The arrival of a newborn is always a major upheaval, especially if it’s your first baby. However, the relatively long pregnancy allows you to take the time to prepare for this arrival, down to the smallest detail. This naturally includes preparing the baby’s room, notably by buying or acquiring a whole host of baby equipment. To help you with this crucial step of setting up the baby’s room, here are some tips for choosing the right baby gear: how to make informed choices for your little one?
For sweet and peaceful nights, choose a baby bed adapted to your situation.
One of your baby’s main activities during these first few weeks of life will be sleeping. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right bed for your newborn, depending on the space you have and where you want your baby to sleep.
If you wish to keep your baby with you initially, you have two options: a crib and a co-sleeping crib. The crib is a bed enclosed on all sides, which has the advantage of being very safe for the baby, and therefore for you as well. Furthermore, if you choose a crib with wheels, you can move it easily, especially when the baby is napping in the afternoon, for example, and you want them next to you. The major drawback of the crib is its short lifespan because, as soon as the baby can sit up unaided, around 6 months old, the crib’s height will no longer be sufficient to ensure their safety. You will therefore need to change to a different crib at that point.
Regarding the second option, the co-sleeping crib, this is a type of baby bed that is only enclosed on three sides, leaving one side open so you can easily access your baby. As its name suggests, the co-sleeping crib allows you to have your baby sleep right next to you without putting them directly in your bed. This is extremely practical if you are breastfeeding, for example, as you won’t need to get up to feed your baby. Furthermore, some models have an adjustable height so you can position them at the same height as your bed. The disadvantages of this co-sleeping crib are generally the same as for a traditional crib: you will need to replace it as soon as your baby is old enough to sit up independently, around six months old.
The third option is for parents who plan to have their baby sleep in their own room from the moment they arrive home. This option involves going straight for a crib, in which the baby can sleep comfortably and safely from the moment they return home, until around the age of three. Furthermore, some cribs are convertible, meaning you can adjust the height of the mattress base, or even remove one side in the removable version, so you can initially use it as a bassinet. The major drawback of a crib is precisely that, unlike a bassinet, it will be much too large for the baby at first. However, you can, for example, opt for a crib reducer so that the tiny baby doesn’t feel lost in such a large crib. Or you can buy a second-hand crib or borrow a crib for the first few weeks, which you will install inside the crib initially, until the baby is old enough to be comfortable in their “big” bed.
For car journeys, discover the different ways to transport your baby
Now that you’ve chosen your baby’s crib, let’s move on to the different modes of transport you’ll need. Your baby will spend a lot of time away from home, whether for walks, medical appointments, or family visits. Therefore, you also need to plan how you’ll transport them, even just for bringing them home when you finally leave the maternity ward.
Regarding this first car journey, you again have many options for baby car seats. If your car is recent, it likely has a car seat attachment system, such as Isofix or i-Size. Therefore, check beforehand whether this option is available in your vehicle to ensure you choose a suitable car seat.
When it comes to car seats for babies, there are two main types for newborns: a rear-facing seat or a carrycot (also called a car bed). The rear-facing seat is the safest option for babies because, in the event of an accident, this position offers better protection, especially for the baby’s head. This is why it’s recommended to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach 13 kg or are taller than the seat.
The second option is a carrycot. This is a type of bassinet adapted for car journeys, equipped with special straps to ensure it’s securely fastened lengthwise on the back seat of your vehicle. There are also straps inside the carrycot to keep your baby properly secured. Always remember to position your child so their head is away from the doors for safety reasons. This will also allow your little one to see what’s happening outside through the window, making the journey more enjoyable! The main drawback of a carrycot is that you can only use it for the first few months. As soon as your baby is old enough to sit up, you’ll need to switch them to a rear-facing car seat.
