Welcoming a baby into your family requires some preparation. Although marketers want you to spend thousands of dollars on merchandise for your baby, you actually need very little for a newborn. Baby showers can also defray some of the costs.
Bedding
Choose whether you plan for your baby to sleep in a crib or in bed with you. But keep in mind that even if you buy a crib with bedding, you may co-sleep for at least part of the time. A "Parenting" magazine survey found that only 11 percent of mothers expected to share the same bed with the baby, but 42 percent actually ended up doing so. Having a separate crib is useful, even if the baby uses it only for naps.
Car Seats
All 50 states have laws requiring infants and children to be strapped into an appropriate car seat. Infants need to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a year old and weigh at least 20 pounds, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Some car seats can also be used with strollers. Never use a car seat that was previously involved in a car accident. Police stations can check if your car seat is safely installed.
Clothes and Diapers
Your baby will need clothes and diapers. The types of clothing you need varies by season and the climate where you live, but all babies can use cotton onesies and T-shirts. Buy some clothes in newborn size and size one, because you don't know how big your baby will be at birth. Have several articles of clothing because babies frequently need clothing changes. Get several packages of diaper wipes and diapers in sizes newborn and one.
Feeding and Bath
You will need baby bottles, even if you plan to breastfeed, according to the Christian Science Monitor. If you breastfeed you only need a couple of bottles for storing expressed breastmilk. If you plan to feed formula, you should have at least six bottles with nipples. Have pacifiers on hand if you want to use them to soothe the baby. For baths, you may want to have baby bath, lotion, hooded towels and a baby bathtub.
Miscellaneous Gear
You may also want to have a stroller, playpen and bouncer seat, according to Pregnancy.com. Many parents also enjoy using a baby carrier, such as a sling or a front pack carrier. Keep basic medical supplies on hand, such as a rectal thermometer, a nasal bulb syringe and nail clippers. Most parents also find it handy to have burp cloths and a diaper bag.
