I have tried to compile a thorough list of the items you will need for your new baby. I have some friends who are expecting their first child and they asked me what they will need. Some items on the list are not essential, but they will make life MUCH easier and eliminate frantic late night trips. Most items are fairly inexpensive and the more expensive ones can be put on a registry list, or can be mentioned to friends and family as something they can pool their resources to get. This list is just that, a list. I will write other articles to help explain the reasoning and need for some items. You will have to decide several things prior to going to the hospital. Will you breast-feed or use formula? Will you use cloth diapers or disposable? Who is the pediatrician going to be? Do you have any idea what the name will be? The most important thing to remember is that you have been given a special gift that will change your life in a way you cannot comprehend. You are going to be a parent! You will do many things in your life, but being a responsible parent is probably the most important.
The Ultimate Supply List for New Parents
New parents might think they have everything they will need for their new baby but often find they still lack many things once the new baby is home. This list is meant to help.
The Trip Home
The hospital will provide the items you will need for your baby while you are both in the hospital. We were provided some extra diapers, alcohol wipes for treating the umbilical cord, and other small items that will get you through the first day home. There will probably be “gifts” from companies that you will be sent home with. These can include formula if you are not breast-feeding and other promotional, but useful, items. You will need car seat for the baby if you are driving. Have the nurse make sure your baby is safely in the seat. A good idea is to have the local police check that your car seat is properly installed before the big day. Studies have shown that most people install the seats incorrectly, and the police or other professionals will not mind helping out. You might want to bring an outfit to bring your baby home in. Our vet recommended bringing something with the baby’s smell (a receiving blanket, etc.) home the day before to help prepare our pets for the new arrival.
Diapers
Disposable diapers
Newborn size: You will need some, but depending on your baby’s size, these might not fit for long or at all.
Size 1: These will be what you will use a ton of, either now or very soon. Plan on using 70-90 per week for the first few weeks.
Disposable wipes
Disposable wipes warmer (a luxury item)
Diaper bag
Carrying case for wipes
Cloth diapers:
Cloth diapers: More than you think. The usage will be the same and you will need a supply while you are laundering them.
Cloth wipes: Same situation.
Disposable wipes if you choose
Wet bag to store soiled diapers in the diaper bag
Waterproof diaper covers
Pins or other diaper fastener
Diaper bag
Carrying case for wipes
Feeding Your Baby
Breast-feeding:
Boppy (nursing pillow)
Breast pump
Breast milk storage and feeding set
Insulated carrying case for safely transporting milk
Bottles
Nipples
Bottle brush
Bottle drying rack
Burp cloth
Bibs
Journal: Our pediatrician asked us to record feedings and diaper contents for the first few weeks
Formula feeding:
Formula premixed bottles are more convenient but powdered are more economical
Measuring device
Bottles
Nipples
Bottle brush
Bottle drying rack
Bibs
Burp cloth
Journal Our pediatrician asked us to record feedings and diaper contents for the first few weeks.
Clothing for Your Baby
Clothes that go over the head are more difficult especially the first few weeks. Snaps are easier. Ask around to see if friends or family have old outfits. Most babies get so many clothes that they rapidly outgrow them after just wearing them once or twice.
Mini sweatpants and separate tops are good to minimize irritating the umbilical cord area.
Onesies Like a T shirt but snaps over the diaper. Have a bunch as they will get wet, soiled, spit on, and laundered.
Sleepwear with feet attatched prevents your baby from kicking off socks
Socks
Booties
Caps babies need these to maintain body tempeature
Sweaters Same reason as above. Just because you are not cold does not mean your baby isn’t
“Cute” outfits for the big public appearances when they are a little older.
Furniture and larger items
Crib
Crib mattress
Bassinette
Stroller
Jogging stroller
Pack and play
Sheets for pack and play
Waterproof mattress cover
Sheets
Diaper pail
Highchair
Baby monitor allows you to listen and be in another room
Video baby monitor they even come with night vision
Baby bathtub
Mobile for above crib
Changing table
Extra changing pads
Bouncy swing
Car seat one that snaps into a stroller makes life easier
Portable crib foldable
Medicines, toiletries and accessories:
Check with your pediatrician for their recommendations. Remember when choosing your pediatrician that you will be going there with sick children so ensure the commute is something you are comfortable with.
Baby wash
Baby shampoo
Baby nail clippers easier to cut their fast growing nails to prevent scratches
Small file
Baby Tylenol
Digital thermometer and probe covers
Baby towels and washcloths
Diaper rash cream
Baby Orajel for teething
Baby oil for cradle-cap
Baby comb and brush
Rubbing alcohol for treating umbilical cord
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Front carrier, sling, or baby backpack
Baby spoons
Plates and bowls for when eating “real food”
Board books
Rattles
Teething rings ones that can be refrigerated were our favorites
Soft blocks
Night lights prevent turning on bright lights to check
Mild laundry detergent
Bouncy swing
Shout or other stain remover for your clothes not theirs
Toys
Stuffed animals
Pacifiers
Soothing music CD’s useful if noisy background
Hand sanitizer for you and anyone touching your baby
Zip lock bags you will come up with many uses
Receiving blankets
Walker/rider
Sun shades for car
Mirror for car since babies sit rear-facing in the car, the mirror goes in your back window so you can see your baby using your normal rear view mirror
For the parents:
Digital camera especially with video
Baby announcements
Cute paper for baby announcements if you are doing them yourselves
Envelopes
Stamps
Scrapbook to save cards, letters, pictures of “first” events, etc
Journal to keeps thoughts and funny things your baby does
Parenting books
Child development books
Parenting magazines
Childproofing your home:
Outlet covers
Baby gates
Door latches
Toilet latches
Non-slip tub mat
Padding for sharp table edges
Doorknob guards
Stove top guards
Radiator covers
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy your pregnancy and the birth of your baby (babies). Babies do not need many things when they are born. They eat, poop, and sleep. You will constantly check on then and worry about things, but that is because you love them and have become a parent. As they get older and have more complex needs, you will have more experience and be able to deal with these needs. Remember that you are the parent, but there are specialists for all things that will come up. Do not be afraid to ask for help, be afraid that you will not ask for help when you really need it. It is natural to be anxious about your baby. That is because you love them and have become a parent.
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