproof changing pad (travel size)
Nappies (enough to change one every two hours)
Nappy pins and overnaps, if using cloth nappies
Baby wipes (look out for the handy travel size containers)
Barrier cream
Plastic bags for dirty nappies and soiled clothes
For a bottle-fed baby, a pre-mixed bottle
A clean outfit for baby and a clean top for yourself
Babys favourite toy
A baby blanket
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby Basics
]
Nursery
Preparing the nursery for the new arrival is one of the most pleasurable
things parents-to-be can do. Start comparing features and prices well in advance and try
to have all the basics in place a month or so before baby is due. Make sure to buy only
machine-washable fabrics and wash bedding in baby detergent before use. Remember a pillow
is not recommended in the first year as they can smother baby.
BASSINET
Best to buy one with a large, deep basket. Check that the basket is strong and that the
handles are securely attached. Make sure the bassinet liner will allow plenty of
ventilation while preventing draughts. Avoid full-length bassinet lining and covers, as
they are a fire hazard.
MATTRESS (BASSINET & COT)
Choosing a good mattress and looking after it, is very important. Best is a wool mattress
or a firm foam one as some other stuffing may cause allergies. The mattress should be the
correct size with the gap between the mattress and the side and end of the cot not greater
than 25mm so to prevent babys arm or legs getting caught in the gap. Do remove the
protective plastic cover before use. Air mattresses every day and turn mattresses
regularly one week side to side, the next week, end to end. If the mattress cover gets wet
wash with mild soap and water rather than detergent and dry thoroughly.
NIGHT LIGHT
A night light is ideal for checking on baby during the night without turning on the
lights. Its also good for keeping night time feeds very low key.
DRESSER
If you dont have good closet space you may want to buy a dresser for all babys
little things. Some dressers can also be used as a changing table.
CHANGING TABLE
Makes changing a whole lot easier and saves your back. A favourite is a canvas, fold-up
table with side pockets for creams and wipes. If you dont want to buy a new one, use
existing furniture or a bed is also good. Buy a plastic container to keep all the bits and
pieces together and within close reach, beats searching for wipes half way through
changing.
CHANGING PAD
If the changing table do not have a custom made changing pad, you will need to buy. Make
sure to buy a waterproof one with raised sides and a restraining strap to prevent baby
from rolling off.
THERMOMETER
A thermometer is good to monitor the temperature in the nursery in order to keep baby
comfortable. If the room is 27°C use only a sheet as bedding, at 24°C one layer of
blankets, at 21°C use two layers of blankets, at 18°C use three layers of blankets and
below 15°C use four layers of blankets.
ROCKING CHAIR
Newborns love to be rocked constantly and a rocking chair makes it so much easier.
NAPPY STACKER
If using cloth nappies, a nappy stacker is a good way to store nappies close to the
changing area.
MOSQUITO NET
A mosquito net is a good idea for the summer months. Make one yourself out of a piece
of curtain netting.
COT
A good cot is stable with smooth rounded edges, splinter-free and all painting is done
with lead-free paint. Avoid cots with high spindles and small decorative knobs, as babies
can hang themselves on these. Check the distance between the bars, it should be no more
than 6cm to prevent babys head from getting stuck between the bars. The mattress
should fit snugly to help prevent baby from falling between the cot and the mattress.
Check the security, ease and actions required to lower the drop sides, so baby wont
accidentally lower the drop sides and ensure fingers cannot get caught easily. In addition
look for a cot with different mattress height settings which allows positioning that puts
the least amount of strain on your back when bending over the cot and allows the mattress
to be lowered as baby grows and begins to stand.
CUDDLE RUG
Babies love to be swaddled for the first couple of weeks, as it makes them feel secure
being wrapped nice and snug. Also use a cuddle rug for floor time, when baby lies on the
floor for a kick. The best ones are the cotton knit ones as they breath better than the
regular cuddle rugs.
