The time before your baby is born is often exciting and exhilarating. Painting and decorating the baby's room, reading helpful baby books and choosing a name for their baby are things that most parents-to-be do while awaiting the birth of their child. Once your baby is born, there are a number of essential baby items that your new bundle of joy will need and use from the moment he arrives.
The Nursery
Decorating the nursery is part of the fun of preparing for the baby. Your baby will need a mattress and crib that meet government safety standards. Cover the crib mattress with a sheet; keep extra sheets on hand in case of accidents. Your newborn requires receiving blankets for swaddling. Having a rocking chair or gliding rocker in the nursery allows you to rock your baby back to sleep in close proximity to her crib. A dresser will hold your newborn's clothing. Changing tables have storage space for diapers and wipes so supplies are all at hand. Most tables have safety straps or guardrails and provide a convenient and safe space to change your baby. Baby monitors in the nursery let you keep an eye or ear on your baby when you're out of the room.
Travel Items
One of the first items you're baby will use is a car seat. You will need rear-facing car seat for your newborn; in most cases, your baby's first car ride will be his ride home from the hospital. If you plan on taking your baby anywhere you will want to buy a stroller. Strollers allow parents to take their baby for a walk, to make their way through stores and often provide a napping place when out for the day. Newborn babies require a stroller that fully reclines to support their head. You will find that a diaper bag is ideal for carrying all the things you need for an outing with your baby. Choose a bag that is sturdy and large enough to carry plenty of diapers, blankets, wipes, spare clothing, formula, snacks and baby toys.
Clothing
New parents often spend quite a bit of money on their baby's wardrobe. Baby clothes are cute, but comfort is as important as fashion. Select clothing that is soft and easy to change as you'll probably be changing your baby several times a day. Newborns outgrow their clothing quickly, so it's best to buy clothing a little large. Your baby will need one-piece outfits, sometimes known as onesies, one-piece pajamas, night gowns, soft T-shirts and pants, socks, booties, hats and a light jacket. Your baby requires a warm coat, fleece pants and shirts and sweaters during the colder months.
Personal Care and Feeding
Whether you breast feed or use formula, you'll need baby bottles and nipples that are made for newborns. If you have decided to breast-feed, you'll need a pump to express your milk for when you're away or when Dad feeds the baby. Pacifiers are helpful in comforting and soothing your newborn. Bathing your baby is easier if you have a baby bath tub. Hooded baby towels and small, soft baby wash clothes are ideal for bathing and drying your baby. Use no-tears baby shampoo and gentle soaps, soft brushes and fine-toothed combs for grooming and baby nail clippers to trim baby's nails. Keep an abundant supply of diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, petroleum jelly and lotions on hand for every-day use. You will need a rectal thermometer to check baby's temperature and a bulb syringe to clear baby's nasal passages.
References
- Womens Health.gov: Healthy Pregnancy Baby's Layette
- The New Parents Guide: Basics Baby Checklist for the First Year
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Healthy Start, Grow Smart Your Newborn Baby
- Oklahoma State Department of Health: Your New Baby Birth to Three Months
- Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care 8th Edition, Benjamin Spock, M.D. Updated and Revised by Robert Needlman, M.D. , 2004
