Things I Need for a New Baby

Baby Clothes

• You will need basic layette items, including a going home outfit, footed sleepers, gowns and onesies. Buy at least 4-6 of each of these as babies soil their clothes and must be changed frequently. You will need burp cloths, bibs, socks, scratch mitts to prevent the baby from face scratching and hats for going outside. Get plenty of receiving blankets for swaddling, which can bring comfort to newborns.

Diapers &Wipes

• Buy plenty of newborn disposable diapers or cloth diapers. The hospital may recommend avoiding pre-moistened diaper wipes for the first month, since they may contain things that could irritate your newborn's skin. Instead, use cotton balls or squares dipped in warm water. When baby is ready, try to choose alcohol-free and unscented wipes to prevent irritation. You will need a changing table to change your baby's diapers. You might also want to purchase a diaper disposal system to deal with all the soiled diapers. You'll also need a diaper bag with a changing pad to hold your many supplies when you leave the house.

Feeding Essentials

• If you're breastfeeding, you may want to buy or rent a breast pump from the hospital. You also may need bottles and containers for pumped milk. A breastfeeding mom also should have a nursing bra, breast pads, and perhaps a nursing pillow for comfortable positioning for you and the baby.

  If choosing to bottle feed, many varieties are available, so do some research and purchase about a half dozen 4 to 8 ounce bottles with newborn nipples. You will also need baby formula. Buy a bottle brush to clean bottles and a sterilizer.

  You also may want to purchase a few newborn pacifiers. Some babies do not need them, but they can be a lifesaver to calm a fussy baby.

Baby Care Items

• New babies need mild baby body wash and shampoo, soft wash cloths, a hooded towel and a baby bathtub. Cotton balls or swabs with alcohol will be needed for umbilical stump care. You also may need baby lotion as many baby's skin gets very dry in the first few weeks. Baby nail clippers are essential because nails grow fast and must be cut to prevent face scratching. Many baby care kits are available that include some of these mentioned items plus other things, like a nasal aspirator, diaper rash ointment, a thermometer and brush.

Carseat and Other Stuff

• You will need a car seat to bring your new baby home from the hospital. Choose a rear-facing infant seat designed to be used until your baby weighs 20 pounds or a convertible seat, which can face rear or front.

  Buy a bassinet, crib with mattress or co-sleeper for baby to sleep in. Just like clothes, bassinet or crib sheets tend to get soiled frequently so make sure to have several on hand.

  Swings or vibrating chairs can be helpful to help soothe the baby. Slings or front packs can come in handy as they allow you to carry your baby closely and still have your hands free to get things done around the house.