QUILT
There is a quilt to compliment any nursery. Buy the pre-printed quilt fabric and make one
yourself.
BLANKET
Hand knitted blankets or light woollen blankets are the best. A folded single blanket will
do just as well. Avoid fluffy cotton blankets for colder climates, as they are not warm
enough.
MATTRESS COVER
The mattress cover should not cover the whole mattress to ensure proper air circulation.
Dont use fine plastic to cover the mattress as there is a risk that it could
suffocate baby. Instead of a mattress cover place a sanitised sheepskin straight onto the
mattress for warmth and dryness.
SHEETS
Buy wool or cotton bedding because these fabrics are natural and less likely to cause
allergic reactions and may help baby sleep better.Cut down old sheets to make these.
Double-fold cot sheets for a bassinet, to save buying double.
BUMPER PAD
A bumper pad protects baby from knocking their head against the cot.
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby Basics
]
Travelling
Getting out and about with a new baby has its own challenges. Make sure to
give travelling gear a good thought. Take into account your lifestyle, your budget and
dont forget your car size when buying a stroller or car seat.
INFANT RESTRAINT
Buy an infant restraint that is portable, which means you can carry baby from the car
while baby remains undisturbed. Another option is to hire a car seat from a baby shop,
community group or car company.
HEAD SUPPORT
A padded headrest cushions babys head and neck for extra support in a car seat
or stroller.
ROLLER SHADE
Protect baby from harmful UV rays in the car with a shade sized to fit the window.
FRONT CARRIER
A front carrier is a good idea to keep baby close while you work and can also be very
useful for soothing a crying baby.
STROLLER
Before buying a stroller, make sure it is sturdy and stable and comfortable to handle.
Avoid ones with sharp edges or projections, which could break off. Make sure all tubes
have their ends sealed to prevent toes and fingers getting trapped. Look for one with a
safety lock to stop it from collapsing, good breaks and one which is easy to fold and
unfold.
STORM COVER
A good buy for those rainy months is a plastic storm cover, which will protect baby
from rain and wind when out for a walk. Make sure the cover will fit your stroller.
SHADE COVER
Babys skin is very delicate and sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer later in
life. Buy a shade cover to fit your stroller and protect baby from the sun while out for a
walk.
BACKPACK CARRIER
Backpack carriers are excellent for taking baby to stroller unfriendly places or venturing
into the great outdoors. Also handy indoors when baby outgrows the front carrier.
CHILD RESTRAINT
A child restraint is suitable when baby is able to sit up and easily hold their head
upright, at around six months of age. The child restraint is forward facing and
appropriate for babies from 8kg up to 18kg in weight or roughly four years of age. Before
buying, check whether the child restraint you are considering actually fits into your car.
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby
Basics ]
Health & Safety
Babies have no sense of danger and we need to protect them from harm.
Ensure that baby's environment is safe. Start by getting on your hands and knees and
checking things from that prospective, you will be surprised at how many hazards you find.
THERMOMETER
Baby's temperature can be measured in the mouth, in the rectum or under the arm using a
mercury-glass thermometer or an electronic digital thermometer. An easier but more
expensive option is using an ear thermometer, it is battery operated and checks
babys temperature by ear in just a few seconds.
FIRST AID KIT
Cuts and bruises are part of everybodys childhood so make sure you have a
well-stocked first aid kit at hand. Things to include: crepe bandage, sterile wound
dressing, gauze swabs, triangular calico bandage, Band-Aids, scissors, tweezers,
antiseptic liquid and liquid pain killer.
SMOKE DETECTOR
Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and near the kitchen. Check them weekly to make
sure they are still working and change their batteries annually.
NURSERY MONITOR
A baby monitor is particularly useful when baby is young and wakes during the night for to
be fed, changed or comforted. It also allows you more freedom during daytime naps. Place
the transmitter in the nursery so that it picks up any sound baby makes, then carry the
receiver with you in the house or place it next to your bed and you can keep tabs on baby
without waiting at the nursery door.
