Having everything you need for baby ready before you bring your newborn home is a smart thing for a new parent to do. But what to give a newborn baby?
Keep in mind that you never really need as much as you think you will. Be realistic. Do you really need a bottle warmer? If you are a parent who can afford it and want it even if you don’t need it, then go for it. Just know that in a few months you’ll probably be reselling it because you realized that some things are more trouble than they’re worth.
I advise having the nursery set up, with supplies in place, clothes laundered and ready to wear, three to four weeks before your due date. That way, even if her baby is born early, she’ll be prepared. It’s so much easier to come home from the hospital when you know you have everything you need close at hand.
Below is a list of must-have items for your baby’s comfort and safety.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
• Moses basket, co-sleeping/crib or Pack and Play for your bedroom.
For the first 12 weeks, you will feed your baby every 2 to 4 hours, so having your baby in your room will help you avoid having to walk around the nursery. It’s also nice to keep your baby snuggled up and close. Your newborn has just arrived from a compact space, so he likes to be comfortable. I recommend using the bassinet instead of the crib until your baby can roll over or no longer has room to stretch out. You will only need it in the first few months, but you will be very happy to have it!
• Crib and Mattress
When your baby outgrows the bassinet, it’s time for a crib. Be sure to buy one that meets current safety standards, and make sure the mattress fits snugly on the sides so baby doesn’t shift or get stuck underneath.
• Baby sling
Every mom I know SWEARS by a sling or some type of baby carrier. It allows you to be mobile and still keep your baby physically connected to you. Make sure it provides adequate neck and head support, and is made of washable fabric. It should be comfortable for you and allow you to carry your baby facing in or facing out. At first, you’ll want to have her facing in. As he gets older, he will want to show his face so he can see the world.
• changing table
This is a plastic pad that you put on to change your baby. You can put a towel on top or use a cover so that your baby does not feel the cold plastic. If you have the budget, you can also buy a changing table, although it’s not really a necessity. The amount of time you will wear it is very short.
• Infant Carrier/Car Seat/Stroller
I’m a big fan of the ‘system’. It is a baby carrier that connects to car and stroller accessories. They make it so much easier for you and baby to get from the house to the car and stroller. Make sure your car seat is inspected or installed at the hospital where you will give birth. You won’t be able to leave the hospital with your newborn without a proper car seat, so install one 1 week before your due date if you can.
• High chair
You won’t need a high chair until your baby is at least 5 or 6 months old, so you may want to hold off on this purchase for a while.
• Babysitter Bumbo
Once your baby is around 3 months old and has some neck control, this is great! They can sit on it for everything.
• Bath for babies
It’s important to start with a small bathtub because in a small space with just a little water, you gain confidence in how to hold and handle your baby. I love the ones with the sling because until 3-4 months they don’t have any control on their neck. The sling helps you keep them in place.
• Inflatable/vibrating seat and/or swing
Having a safe place to put your baby while you cook or get dressed is vital and babies love the movement they provide.
OTHER EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
• Large and comfortable rocking chair
• Sound machine: These are great to help soothe your baby. They play sounds of the mother’s womb, sounds of water, sounds of nature, etc. They even come inside soft stuffed animals.
• Baby Monitoring System – There are many options now, including video monitoring systems so you can see your baby in their crib. Dual or multiple monitors are a must if you have multiple levels in your home or if your master bedroom is on a whole different level. There are also remote pager systems so you can hook it up and listen as she moves from room to room.
• Breast pump and accessories
• Nursing Pillows – I like the Boppy. It can also be used by the baby, so it serves multiple purposes. The Brest Friend, however, provides good support and leverage and has a leash that you can tie around yourself if you need to move. It also has a bag that closes with a zipper to store things.
• CD player with headphones and audio books: for you when you wake up at night with the baby
• Baby Car Mirror: From when kids are rear facing until they are about a year old and/or over 20 pounds, I love it. Allows you to see your baby through your rearview mirror. Some of them will even entertain your baby with lights and songs.
