Whether buying for another baby or for your own, it is important to know what items will be immediately needed in order to be fully prepared for the little one's arrival. Newborn babies need specific clothing and grooming items, furniture, linens and feeding equipment in addition to travel gear.
Sleepwear and Clothing
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a starter collection of newborn clothing that includes three to four pajama sets with feet, six to eight T-shirts, three newborn sleep sacks, two sweaters, two bonnets or hats, four pairs of socks or booties and three to four Onesies T-shirts with snaps. Since many babies will grow out of a newborn size in a matter of weeks, it is a good idea to buy some clothing items in the next size up. Any clothing that pulls tightly around the neck, arms or legs should be avoided and wearing flame-retardant sleepwear and clothing is highly-recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Hygiene and Grooming
Whether using cloth or disposable diapers, three to four dozen newborn size diapers should be on hand in addition to baby wipes or wiping cloths. Diaper rash medication such as Balmex should be readily available as well as baby bath, shampoo, lotion and fragrance-free clothing detergent. A diaper pail is also needed to collect soiled diapers.
Furniture
Although many parents choose to purchase a bassinet, it may be outgrown quickly. New cribs that are sold in stores meet all specifications; however if you will be using a used crib you will need to make sure that the crib has never been recalled and that it doesn't have lead paint contamination. A firm crib mattress covered with a tightly-fitting mattress pad is recommended.
Linens
It is a good idea to have several changes of sheets for the crib clean and available as they will likely be soiled often. Draping blankets over a sleeping newborn is not recommended; however swaddling the infant by wrapping him up snugly in a receiving blanket is safe and comfortable for the newborn. Have four to six receiving blankets on hand for this purpose. One set of baby washcloths and hooded towels will be sufficient in the beginning for bathing purposes.
Other Necessities
One of the most immediate and important items that a newborn must have is an infant car seat. Most states require the parents to have a car seat for the child before they are allowed to leave the hospital.
If a mother is breastfeeding, she may not need any feeding equipment right away unless she chooses to have a breast pump and milk storage system on hand. If the child is going to be bottle-fed, it may be a good idea to have several types of bottles and nipples on hand to see which the child adapts to the best.
An infant swing may be especially useful. Babies who have colic may be soothed from crying by the back and forth motion. Having a stroller on hand is also a good idea when walking the baby for exercise or for taking the child shopping or sightseeing.
References
- Caring for Your Baby and Young Child; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2005
- Parenthood.com
