For first-time moms, knowing what to buy for your newborn can be hard. In addition, your baby may need special items for specific issues, such as prematurity. A shopping list of infant items will provide you with the preparation you need to bring baby home and focus fully on her needs.
Clothing And Linens
Your newborn is going to need multiple changes of clothes and multiple varieties of clothing, as well as blankets and crib linens for sleeping and comfort. For basics, be sure to have five to eight undershirts, or onesies, three to six pairs of socks, two pairs of booties, two caps, two T-shirts with side snaps and around two to four rompers. In addition, have ready two sweaters and four to six sleepers. For comfort, purchase two to four receiving blankets and two cotton blankets. Provide heavier infant blankets for winter babies. For crib or bassinet linens, purchase four fitted sheets and a baby mattress.
Safety And Hygiene
Safety concerns are of utmost importance, so have a nightlight ready for visual help at nighttime. Also invest in baby monitors to ensure your baby is safe in another room, and ear or rectal thermometers for gauging temperature. For changing, purchase a sturdy changing table and changing mat, diapers, baby wipes, baby lotion, diaper rash cream and a diaper bin, says the Parents website. Be sure to cater the size of diapers to accommodate premature babies. Also invest in baby nail clippers for grooming. For bathing, purchase a plastic bath tub, baby shampoo, bath mat, two to four washcloths and five to six hooded towels, says the Babynames website.
Travel
For traveling with your baby, be sure to purchase an infant car seat. Also invest in head support and car seat strap covers for comfort. Stock your diaper bag with four to six diapers, toys for distraction, a bib, baby wipes, baby lotion, rash ointment and an extra outfit says the Parents website. Be sure to include travel tissues and a plastic bag for dirty diapers. As the diaper bag will be a constant companion on errands and other travel arrangements, be sure to purchase one that is comfortable for you. For feeding, bring burp rags, formula and a couple bottles.
Feeding
For bottle-fed infants, purchase six to eight 4 oz. bottles and six to eight 8 oz. bottles, says the Baby Names website. Be sure to purchase nipples in the correct size, as premature babies require smaller nipples than non-premature newborns. In addition, purchase a sterilizing kit for bottles and two bottle brushes for cleaning, a bottle warmer, burp rags and formula of your choice, says the website. If you are breastfeeding, invest in three nursing bras, a breast pump and breast pads, says the Parents website. Also look for pillows to support your baby as you feed him and nipple cream for you, as this will help soothe your skin and protect it from cracking or drying.
