The birth of a baby is one of the most exciting times in a parent’s life. It can also be a somewhat hectic time. Being prepared for your newborn’s entry into the world can make this momentous occasion go more smoothly. Try making a checklist of all the items you need to get for your new bundle of joy. Some items that you can include on your list are a car seat, bassinet, diapers and one-piece outfits.
Car Seat
If you want to get your newborn baby from the hospital to your home, then you need a rear-facing car seat. This is an important purchase because it is vital to your baby’s safety. It is a good idea to read reviews of car seats or talk to friends about their car seats. Find out which car seat works best for your baby and your family before rushing out to purchase one. For your convenience, an infant car seat typically doubles as a carrier. You can take your baby out of the car without having to wake her up. Make sure you understand how to secure your baby in the car seat. A five-point harness has a strap for each shoulder and each thigh. There is also a strap that runs between your baby’s legs. Make sure the straps are not too loose or too tight for your newborn baby.
Bassinet
After bringing your baby home, you need a place where he can sleep. Most new parents will outfit their child's nursery with a crib that will last baby through his toddler years, but for newborns, you might also consider a bassinet. A bassinet is a good height for you to be able to easily pick up your baby, and it is generally more portable, allowing you to keep it in your bedroom for quick access for those middle of the night feedings. Make sure that your bassinet is sturdy and safe. According to aBaby, if you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the bassinet, then you need a bigger mattress. A mattress that is too small may be dangerous for your little one. Try to keep at least four bassinet sheets on hand so that you can keep your baby on a clean surface.
Diapers
When you have a baby, disposable diapers are almost always on your shopping list. To cut down on trips to the grocery store and to save money, it is a good idea to buy diapers in bulk. After all, it’s not like you won’t use them. You need to change your baby’s diaper frequently to avoid diaper rashes. Read the diaper packages to determine which size you should get. Diapers are sized according to a baby’s weight. If you get a diaper that is too big for your newborn, then you may deal with some messes due to leakage.
You may opt for cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. However, you can expect to do frequent loads of laundry if you choose cloth diapers, unless you have a diaper service. Cloth diapers now come with built-in fabric fasteners, so diaper pins are no longer necessary. You can also get flushable liners to make clean up a little easier. Stock up on these, and contact diaper services ahead of time for pricing options if that's what your choosing so you can be prepared when your little one comes.
One-Piece Outfits
It is easier to change a baby’s diaper if you don’t have to go through a lot of clothing to get to it. A one-piece outfit, commonly called a "onesie," has snaps or buttons between the baby’s legs. You can easily undo the outfit and change your newborn’s diaper. Onesies are generally not expensive, come in a wide variety and are easily available in department and discount stores.
