Top Ten Things New Parents Need

Preparing for a new baby̵7;s arrival can be overwhelming. Walking through a baby specialty store can make you wonder ̶0;Do I really need all of this stuff?̶1; Some items are definitely more useful than others, so focus on gathering the top 10 things that will make your and baby̵7;s life more comfortable during those first few weeks. In the end -- as WomensHealth.gov reminds new parents -- your baby only needs food, shelter and you.

  1. Diapers

    • You can plan on using approximately 70 diapers each week with your newborn baby, so stock up on newborn or size-one diapers, depending on your baby̵7;s weight. If you are considering using cloth diapers, then purchase enough diapers to carry you between wash times. Get a couple of tubs of diaper wipes -- or make your own -- to clean your baby̵7;s bottom during changing time, along with a diaper ointment to prevent diaper rash.

    Formula

    • If you plan on feeding your baby formula, it's a good idea to gather a supply before your baby arrives, if possible. Ask your pediatrician for advice on which brand of formula to give your baby.

    Breast Pump

    • For breastfeeding mothers, consider purchasing or renting a breast pump. Pumping can help increase your milk supply with stimulation. Offering breast milk in a bottle also means that your spouse or other caregiver can help feed the baby at night or while you are out running errands.

    Bottles

    • Whether you are giving your baby formula or pumped breast milk, you will need several bottles and nipples on hand at home. Formula-fed babies go through approximately 10 4-ounce bottles each day, and it is helpful to only have to wash bottles once per day. Having extra bottles and nipples also makes it easier to make bottles ahead of time and place them in the refrigerator.

    Crib

    • Some parents plan to use a bassinet when their new baby comes home, but eventually every infant must move into a crib. Select a safe crib that features slats no more than 2-3/8 inches apart and lead-free paint. All cribs made after 1989 meet these safety standards. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your baby̵7;s crib that has an innerspring or is made of foam.

    Bedding

    • Reduce the risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, by keeping fluffy blankets, pillows and crib bumpers out of the crib. Instead, use a fitted crib sheet that fits snugly on your crib mattress. Having an extra sheet will make your life easier when you have to change it unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Collect between two and six receiving blankets to swaddle your baby.

    Layette

    • Your baby will need some basic clothing, but contrary to most advertisements, he does not have to look like he is heading to a photo shoot. Collect six to eight one-pieces, six to eight sleepers and four to six pairs of socks for the perfect beginning to your baby̵7;s first wardrobe.

    First-Aid Kit

    • Arrange a basic first aid kit for your baby̵7;s nursery. Begin with a rectal thermometer, bulb syringe and baby nail file. Other items that you can include in your infant̵7;s first-aid kit are saline drops to clear stuffy noses and rubbing alcohol with cotton balls to clean the umbilical cord.

    Car Seat

    • Most hospitals will not allow new parents to leave the hospital with their newborn without a properly fitting, rear-facing car seat. It is helpful to have the seat already installed before you go to the hospital for delivery. New car seats are best, because you can be certain the seat is in excellent condition.

    Stroller

    • After a few days of recovery, new parents typically want to go out to show off their new baby or simply get some fresh air. Start out with a stroller that accommodates your car seat or reclines to an almost flat position to protect baby̵7;s head and neck.

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