Having a baby changes your entire life. One of the biggest changes after you bring your newborn home from the hospital is your need for various paraphernalia that you probably have never had in the house before. You can purchase many items, such as a highchair and a baby swing, as your baby grows, but some items are essential to have right away for your newborn and are best purchased in the last weeks of your pregnancy.
A Place to Sleep
A baby needs a safe place to sleep once she comes home. The safest place for a newborn, according to Keep Kids Healthy, is in a bassinet or crib in your bedroom. The mattress should fit the crib or bassinet snugly, and no quilts, pillows or stuffed animals should be placed in the bed. Verify that the sheets used with the baby's bed fit well and cannot become twisted.
Not all families choose to buy cribs or bassinets for their newborns, choosing instead to co-sleep, says Dr. William Sears, pediatrician and author of "The Baby Sleep Book." Some pointers for safe co-sleeping include resting on a firm mattress, not being under the influence of medications or alcohol, and not allowing siblings to also sleep in the bed.
Items for Feeding
If you are planning to breastfeed your newborn, you may consider buying a breast pump, milk storage bags and a small quantity of bottles and nipples. You will need several high-quality nursing bras, and you may want to use a nursing pillow to help you position your baby. If you are planning to give your child formula, you will need bottles, a bottle brush, nipples and baby formula. A bottle warmer is a nice extra, but it is not essential. Some parents choose to use a bottle sterilizer, but bottles can be just as easily sterilized on the stove top.
A Car Seat
If your baby is going to be riding in a car, either your own, a caregiver's or a taxicab, then a car seat is essential. A baby under age 1 year and 20 lb. must ride rear-facing. Although small babies are safe in a convertible car seat placed rear-facing, many parents prefer to use an infant carrier car seat. These are easily removable from the car, because they attach to a base that is installed with the vehicle seat belt. Many infant car seats also fit into stroller systems or in the tops of grocery carts. Choose a five-point harness car seat for your newborn, and read the installation directions carefully. Consider having a certified car seat technician install and check your seat if you are not sure that you are using it correctly.
Diapers
Babies go through a lot of diapers. If you are using disposable diapers, purchase only a package or two of newborn-size diapers, because your baby may be ready for size one within a week or two. If you are using cloth diapers, you will need at least two dozen prefolds and six newborn-size diaper covers. Also buy disposable baby wipes or baby washcloths to use with warm water, and diaper cream for rashes.
Clothing
Most babies will wear size 0 to 3 months for at least the first few weeks of life. After that, however, your baby will grow very quickly. Buy a few packages of onesies and several pairs of newborn-size pajamas for your little one, keeping in mind the season and the weather. Although you won't be able to resist buying a coming-home outfit and perhaps another special outfit or two, save most of your purchases for after the baby comes. Not only may you be surprised by the sex of your baby, but you may be surprised by how big--or how little--she turns out to be.