SAFETY GATE
Choose between two basic safety gate designs, either one that mounts to the surrounding
walls with screws or one that relies on pressure to stay in place. Pressure gates are
easier to install but can be knocked out of position. Mounted gates are much harder to
install but sturdier. If you decide to go with the pressure gate, it is worth spending a
bit more and buying one that swings open. Ensure the distance from the top of the gate to
the floor is at least 750mm and the space between the vertical bars between 50 - 85mm.
Avoid horizontal bars and other footholds which could be used to climb over the gate.
LATCHES
Use latches on cabinets and drawers to keep curious little hands out of the wrong places.
CORNER CUSHIONS
Buy corner cushions to protect baby from injury on sharp-edged tables, chairs and low
shelves.
OUTLET COVERS
Use safety plugs in all power outlets in the house to protect baby from the danger of an
electrical shock.
TAP COVERS
Its a good idea to use tap covers to protect baby from reaching them and getting
burnt or injury when bumping into them.
[ Top ] [ Buying
Baby Basics ]
Recreation
For baby, a day at the office means a lot of playing with all sorts of toys. No need for
expensive toys but ensure lots of variety. To get the most value out of a toy buy it at
the beginning of baby's developmental stage.
BOUNCER
Look for a bouncer with a broad, stable base to prevent it from tipping over and a safety
harness to secure baby. Avoid ones with sharp edges or points that could injure baby.
Remember bouncers are intended for very young babies only and not for babies who can sit
up. Make sure your baby is the type who likes bouncers before you buy them as not all
babies love to be bounced.
BABY SWING
This can be a lifesaver for many parents as they do wonders in rocking a cranky newborn to
sleep. The swing is specifically designed for infants and should not be use for older
babies. You have a choice between battery operated and manual. Ensure it has a safety
harness, comfortable seat with removable cover and a canopy if you want to use it outside.
Another option is to hire a baby swing from a baby shop or toy library.
MOBILE
Infants enjoy watching high contrast mobiles in bold patterns that move in the wind or by
wind-up action. Mobiles should hang 12 18cm from babys face at first and
angled toward the eyes, then moved up out of reach when baby can touch them. Mobiles are
more appealing if they make some noise but noise should not be too loud or sudden. Make a
mobile yourself from a coat hanger with bright cardboard shapes, plastic lids or little
toys hanging from it. Ensure objects are secure and too big for baby to swallow.
MIRROR
Babies love to look at themselves in a mirror. Buy a tall mirror and place it beside
babys cot, make sure to buy a safety mirror in a sturdy frame. Alternatively, look
for rattles that have an unbreakable mirror.
ACTIVITY CENTRE
An activity centre is expensive, but it can be used for different activities from two
months to one year. It will help baby learn hand-eye coordination, motor skill development
and colour and shape identification and is excellent for occupying baby in the cot. Look
for one that is sturdy and designed to last several stages of development.
GYM
An activity gym with a mirror, rattle and more will provide baby with a wide variety of
colourful and interesting stimuli. The hanging toys will encourage baby to reach out and
grasp and is a great way for baby to practice hand-eye coordination. Make one yourself by
placing a broomstick between two chairs and tie on interesting objects for baby to bat at.
Ensure all items are firmly secured and too big to swallow.
PLAYPEN
Ensure the playpen is splinter free, rust free, stable and will not tip over if baby leans
on it. The distance from the floor to the top of the playpen should be at least 600mm and
the space between bars 50 85mm with no horizontal bars or other footholds which
baby can use to climb out.
JUMPER
Most babies love the springloaded seat that hangs in the doorway and can spend some time
in it giving you free hands. Look for one with a machine washable seat.
TOY CHEST
A toy chest is ideal to keep babys room tidy. Make sure to buy a sturdy one.
[ Top ] [ Buying Baby
Basics ] |