Preparing for your new baby

A pregnant woman often has many things on her mind during those last few months before her baby is born.  She may wonder if her baby will be healthy, whether or not she will have an easy delivery, what she will name her child, and how on earth she will possibly have everything the baby needs to survive organized and categorized before the due date arrives.  If this sounds like you, please know that you are not alone.  Along with the sudden bouts of cleaning frenzies and wild mood swings during those final months, many pregnant women worry that they will not have all the equipment needed to care for baby, or worse, that they will overlook some important detail necessary for their baby's well-being.

Relax.  It's easy to feel overwhelmed when wondering through the massive aisles of baby superstores offering countless different brands and selections of every item imaginable.  It's often hard to determine which of our well-meaning friends and relatives suggestions we should use for items we once thought were relatively simple.  Even a basic pacifier can become a source of confusion (Nuk or Mam, orthodontic or regular?)  If we can't figure out what kind a pacifier to purchase, how can we expect to find our way out of this flood of confusion?  Is preparing for baby really so hard?

Not when you stick to the BASICS

Below is a description of the items that baby will actually NEED after he's home from the hospital.  Tackle these basics first before worrying about all the extras and both you and baby will be off to a great start. 

Diapers

We know that all babies will need diapers, so the only question that remains is what kind: disposable or cloth. They both have their own pros and cons so pick which one seems to fit you best and remember you can always change your mind.

Baby wipes

These wipes come in scented or unscented. Since you are unsure of how baby will react to them, stick with the unscented kind at first.  If you run out of wipes don't worry.  A wet washcloth or paper towel work just as well.

Diaper cream

Diaper cream such as Desitin (or any generic equivalent) work well for diaper rashes and is always good to have on hand.

Baby medical supplies

Make sure to have these items on hand:

Rectal thermometer (best way to take baby's temperature)

Medicine dropper and spoon 

Infant pain reliever, cold medicine (as approved by your doctor)

Bulb syringe (for suctioning mucus from baby's nose)

Saline nose drops for infants (for clearing up stuffy noses)

Standard first aid kit

Rubbing alcohol (for use on baby's umbilical cord)

Cotton swabs (for cleaning outside of ears and  to clean umbilical cord)

Vaseline (for use in rectal thermometer)

Baby grooming supplies

Baby soap (some use baby bath)

Tear-free baby shampoo

Baby nail clippers

Infant washcloths and towels (several of each)

Baby bathtub or baby bath sponge (you could also use folded up towels to lay baby on during bath time)  

Baby clothing

Onesies (pick comfortable onsies or night outfits as baby will be sleeping much of the time). Open bottom gowns are great for ease of changing baby's diaper, but be sure the strings are removed or buy ones without strings as these can pose a strangulation hazard.

Comfortable outfits (if you want to dress baby for company)

Baby socks (shoes may be cute but are not necessary or as comfortable for baby)  If you choose to put baby in shoes, the soft flexible kind is best. 

Infant hat (hats helps retain body heat when in cold weather and can help protect baby from the sun when outside).

Receiving blankets (plan to purchase enough for a week (or about 10 to be safe).  Use these to swaddle baby with (most babies love to be wrapped snuggly in a blanket to provide them with the security they felt inside mom).

Burp cloths (babies spit up often when they are little).  Having a burp cloth placed over your shoulder when burping baby will keep your clothes cleaner longer.  Cloth diapers work equally well for this purpose, and in a pinch receiving blankets also work great.

Baby feeding and accessories

Formula (if you choose to formula feed.  If breastfeeding, it is still a good idea to keep some on hand in case of an emergency or if your partner wants to be involved in feeding time). If you use formula in a can, make sure you purchase a can opener and use it only for opening formula. 

Bottles and nipples (make sure to sterilize them before use) Use whatever kind looks most convenient as baby will have the final say anyway.

Pacifiers (If you choose to try them, buy the newborn 0-3 month size.  You may want to buy 2 different kinds to see which one baby seems to prefer.) There are different materials ( latex and rubber ) and different shapes (orthodontic and regular).  The best kind depends on baby's personal preference.

Breast pump (If you plan to breastfeed and may be away from baby at some time, a breast pump is a good idea)

Baby Sleeping

Crib and/or bassinet or cradle (you will need a firm mattress, sheets, blanket and bumper pad)  Many babies sleep in a bassinet or side-sleeper (which attaches to the adult bed) when baby is little and then sleep in their crib after they are a few weeks or months old. Many parents use the crib in their own room to avoid having to buy both a bassinet (cradle) and a crib.  Some parents put their baby to sleep in a crib in the baby's room from the beginning and use a baby monitor to hear baby's cry.

Baby monitor (this works great when baby is in another room or in houses where there is more than one level).

Baby on the go

Car seat/baby carrier (some infant car seats have the seats that remove for use as an infant carrier.  These are very handy as the carrier just snaps into place on the base in the back seat of the car.  If you are using a convertible cars seat (one that goes up to a higher weight limit) you will need to purchase an infant carrier separately.  The advantage of a car seat that is also a baby carrier is convenience, although you will need to purchase another car seat when the baby outgrows it.  A convertible car seat can move from facing backwards to facing forward when the child is at least 20 pounds and the weight limit can often go up to about 40 pounds, until the child is ready for a booster seat.

Stroller  (this comes in handy if you are planning on taking any walks or going anywhere you do not feel comfortable carrying baby.) Strollers that allow the baby to lay completely down (or nearly down) are best for newborns.

Diaper Bag (it's almost impossible to go anywhere with baby without a well-stocked diaper bag).  Essentials include:

Diaper

Baby wipes

Change of clothing in case of accidents

Hand sanitizing lotion or antibacterial wipes (for you)

Diaper cream

Burp cloths

Receiving blanket

Extra bottle (if bottle feeding)

Extra pacifier (if baby uses them)

Plastic bag for dirty diapers or soiled clothing

Diaper changing pad

Baby toy or rattle

Try to remember to restock the diaper bag after you return from each outing, so that you're ready to go the next time you need to leave home.

Beyond the Basics

Helpful non-essential items are as follows:

Changing table (this comes in handy for changing baby, although many parents find that a bed or floor work just as well).

Playpen, swing, bouncy seat, exersaucer, infant slings (these items work great for providing mom or dad with a little free time).

Diaper pails (such as diaper genies).  Some love them and others think they are more trouble than they're worth.  

High Chair (although you will eventually need to purchase a high chair for baby, it won't be until baby is about 6 months of age.) Until baby can sit up well, it is easiest to feed baby in the infant carrier.  Many babies do not start eating solids until about 6 months of age anyway.

Final thoughts:

Try to stick to the basics of what your baby will need during the first few months of life and then decide what you need from that point. Trying to purchase everything baby will need for a full year or beyond may leave you feeling overwhelmed.  It is not necessary to have everything right now.  What baby will need most when coming home from the hospital is physical and emotional nourishment, your love and your presence. Remember to focus on what is really important:  Your baby.  All else will come in due time.