Parents are easily overwhelmed by all the seemingly necessary baby items on the market. Much of what is available is actually optional. If you're trying to determine what you really need, you can talk with your health-care professional or simply sit down with a friend who has young children. A rule of thumb is to acquire the things needed to fulfill a baby's basic needs: hunger, warmth, sleep, cleanliness and safety.
Feeding Equipment
The most basic thing a baby must have after birth is breast milk or formula. A mother truly needs nothing more than herself and her baby in a relaxing space to breastfeed. Many optional items can make breastfeeding more convenient, such as a breast pump, nipple cream and a nursing pillow. Many moms find that a pillow promotes a good latch and position for the baby. A breast pump becomes necessary when a breastfeeding mother must return to work or is separated from her baby at birth. Expressed milk and formula are given to a baby in bottles, which makes nipples and bottles necessary. The website What to Expect suggests having plenty of burp cloths on hand, because newborns do spit up. Purchasing a specialty burp cloth isn't necessary, but it can be more convenient.
Clothes and Blankets
A newborn requires clothing that will keep her comfortable regardless of the environment. In the winter this means one layer more than what an adult wears, according to What to Expect. In the summer a baby can wear the same basic attire that an adult wears. An additional layer or light blanket may be required when the air conditioning is running. The type of clothing parents purchase for a new baby can vary greatly. The most basic items are snapped T-shirts, footed pajamas and sack sleepers. Several light blankets suitable for swaddling are also necessary for keeping the baby comfortable. Newborns lose a great deal of heat from their heads, so soft hats or caps should be available. Other optional items include coats and socks. A baby's skin should always be covered in the cold winter months, but this can be done with a lightweight blanket and a heavier blanket.
Sleeping Equipment
A new baby may sleep just about anywhere, or he may prefer to be in the same spot for every nap or bedtime. A parent won't be able to guess what a baby will prefer until he is born. Options include a crib, a bassinet, a co-sleeping device and a cradle. Having one of each is not necessary. Parents can choose what they find to be the best option for space and budget and work with the baby to sleep successfully in whatever has been purchased. Adorable matching bedding sets are not necessary. Information about sudden infant death syndrome points to heavy blankets, pillows and crib bumpers as items that should not be in a baby's sleep space. Stuffed animals and any loose items should be removed from the crib before a baby is put down to sleep. With the exception of a blanket that is used to swaddle a baby, an infant should not be covered with anything. Instead, parents can put the baby in climate-appropriate sleeping attire.
Toiletries
During the first few months a newborn doesn't usually get dirty. Her bottom gets plenty of attention because of frequent diaper changes but will need a thorough washing at least once or twice a week. Diapers and wipes are a necessity, whether a parent opts for disposable or cloth items. A baby will need a gentle soap for cleansing but a commercial baby shampoo is not necessary. Lotion is an important part of a baby's post-bath routine to prevent excessive skin dryness. Baby towels and baby washcloths are convenient but not necessary.
When bathing a baby a parent has many options. The kitchen sink is considered an ideal bathtub for a slippery newborn because she's at a height that's comfortable for the parent. A baby bathtub may be preferred because of its size and special construction that accommodates the infant. A thermometer or device that alerts parents to the water being too hot or too cold is a necessity, especially to prevent burns.
Necessary toiletries include rectal or digital ear thermometer, diaper rash cream, petroleum jelly, bulb syringe and baby nail clippers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services website Womens Health.
Travel Items
A car seat is an absolute necessity. Most hospital facilities check to make sure a suitable car seat is installed in the vehicle when a newborn is discharged. In addition to a car seat, most parents find a stroller and diaper bag to be necessary items. A baby must be fed and changed frequently. Without a stocked diaper bag, parents may find outings with a new baby challenging.
