Things You Need When Your Baby First Comes Home

When a baby first comes home from the hospital, he will have a few special needs that won't continue past the first couple of weeks. He will also have certain needs that will continue through his early years. However, there are only a few items that the parents need so the baby stays clean, healthy and comfortable.

  1. Necessities for Eating

    • If a mother chooses to breastfeed, she may not need much to get her baby started. Eventually, she may purchase a breast pump and a few bottles if she plans to go back to work or would like someone else to be able to feed her baby. However, if the mother chooses to formula feed, she will need formula, bottles and a slow-flow nipple made just for a newborn. Formula comes ready-made, in powder format or in liquid concentrate. There are many types of bottles and nipples. One newborn may prefer one type of bottle over another. Therefore, it may be necessary to try out a few bottles and nipples before finding one that pleases the baby.

    Diapers and Accessories

    • Diapers and wipes are necessities for a newborn. Most infants fit into the newborn size of diapers. A mother who chooses to use cloth diapers will want to buy enough for at least a couple of days so she isn't doing laundry all the time. The baby also may need a diaper ointment to prevent diaper rash. A newborn doesn't need extra lotions or oils because her skin is very sensitive and she could have an allergic reaction.

    Newborn Health Care Needs

    • All newborns need care for their belly button until the umbilical cord stump falls off. The parents will need alcohol pads to clean the site. If the baby is a boy and has been circumcised, the parents will need gauze to cover the site for the first few days. Following doctor's orders, parents may need to change the bandage whenever there is a diaper change to prevent infection, FamilyDoctor says.

    Safety and Comfort

    • The baby needs a few items to keep him safe and others that will keep him comfortable. A rear-facing car seat and a safe place to sleep, like a bassinet or Moses basket, are necessary safety items for a newborn, KidsHealth says. A couple of light blankets and some onesies to keep him warm and comfortable are also very helpful. A newborn cannot be put in a bath until his belly button is healed, so a few washcloths for a sponge bath are also useful.

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