Stuff Parents Need: A Survival Guide for the First Year

The first year of parenthood is indeed a learning curve for even the most prepared parents. To say, it's a ‘beautiful chaos’—literally! And of course, it's normal to have a lot of questions. According to a survey, nearly 70 percent of first-time parents feel unprepared for the challenges of the first year. Don't forget, amidst all the chaos, it's your opportunity for immense growth—for baby and you.

Read below this comprehensive guide to know how you can survive your first year of parenthood with some basic essentials. 

The truth is—not everything labelled as ‘essential’ truly is! Here are some of the baby care essentials you need for the first year.

Some absolute must-haves include a safe and comfortable car seat, a sturdy stroller, and a crib. A car seat that meets safety standards ensures your baby is protected during every car ride. A stroller will make your trips or long walks comfortable while making outings stress-free. Lastly, a crib with a firm mattress will help support your baby’s sleep.

Babies go through 8–12 diapers a day in the early months. Therefore, we recommend stocking up on diapers, wipes, and diaper cream along with a changing table.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, depending on that, you might need to stock up on bottles, formula, a breast pump, nursing bras, and nipple cream. Not to forget those bibs and burp cloths, as they will help you deal with your baby’s spit-ups.

Since newborns can outgrow clothes as quickly as you may think, consider purchasing basics such as onesies, sleepers, and socks made using breathable fabrics that are gentle on their sensitive skin. 

Other baby care staples include baby baths, soft washcloths, and gentle baby soap. Then followed by a gentle body lotion to keep their skin soft and hydrated. This is especially helpful during the colder months when dryness is common. 

Although sleep deprivation may seem to be the most difficult part of your parenting journey, it's just a temporary phase. Most newborns sleep up to 16 hours a day, however, in short stretches of 2-3 hours. Furthermore, by the time they turn six months, many babies start sleeping longer at night. This helps build a consistent bedtime routine.

At least for the first few months, feeding may seem quite a task. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, know that it's just a part of the journey. According to the CDC, 84 percent of mothers initiate breastfeeding, but only about 25 percent exclusively breastfeed by 6 months. And as solids come into play around six months, your responsibilities lower a little; till then, enjoy the mess—after all, it's a part of your parenting journey. 

From tummy time to plenty of cuddles, the first year of parenthood is loaded with moments of love and mess. As tiny as the baby may seem, the list of essentials seems to be never-ending. With this brief guide, you can find out the complete list of baby care essentials that are a must-have during the first year of parenthood.