Preparing for the arrival of your new baby is an incredibly exciting yet equally overwhelming task. Thankfully you can pick up everything you need in Cayman’s baby stores; from big items such as strollers, cribs and baby baths to daily essentials like bottles, pacifiers, clothing, toys and more. There's also a booming second-hand market – via friends passing things on, thrift stores or forums like Ecaytrade.com and Hope of Cayman Buy & Sell on Facebook. Things on these sites can go quickly though, so you’ll need to move fast to snap up a bargain!
Helpful Tip
When planning the arrival of your little one, don't forget to book your newborn photography too! Daria Keenan is a very popular family photographer but you must book in advance!
Cot
Get a head start on your baby’s nursery by opting for a matching set of furniture that will suit all décor and room themes. All cribs sold in the US meet established US and EU safety standards. A fully stocked changing table will make those middle-of-the-night changes a breeze and a three drawer dresser will provide ample storage for all those cute baby clothes! You will also need a bassinet or portable Moses basket for the first 3-6 months. For safety reasons, mattresses should always be bought new.
Bedroom sets can be purchased from Bedside Manor, Living.ky and Tomlinson Furniture.
Stroller
With so many choices on the market, parents often feel overwhelmed when it comes to picking a stroller. From travel systems, umbrella strollers, jogging strollers and 4WD strollers, the choices are endless. The most important factor is safety – make sure it has a five-point harness. Secondly consider how you will be using your stroller in Cayman. Will you be walking a lot and on what kind of terrain? Is it easy to collapse and get in and out of the car and will it adapt to your child's needs as they grow? You’ll also want to ensure it provides good shade for your baby.
Strollers can be purchased from Living.ky.
Car Seat
One of the most important purchases you’ll make. It’s really important that the car seat is installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Children should be rear-facing until 24 months, and it is best to buy new car seats rather than second hand. Make sure the car seat is fitted – and you know how to get it in and out of the car – several weeks before your due date, just in case!
Car seats can be purchased from Living.ky.
Changing Table
It can be a challenge to change a wiggly newborn, so a well-padded and wipe clean or washable surface is a must. Look for a stable model with safety straps. Changing tables that incorporate drawers and other storage areas are useful for grabbing supplies with one hand (while the other holds the baby!) and for keeping the area nice and organised.
Changing tables can be purchased from Bedside Manor and Living.ky.
Bouncy Chair
A baby bouncer can be a life saver for busy parents! Pop your little one into the bouncer to free up your hands to make a bottle, cook, take a shower or enjoy a cup of tea! There are numerous options available including models that gently rock the baby, play music and have toy bars. Always ensure your child is strapped in. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that baby bouncers should always be left on the floor—never on an elevated surface such as a bed or table.
Bouncy chairs can be purchased from Bedside Manor.
Baby Mat
Health professionals recommend that babies practise tummy time several times a day to help them develop their neck, shoulder, and back muscles, while also improving their motor skills. A play mat provides little ones with a soft place to lay as they try to push up and a comfortable space to put down their head while they muster up the energy to try again. If it has toys and other fun parts, that will help keen them interested for longer!
Baby Mats can be purchased from Bedside Manor.
Nappy Bag
Having a baby means the end of just grabbing your keys and phone as you leave the house! Every trip out means packing nappies, muslins, wipes, pacifiers, a changing mat, bottles and more! Having a sturdy nappy bag that can hold all of this is essential, but a backpack nappy bag means you’ll also be able to have your arms and hands free for pushing the stroller or carrying the baby.
Nappy bags can be purchased from Bedside Manor.
Baby Clothes
Most new parents are tempted to buy as many newborn clothes as possible, and who can blame them? Newborn clothes are so sweet! Luckily for new parents in Cayman, there are plenty of options for stocking up on gorgeous clothes including onesies, shorts, t-shirts, dresses, pyjamas and more!
Baby clothes can be purchased from Atlantic Kids and Bedside Manor.
Shipping to Cayman
Occasionally you might need to get some items shipped to Cayman. Although shipping costs can seem reasonable, it is the duty rate that usually pushes the cost up; the vast majority of baby items are charged 22% duty on arrival in Cayman. Small cargo shipping services are often the best option. The shipper will give you an address in Miami to have your items delivered to. From there, your belongings will be shipped to Cayman. For details on reputable shipping companies and small cargo shipping services visit www.caymanresident.com.
