Bringing home a new baby can be scary and stressful, particularly if you haven't prepared for the new arrival. You can reduce your stress by having some essential items on hand well before your baby's birth. This will help you avoid frantic trips to the store and allow you to spend more time getting to know your new baby.
Crib
Your baby's crib should feature slats or bars no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Make sure the mattress fits tightly in the frame so your baby can't slip down between the mattress and the crib's wall. Your baby's crib should not contain pillows or heavy blankets. You'll need a waterproof mattress pad if the crib mattress is covered with cloth, and soft, washable crib sheets. The crib sheets need to fit the mattress tightly to avoid tangling; you can add clips, which are elastic straps that attach to the crib sheet under the mattress, to keep the sheets in place. Purchase at least two sets of sheets, so you'll always have a clean set to place in the crib while you wash the other.
Car Seat
Choose an appropriate car seat for your child's age that fits well in your car. Infant car seats that detach from a base add convenience, because they can double as carriers and chairs when you're on the go. A convertible car seat that can be adjusted as your child grows will help cut down on your expenses. Your hospital, AAA or fire department may be able to help you properly install the car seat; just ask if they have a certified child passenger safety technician available to help you.
Changing Station Supplies
Babies grow quickly in the first few weeks, so have diapers on hand in a newborn size and the next size larger. Use unscented baby wipes that don't contain any alcohol. Some babies are sensitive to baby wipes, so don't overstock them before bringing your baby home. Other changing supplies you should buy include petroleum jelly to prevent diaper rash, cotton balls for applying petroleum jelly and diaper rash cream.
Stroller
A sturdy, traditional-style stroller works better for babies too young to sit up on their own than umbrella-style strollers. Some strollers allow you to attach a car seat. You will be able to use this type of stroller longer, because you can use it with your newborn's car seat until he is old enough to sit up in the stroller.
First Aid
Keep a rectal thermometer and baby acetaminophen drops in your first-aid kit. Also include infant-safe sunscreen, mittens to place on your baby's hands if she scratches herself and other items as recommended by your pediatrician.
Feeding Supplies
A significant portion of your baby's first few weeks will involve feeding. If you will be breastfeeding, consider getting a breast pump to allow greater flexibility. If you're not breastfeeding, have formula on hand as recommended by your pediatrician. Because babies can be sensitive to some kinds of formula, you may want to purchase only two or three cans at first, in case you need to change it. You should also have five to eight bottles on hand; you can prepare bottles ahead of time and refrigerate them until feeding time.
Bathing Supplies
A hammock-style baby bathtub makes holding your slippery baby easier and increases safety. You may also choose an insert for your regular bathtub. You'll also need baby shampoo, soap and lotion; baby towels or soft regular bath towels and baby washcloths. You should also include nail clippers designed for babies and a nasal aspirator bulb with your baby's bathing supplies.
Clothing
Although it may be tempting to go on a spending spree in the baby aisle of your department store, remember that newborns grow quickly and many of the cute clothes you buy won't fit your baby for long. Choose a special outfit for your baby's homecoming, six to 10 onesies or jumpers, six or seven pairs of baby socks and five or six sleepers, depending on how often you're willing to do laundry. You'll also need a winter coat or snowsuit for your newborn if you're bringing her home during the cold season and a warm winter hat or a sun hat with a brim.
