Bringing home that brand-new baby from the hospital can be one of the most exciting and rewarding times in your life. When you bring baby home to his nursery, it should already contain all the essentials you'll need to take good care of the infant. Babies don't need much, but there are a few things you won't want to do without.
The Basics
Every baby needs a few basic things: food, shelter and clean living conditions. This includes a fresh diaper. Keep a good stock of diapers in your nursery and replenish it before it runs out so you won't have to run out to the store at the last minute. A crib or bassinet that meets the required safety standard is also essential to make sure your baby has a good, safe night's sleep.
Clothing
Warm clothes with soft fabrics are also important, since a baby's skin just after birth is extremely sensitive to harsh materials and fabrics. Since baby diapers tend to leak frequently, a good supply of clothing at all times is essential to keeping your baby happy and clean. Many parents know what it's like to have to change their baby's clothes two and even three times a day due to messy diapers or spit-up.
Childproofing
As your baby gets older, watch out for safety habits in the nursery. If you are using a changing table, use one with straps in case you need to walk away for a second to grab that diaper or a new pack of wipes. Never, ever walk out of the room and leave your baby unattended.
As your baby starts to crawl and walk, pay attention to the sharp corners and edges of furniture that could cause injury and install plastic caps in the electrical outlets to prevent baby from sticking fingers in there.
Feeding Time
You never know what time of day or night a baby is going to be hungry, so keep an ample supply of clean bottles on hand. As your baby gets older and starts eating solid foods, bibs are a must. Eventually, you'll get a high chair and baby spoon to make your baby's mealtimes more efficient for solid food.
First Aid
Accidents can and do happen. You'll want to be prepared for the unexpected, so keep on hand a small first aid kit in baby's room in the event of a cut or a something that requires minor medical attention.
Many hospitals will send you home with a bulb syringe. This can be used to suck out excess mucus and fluids that newborns have trouble spitting out or blowing out the nose. If you don't receive one from the hospital, you can pick one up from most local retail stores.
