Bringing a baby home from the hospital can be a joyous and overwhelming time for new parents. According to Baby Center, the more prepared you are before your baby is born the easier it will be to care for him. You can help prepare yourself by purchasing the essential supplies your newborn baby will need before he arrives.
Car Seat
One of the most important things to have on hand before the birth of your little one is an infant car seat, says Kids Health. Many hospitals will not let you leave without a car seat so plan to explore your options and purchase one before going to the hospital to have your baby. Install the car seat in the backseat facing the rear of the car. Make sure it is tight and cannot shift more than an inch in any direction. If you are not sure how to safely install your car seat, take it to a local fire house, police station or hospital and a trained car seat technician will install it for you free of charge.
Diapering Supplies
According to Healthy Children, you will need diapers and wipes as the minimum supplies necessary for keeping your baby's diapers changed and her bottom clean. Babies often go through ten to twelve diapers everyday, so consider having several days worth at home before your baby is born. Wipes will help keep her clean when she soils her diaper. Diaper rash cream can help treat and prevent your baby from getting diaper rash. Healthy Children also recommends a diaper changing pad to use if you change your baby's diaper on the floor, couch, a bed or in the car because it will help prevent messes.
Clothing
Comfort and convenience are the most important qualities to look for in baby clothes, says Baby Center. One-piece outfits are one suggestion because they are easy to put on your baby and you can easily change diapers when he is wearing one. Have several on hand since babies tend to be messy and can require several clothes changes each day. Pull-on pants and zippered sweatshirts are other options because they are also easy to get your baby in and out of. You will also need several pairs of socks, a few sets of pajamas and one or two hats.
Sleeping Supplies
A safe place for your baby to sleep is something you will need to consider before you bring him home from the hospital. Baby Center recommends a crib and crib mattress. Fitted crib sheets are necessary to make sure they stay in place and do not bunch around your baby while he is sleeping. You do not need blankets, pillows or crib bumpers and Baby Center recommends keeping them out of the crib because they can pose a suffocation hazard. Using sleep sacks or fleece blanket sleepers will help keep your baby warm while also keeping him safe.
