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Preparing for the Little Arrival

Posted by admin on March 6, 2015

Preparing for the Little Arrival  by Christine Cohen (www.momlifesavers.com)

preparing for the little arrival

You’re having your first child and the ‘nesting’ instinct hits, and you head out to stock up on baby supplies. Standing in a baby store, you find yourself faced with HUNDREDS of childcare products, along with a kindly salesperson trying to sell you all of them! This can indeed be an overwhelming experience. Here’s a must-have, bare bones list of necessities to have on hand when the baby comes home. Compiled by moms who have been there, this should help streamline your shopping expedition.  

For Baby - Clothing  

  • Lots of onesies and sleepers to cut down on laundry. 

  • Gowns are great for quick and easy diaper changes.  

  • Sleep sack (wearable blanket that zippers on and off).  

  • Easy wash and wear cotton outfits with snaps (“fancy” clothing is cute, but not as comfortable for baby).  

Diaper Changing 

  • Disposable or cloth diapers. 

  • Changing table pad and washable terry cloth covers. 

  • Disposable wipes or soft cotton face cloths 

  • Diaper cream (Destin, Aquaphor, or A+D ointment). 

  • Vaseline, baby oil. 

  • For circumcision care, use Bacitracin or Vaseline in a tube, and gauze. 

  • Diaper pail – don’t forget a stick up deodorizer affixed inside. 

  • Basket of changing supplies to keep in a different part of the house where you and baby spend a lot of time.  

Bathing 

  • Soft & tiny wash cloths. 

  • Soap-free, hypoallergenic baby wash and lotion. 

  • Baby bath tub.  

  • Hooded towels.  

  • Baby powder with corn starch. 

Baby Care 

  • Infant nail clippers. 

  • Thermometer. 

  • For umbilical cord care use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.  

  • Aspirator bulb and saline drops to moisten and clean the nasal passages. 

Feeding  

  • Burping cloths. 

  • Lots of bibs. 

  • Nursing supplies. 

  • Bottles – at least six, cleaned and ready to go.  

  • Choose a bottle that you’re sure to stick with, as babies often won’t switch nipples once you start on a certain type.  

  • Method to warm bottles quickly. 

  • Comfortable chair to sit in for feeding – a stool is great for back support.  

  • Side table to hold drinks and supplies. 

If you are nursing: 

  • Nursing pillow. 

  • Nursing pads. 

  • Two or more nursing bras and pajamas. 

  • Breast pump. 

  • Breastfeeding reading materials for help, along with phone numbers of people for support.  

Nighttime 

  • Crib or co-sleeper beside your bed so baby is nearby. 

  • Waterproof mattress pad. 

  • Bedding for the crib. 

  • Nightlight for feedings and diaper changes and a light with dimmer switch.  

  • Video Monitor. 

Equipment 

  • Car seat and stroller. 

  • Changing table at proper height so you won’t strain your back. 

  • Bassinet. 

  • Portable swing. 

  • Good baby book for easy reference. 

  • Charger for phone so you are ready to take videos and photos at any moment. 

Extras 

  • Hypoallergenic baby detergent for washing clothes, at least initially. 

  • A pacifier – save the one you get from the hospital. 

  • Thin, stretchy blankets for swaddling.

  • Flannel receiving blankets or cloth diaper, for swaddling, burping and a million other uses.

  • Diaper bag stocked with items you need when you’re out and about.

  • A few infant toys and mobiles.

  • Cool-mist humidifier.

  • Relaxing music – small speaker to your iTunes.

  • Love, patience, support from family and friends!