• Activity mat or baby gym/crib mobile: If you get a mobile for the crib or pack and play, make sure it’s colorful and musical. The same goes for activity mats. Make sure toys include mirrors and sounds.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING
I highly recommend all cotton. It is soft and can be washed in hot water to sterilize. Everything should be washed with a mild detergent, such as Dreft, before coming into contact with your baby. For the first six months, wash baby clothes separately from the rest of the laundry. Baby bedding should keep your newborn comfortable and safe. Use only quality, breathable materials and avoid fluffy things until your baby can remove items like blankets from their faces.
• 3 elastic cotton bottom sheets for the bassinet and later for the crib
• 4 cotton blankets that can be used to wrap
• 3 thermal blankets
• 2 mattress covers
• Lots of burp cloths (cloth diapers) that can be used to clean up saliva and all kinds of messes
• 2 hooded towels and washcloths
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING
When it comes to baby clothes, it’s all about layering. One key thing to know is that babies cannot regulate their temperature very well until they are around six months old. It is very easy for them to overheat or get too cold. It is up to you to maintain the correct temperature by layering clothing and using blankets.
Think about practicality and ease of dressing. Make sure the crotch opens easily for diaper changes. Soft, easy-to-change clothes are recommended, as you will likely be changing your baby several times a day.
• 4-6 sleepers
• 5-7 one-piece garments
• 3-4 robes/kimonos
• 5-7 comfortable outfits for the day
• 8-10 undershirts
• 3-4 bibs
• 4-5 pairs of socks or boots
• 3 cotton caps/hats
• 2 sweaters if it is winter
• 1 snow suit or fleece if it is winter
Optional – A sleeping bag. These are coming all the way from Europe – they’re a brilliant way to keep baby warm at night without blankets, which baby can throw off. It’s like a sleeping bag, but it has open arms for ventilation and a zipper at the bottom for easy diaper changes.
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
• Diapers – Your baby will go through approximately five thousand diapers before being potty trained! And in the first few days you may be changing your baby up to 12 times a day. Whether you plan to use disposables, recycled, cloth, or a diaper service, make sure you have plenty on hand.
• Diaper wipes – I like the unscented ones for the first few months.
• Diaper Bag – Get a nice durable bag with big pockets and make sure you always have:
• 4-5 diapers
• Diaper wipes
• Cloth diaper/burp cloths to clean up saliva and spills
• Diaper bags for dirty diapers
• Cream against rashes
• Antibacterial gel to clean your hands
• changing table
• A change of clothes from head to toe
• Spare pacifier
• 1 bib
• A couple of stuffed animals and rattles
• 1 bottle of water that can be used to make a bottle
• 1 -2 bottles
• Formula
BREASTFEEDING ESSENTIALS
• 2-4 lactation arms
• A box of disposable breast pads
• Nipple Cream
• Either an electric or manual breast pump
• Breast milk storage containers
• A kit or bag to place the milk bottles and ice packs
• At least 2 bottles
• A good supporting book: I like La Leche League’s ‘The Feminine Art of Breastfeeding’
FUNDAMENTALS OF BOTTLE AND PUMP FEEDING
• 6-8 slow flow or flex neck bottles with soft nipples
• Optional Bottle Brush and Sanitizing System – It is important to wash bottles thoroughly after each use and then sanitize at least every 2-3 months. You will also want to sterilize your breast pump parts if you are pumping.
OTHER ESSENTIALS
• Baby thermometer
• Baby soaps and lotions
• Tear-free shampoo
• bath toys
• Baby oil
• Ointment for diaper rash
• Vaseline
• Sterile cotton balls
• Baby scissors/nail clippers
• Baby brush/comb
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Q tips
• 3-4 pacifiers
• Nasal Suction Bulb Syringe – usually supplied by the hospital, so be sure to bring it with you
• Hypoallergenic (dye free) laundry detergent that is mild.
• Night light
• Several good parenting books: I like Tami Hoag’s ‘Secrets Of The Baby Whisperer’ and Harvey Karp’s ‘The Happiest Baby On The Block’
Being prepared for your newborn will help to eliminate as many concerns you may have about parenting as possible so that you can enjoy the process. It’s much easier to feel confident coming home from the hospital when you know you have everything you need close at hand. Enjoy your new baby!
