November 1, 2012

Baby Needs: A List of Essentials for a New Baby

Before the baby comes:
  • Baby proof your home
  • Find out the names of all the plants in case your baby likes to eat them. Get rid of all toxic houseplants. Please note that many typical houseplants are toxic when eaten.
  • Have food in the freezer you can quickly zap.
A baby coming soon? Here's a list of needful things.
When I was about 4 or 5 months pregnant I went to the library. I researched books on what was needed when a baby comes home. This is compilation of that research with some of my own comments. It's a nice starting point for expecting parents.

BED
  • crib
  • mattress
  • waterproof cover for mattress with flannelette backing on both surfaces-large, 3
  • bumper pads
  • crib sheets, 4
  • lightweight blankets, 2 to 3
  • quilt or comforter
  • quilted mattress pads, 2
  • changing table
  • mobile
  • portable crib, luxury item not necessary
  • infant seat/carrier
  • car seat
  • stroller
  • front carrier, luxury item but nice to have
  • umbrella stroller, luxury item but nice to have
  • back carrier, luxury item but nice to have
  • highchair
  • baby swing, luxury item but nice to have
  • baby gate if you have stair
  • socket covers
  • drawer & cabinet locks (Gerber available at Thrifty)
  • corner cushions for sharp corner tables
  • bucket for toys
FEEDING
  • bottles, 3 to 4
  • nipples
  • sterilizer kit (large pot and tongs work just as well)
  • bottle & nipples brushes
  • feeding utensils
BATH
  • baby lotion, no scent or color added
  • baby powder, no zinc stearate powder, kitchen cornstarch powder will work
  • baby shampoo
  • baby washcloths, 3 to 7
  • baby bathtub
  • brush & comb set
  • hooded towels
  • infant scissors or clippers
  • moist towelettes
  • soap, mild
  • towels, hand & bath, 2 to 3
  • first aid kit
    • child medical dictionary
    • liquid aspirin substitute
    • antiseptic cream
    • hydrogen peroxide
    • calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream (1/2%)
    • rehydrating fluid (pedialyte)
    • sunscreen cream
    • rubbing alcohol
    • calibrated spoon, dropper, oral syringe, sterile band aids, gauze
    • tweezers
    • small penlight
    • adhesive tape
    • nose syringe
    • ointment containing lanolin & petrolatum (A&D ointment recommended)
    • rectal, ear (use only after 1st year) or auxiliary thermometer
      syrup of ipecac
DIAPER
  • diaper bag
  • diaper pail (recommend trash can with a secure lid)
  • diaper rash ointment (also listed in first aid kit)
  • diapers (cloth: 2-5 dozen) disposable: have newborn and infant diapers on hand
CLOTHES
  • bibs with pockets, washable (my baby never wanted one) a large tee shirt or no cloth will work just as well, 1 to 3
  • blanket sleepers (okay never found out what these were), 2 to 3
  • booties or socks, 3 to 6
  • bunting or snowsuit with mitts (seasonal & regional)
  • head caps
  • knitted nightgowns with drawstring bottoms and/or mittens, 3 to 8
  • receiving blankets, 3 to 5
  • rompers, luxury: 3 or so
  • shirts-snap closing size 1 yr. med. weight, short sleeves 4 to 6
  • shoes
  • sweaters (seasonal)
  • undershirts, luxury, 3 to 8