The second trimester is a good time to start shopping and preparing for your baby's arrival. There is tons of advise out there on what you should buy and what is needed and I guess each mother will have her own opinion. But I can confirm I bought some things and also received some goodies that I actually did not need at the end of the day.
I started by writing this blog with the intention to give a list of what you do need, but it is firstly more important to explain why you DO NOT need some things. I encourage you to go ahead and then continue your research on these topics so as to expand your knowledge.
- Shoes - babies do not need shoes until they can walk (which is between 9 - 18 months) and if you research the topic, pediatricians and baby/ toddler development specialists recommend babies learn to walk without shoes. Why? It has been proven that shoes can hamper with walking and cerebral development. Babies walking without shoes keep their heads lifted, develops better balance, develops muscles and ligaments in the foot, increases the foot's arch strength, have a better improved posture and are more aware of where they are in relation to the space around us. And yes, putting babies into shoes too early can actually damage their feet as their bones are still strengthening and forming.
- Pillows - I am sure many of you have already heard of the term SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and if not, this is a big and important topic to research. It is the one point that I was so scared about, especially since I know of people where this has happened. This is also the one reason I will purchase a baby monitor with video camera function the next time around. In the meantime, here the Wiki link: SIDS Wiki. Babies do not need a pillow and it is actually dangerous for them to sleep on one. A recent article I have read recommends only considering the use of pillows from the age of 2 years old.
- Special Swaddling blankets - Keyan did not like being swaddled and restricted but for those babies that do like it, a normal blanket can be used for swaddling too.
- Bath chair - I had one of these but never used it. Initially, the little one is so small that we bought a plastic small bath for on top of a counter. This worked wonderful for some months. Thereafter, I bathed with him and this is perfect until the could sit. I found the first bath chair that we bought was not securing him well enough and he would slide the entire time. We then saw a nice bath ring that he could sit in and this was also not ideal.
That's all from me today folks. Have a good one
Blog Photo Attribution: By freelight046
Blog Photo 2 Attribution: By Chin, Singapore
Blog Photo 3 Attribution: By Geoffrey Wiseman, diathesis
Blog Photo 4 Attribution: By US CPSC
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