Whether you are excited to carry on the family name or just happy to have a little boy that will hold that special places that only a son can hold in your heart, the MuchNeeded guide below will help you prepare for your little prince the right way.
Sleep Supplies
One of the most critical supplies to put on your list is sleeping supplies. Not only will a proper sleep environment help your little prince get more rest, but it will also them to stay safe. 90% of all SIDs deaths occur before the age of six months, so it is crucial that your baby has a safe sleep environment form the day they arrive home.
0 to 6 Months
Crib or bassinet. Whether you decide to put your little one into a crib or a bassinet will largely depend on whether you plan to have your prince sleep in your room or their own. If you plan to breastfeed, it can often be more convenient to have your little one in a co-sleep or bassinet for night-time feedings.
Baby monitor. You will need to know when your baby wakes and need to be changed a fed. Some parents are happy with a two-way sound montior, but others may choose to go high-tech with a video monitoring system.
Sleepers. You won’t need many clothes when your baby is a newborn, but sleepers are a must-have. Pick sleepers that can keep your baby a comfortable temperature without a blanket. For winter babies, this will be warm sleepers. For summer babies, light-weight cotton ones will work.
7 to 12 Months
A convertible crib. If you haven’t got a crib yet, you will need one after your son turns six months. Consider investing in a convertible crib model that you can get more use out of up through their toddler year. The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Rail is the ideal option for those looking for a crib that works from birth through five.
Mattress sheets and covers. Your little one is likely to wet through their diaper or spit up in their crib, always have a mattress pad to protect the mattress and extra sheets so you can quickly change them out and keep your prince clean and dry.
12 to 24 Months
Lightweight blankets. At this point, your son can now easily maneuver around, so it is safe to add blankets to their crib. Try to avoid comforters and bulky blankets, which can make them too hot during the night.
Crib toys. It is also safe to add crib toys, and it can be a great way to help your prince learn to self-soothe. Toys that make mellow sounds and gentle lights can be the perfect choice to lull your little one to sleep.
24 to 36 Months
Toddler bed. If you have a convertible crib, it is time to take the side off as your son may now be an active climber. If they tend to slide off the bed, be sure to add a safety rail to prevent them from falling out.
Bedding. Now you can make your child’s bedroom fit for a prince, by getting them a comfortable pillow and comfort. Just remember when choosing bedding sets, that your child may quickly outgrow them.
Diapering
Diapering can sometimes be more challenging with boys, they tend to soak the front of the diaper instead of the middle, so it is critical to choose the right type of diapers. Below is a list of diapering needs you will need through the first couple of years.
0 to 12 Months
Diapers and wipes. When choosing diapers for your little prince, make sure to choose ones designed for a boy, if you choose to go disposable to prevent leaks. If your little one has sensitive skin, consider biodegradable diapers and help do your part to cut back on the 20 million diapers that fill landfills each year.
A diaper bin. Unless you use cloth diapers, you will need a diaper pail to properly dispose of your child’s diaper safely while reducing odors. You can keep bacteria at bay with the Tommee Tippee Simplee Diaper Pail Starter Set.
Diaper bag. You will need to have your diapering supplies right at your fingertips, which makes choosing the right diaper bag essential. The Sarah Wells “Abby” is the perfect bag for those looking to style and convenience.
12 to 36 Months
Training pants. At this age, your little boy is ready to start using the potty. You can choose pullups or training pants to get them ready to move from baby to big boy.
Potty chair. Choose a potty with a guard as your little guy will probably still be sitting to potty for a while until they get the hang of it.
Feeding
Do you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, or both? This is the question you will need to answer when determining the feeding supplies you will need. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding the first twelve months to help increase immunities, but formula can also provide the nutrition your baby will need.
0 to 6 Months
Breast pump. You can choose from manual, plug-in, or battery-operated breast pumps, so you can find one that works for you.
Bottles. Even if you breastfeed, you will likely need some BPA-free bottle with slow flow nipples. Make warming your bottles easy on the road with the Munchkin Travel Bottle Warmer.
7 to 12 Months
Eating utensils. At six months, your baby boy will start working on solids, and you will need some deep spoons and bowls to make this easier.
Fast-flow nipples. It is time to upgrade your baby bottle nipples, so your baby can use less suction to get their milk.
High chair. One of the biggest feeding essentials at this age is a quality high chair. Your baby is now in their wiggly age, and containing them can also help contain the mess. The Costco Simple Fold Deluxe, offers three stages to take your son through five years of age.
12 to 24 Months
Sippy cups. Hopefully, your little one has begun to show interest in drinking on their own. To make the transition from bottles to big-boy cups, you will need to get them a few sippy cups.
Bibs. Even though your prince will likely wear most of their food, you can keep a lot of their clothes by choosing the right bib.
Toys
Toys are vital for stimulating your child’s mind and keeping them activity, 60% of all the energy your baby uses is in their brain at this point in their life, so you need to make sure you have toys to keep their brain active and continuing to develop.
0 to 6 Months
Mobiles. Your prince will not have much movement at this age except with there eyes. Mobiles are a great way to captivate their attention. Black and white mobiles can be a great option at this age, as your little one can not yet see color.
Books. Even if your little prince can not yet understand the story, he will love to see the images and hear the sound of your voice. Reading at an early age can improve language skills and brain development.
7 to 12 Months
Playard. There is a wide range of playards that come with different toys to stimulate your child mentally and physically.
Musical toys. Children exposed to music will have a better head start in developing language, motor, and social=economic skills.
12 to 24 Months
Push and ride-on toys. Now comes the toddling years and ride-on and push behind toys can help get his little legs going, so they can get stronger.
24 to 36 Months
Fantasy toys. A child’s imagination can help develop their minds and foster their creativity. Give them toys that challenge these creative skills.
Educational toys. 90% of your child’s brain development occurs from birth to age five, so finding toys that can help them continue to work on language and developmental skills is crucial.