As if the concept of having a new baby to care for weren't enough, soon-to-be parents must be adequately prepared for their bundle of joy by having all necessary supplies on hand. Though many necessities are given as gifts during a baby shower, new parents should be aware of all their baby will need to avoid last-minute shopping trips in the first hectic weeks of their little one's life.
Clothing
For your newborn's everyday wear, seek out clothes that are comfortable and durable, as opposed to frilly and cute. One-piece outfits (also called "onesies") are particularly helpful to have on hand, as they are versatile and easy to slip onto a squirming newborn. Other helpful clothes are cotton T-shirts with snaps at the neck, sweatshirts that come with buttons, a brimmed hat for summertime, an ear-covering hat for wintertime, socks and booties. BabyCenter online recommends getting your baby clothing in sizes at least three months ahead of his age, as he grows quickly.
Diapering and Cleaning
To begin with, buy a 40-count package of newborn or size 1 disposable diapers, or purchase two to three dozen cloth diapers. If you plan to purchase cloth diapers, you will also need to have up to 10 waterproof outer pants. To ease the diapering process, purchase a diaper pail and a diaper bag, as well as a changing mat or changing table. Other important elements of baby hygiene are a few soft towels, a couple packs of baby washcloths, baby shampoo, body wash and baby nail clippers. Some parents choose to use a baby bathtub, but newborns can also typically be cleaned in a disinfected kitchen sink until they are large enough to sit in a big bathtub.
Feeding
Parents won't need to purchase feeding supplies such as spoons, high chairs, bibs and bowls until baby is ready to eat solids around 6 months, but some nursing or bottle-feeding supplies are necessary. If a mother is planning to nurse, she should have a few nursing bras and some washable or disposable breast pads. Also, a breast pump and a few small baby bottles with newborn nipples will also be necessary for mothers planning to feed their baby expressed breast milk. Bottle-feeding parents will need at least six 4-to-5 ounce bottles, as well as rings, nipples and a bottle drying tree or dishwasher basket. Cloth diapers or burp cloths are necessary for both nursing and bottle-feeding parents.
Sleeping
Before buying a bed for their baby, parents must decide on a sleeping arrangement. They may decide on a crib, a cradle, a bassinet or a co-sleeper. Parents should look for the Product Manufacturers Association seal to indicate that the product has met current safety guidelines. Parents choosing a crib should also purchase tightly fitted sheets and a soft blanket for warmth, but should avoid buying pillows, as they are unnecessary and linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Transporting
Having a safe car seat is mandatory. All 50 states require that children up to 18 months of age be properly restrained in a car seat, so hospitals won't let parents leave the hospital with their newborn if they don't have one installed in their car. All car seats you see on a store shelf are tested for safety, but they won't be safe if they're improperly installed. Go to a safety seat inspection station near you to ensure your baby's safety. A baby stroller is also important to have if you don't want to carry him at all times; some car seats come in combined sets with strollers for ease of use.
