Q: Buying for baby?

Posted Saturday, March 31, 2007 5:31 PM

Q: What should we have to be ready for our baby when she comes home?

A: Here's everything you'll need when baby comes... for the first few weeks. Find real mom reviews at lila guide. (Items with a * are must-haves.)

>> Create your own registry

Layette

[  ] 4-8 bodysuits or onesies (wide head openings and loose legs)

[  ] 4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)*

[  ] 4-8 one-piece pajamas*

[  ] 2 blanket sleepers for winter baby

[  ] 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)

[  ] 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits*

[  ] 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)*

[  ] 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)*

[  ] No-scratch mittens

[  ] Bunting bag or fleece suit for winter baby

[  ] Swimsuit for summer baby

[  ] Gentle laundry detergent

Nursery

[  ] Crib, cradle or bassinet*
• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
• No cutouts in headboard or footboard
• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

[  ] Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)*

[  ] 1-3 washable crib mattress pads

[  ] Bumper pads covering inside perimeter (secured by at least six ties or snaps, with all extra length removed -- we suggest breathable bumpers)

[  ] 2-4 fitted crib sheets*

[  ] 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets*

[  ] 1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)

[  ] Rocking or arm chair

[  ] Music box, sound machine or CD player

[  ] Crib mobile with black and white images (remove when baby can support self on hands and knees)

[  ] Baby monitor

[  ] Nightlight

[  ] Dresser

[  ] Toy basket

[  ] Swing or bouncy chair

Changing

[  ] Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing*

[  ] Changing table pad*

[  ] Changing table pad cover

[  ] Diaper pail

[  ] Diaper pail liners

[  ] Diaper cream*

[  ] Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)*

[  ] Soft washcloths*

[  ] Tissues (for you)

[  ] 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers*


Bath

[  ] Baby bathtub

[  ] Baby soap*

[  ] Baby shampoo

[  ] 2-4 soft towels or hooded baby towels

[  ] Baby hairbrush

[  ] Soft washcloths (use a different color or pattern than your diaper washcloths!)


Feeding

[  ] 10-16 bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)*

[  ] Liners, for disposable bottles

[  ] Bottle warmer (cuts down on nighttime trips to and from the kitchen)

[  ] Bottle sterilizer (if your dishwasher doesn’t have one)

[  ] Bottle brush

[  ] Dishwasher basket for small items

[  ] 4-8 bibs

[  ] Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)*

[  ] High chair

[  ] 2-4 pacifiers

[  ] Formula (if not nursing)*

For nursing moms:

[  ] 1-3 nursing bras (Breasts swell following birth, so start with one size larger than your maternity bra. Wait until size settles down -- about two weeks after birth -- to purchase additional bras.)

[  ] Nursing pads

[  ] Nipple cream

[  ] Nursing pillow

[  ] Pump (even if you plan only to nurse, a pump will allow you to leave milk for baby if you want or need to separate)*

Medicine Cabinet

[  ] Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors*

[  ] Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)

[  ] Baby thermometer*

[  ] Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator

[  ] Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements

[  ] Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)*

[  ] Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)

[  ] Antibiotic cream

[  ] Infant decongestant or cold medicine

[  ] Saline nasal drops

[  ] Baby gas drops

[  ] Disinfecting hand soap (for you)


Travel

[  ] Infant or convertible car seat*

[  ] Stroller (reclining to almost flat for infants)

[  ] Diaper bag

[  ] Changing pad

[  ] Baby carrier/sling

For Mom

[  ] Ice packs (in case of tearing during birth or swelling after)

[  ] 2-3 week supply of ultra absorbent sanitary pads

[  ] Panty liners

[  ] Hemorrhoid wipes and cream (can become necessary after labor, even if pregnancy was free of problems…sorry)

QA Index