Whether you have a newborn or a baby just learning to walk, preparing for the year's colder months can be overwhelming. You may ask yourself, “What will my baby need in fall and winter?” The answer is lots of warm, comfy clothes.
Of course, if you consult a baby gear store, you’ll feel like your baby needs everything under the sun! You don’t need all those fancy baby products and gadgets to make life with your little one more enjoyable. If you’re a minimalist, on a budget, or overwhelmed, stick to the basics.
Being prepared with the essentials will help get you through autumn and winter without having to make hurried online purchases or last-minute runs to the store. Here are 10 autumn essentials to ensure your baby has everything they need.
Playtime Essentials
1. Baby Gate
Nothing is as important as your child's safety; that’s why you need a baby gate. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child can play in secure areas without constant supervision. A baby gate can create a safe play zone by closing off unsafe areas, like the fireplace or kitchen.
Baby gates at the bottom or top of stairs, doorways, or around objects like fireplaces keep little ones safe from danger. Make caring for your baby easier by keeping them away from potential dangers.
Read more: How to Baby Proof Your House?
2. Play Mat
A play mat supports gross motor development. It encourages your baby to use and develop their arms, legs, neck, back, and tummy muscles. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors in cold weather, get a large mat for your little one to play on their front, right, left, and back.
A play mat provides a soft surface for a baby, and its textures and colors can stimulate their development. Babies spend countless hours on play mats and are never bored of the dangling toys, lights, and sounds.
Bedtime Essentials
3. Baby Blankets
Temperatures are often unpredictable in autumn, so make sure you have plenty of blankets in the house! They will help your baby cope with sudden cold spells. The best baby blankets are made of muslin or soft cotton.
Muslin fabric is warm, gentle, breathable, and perfect for newborns. You can use the blankets for swaddling or extra comfort in the stroller and car seat. Muslin and cotton are highly absorbent and quickly soak up spills or messes!
4. Warm Clothes
Newborns lose a lot of warmth from the head, so get lots of warm baby hats and mittens to keep your little one warm. Also, get onesies with long sleeves to help regulate their body temperature. When it's cold outside, dress your baby in layers. You can dress them in a onesie, pants, a pullover, and a jacket. Your little one won't have cold hands or feet.
Outdoor Essentials
5. Stroller Footmuffs
Autumn walks are refreshing! You can take your baby for walks from the age of 1 month. Just get a footmuff and attach it to your stroller to give them extra protection from cold weather. A footmuff covers your baby's chest, feet, and legs, leaving their arms free to move.
Autumn weather is often unpredictable, so get a footmuff to keep your little one warm and cozy. Its soft, plush interior lining will protect your baby from the cold weather, ensuring they stay comfy during outdoor adventures.
6. Comfortable Baby Carrier
A baby carrier frees up your hands so that you can carry your baby and still get things done. It can also help you soothe a colicky baby and let you nurse more discreetly in public. Having skin-to-skin contact creates a close bond with your baby.
Get a baby carrier made of durable and breathable mesh with extra padding on the shoulders to keep you both comfortable. It should also be adjustable to accommodate your baby as they grow.
Diapering Essentials
7. Eco-Friendly Water Wipes
Water wipes are the purest baby wipes and contain purified water. They can be used from birth and on tots with sensitive skin. They are also recommended for adults with sensitive skin.
Nourish Water Wipes by Momcozy are some of the best on the market and are infused with the soothing and nourishing properties of coconut, vitamin E, chamomile, and witch hazel. The wipes are free from chemicals and nasties and are soft, gentle, and kind to your baby's skin.
8. Natural Bamboo Diapers
Bamboo diapers are soft, absorbent, and gentle on your baby’s skin. They are free of chemicals and perfumes and full of safe, natural ingredients. Bamboo is breathable and lowers the chances of getting a diaper rash.
Momcozy Natural Bamboo Diapers are worth getting for your little one. Created from eco-friendly bamboo, they contain the natural antibacterial bamboo kun, which helps prevent diaper rash on your little one's skin.
Room Essentials
9. Humidifier
In the colder months of the year, your home must be heated, which reduces the humidity of the already dry air. This dry air can irritate your baby's delicate throat and air passages. A humidifier adds humidity to the air to keep your baby comfortable.
Pick a quiet unit that won’t disturb your baby as they sleep. A cool mist humidifier releases cool mist into the air and is safer for children than a warm-mist humidifier (vaporizer). Warm-mist machines produce steam and can scald anyone who gets too close.
10. Sleep Sack
A baby sleep sack is a must-have for the cooler months of autumn and winter. It’s the safest way to keep your baby warm while they rest, as it prevents them from getting their legs tangled in the bars of the cot. Also, they won’t keep waking up at night because they've kicked off their covers.
A sleep sack allows your baby to move freely, kick, and wriggle, which aids in muscle development. It promotes a safe sleep environment as they can move without the risk of loose fabric entangling their neck or torso.
Get the Best Autumn Baby Essentials, Keep Your Baby Safe and Comfy
Your baby deserves the best, so get everything they need to stay warm and comfortable throughout autumn and winter. Keep them perfectly warm indoors and outdoors to ensure they enjoy their first autumn. Get these 10 must-have baby essentials and cross them off your to-do list.
