List of Things to Get Before Bringing a Baby Home

Medications

• When visiting your doctor during pregnancy, make sure you request a list of all essential medications you need to have on hand when the new baby arrives. If your child has complications at birth, your doctor many also prescribe additional medications; make sure you know what those medications are and how to use them. In addition, you will need a baby thermometer, diaper rash cream, saline nose drops, rubbing alcohol and infant ibuprofen.

Diapers and Baby Wipes

• When your baby is first born, he will go through approximately 80 to 100 diapers each week. You will probably want to stock up on at least a week's worth of diapers before the baby arrives. You will also need wipes to clean up your baby each time you change a diaper. If you plan to use a cloth diaper service, make sure you make arrangements ahead of time so that you receive timely deliveries as required.

Nursery

• The first thing that usually comes to mind when having a baby is the crib. You want to make sure you purchase a crib with slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent accidents. Make sure the mattress you select for the crib fits firmly and does not leave any gaps. Gaps are dangerous and your baby could get his head stuck in between the mattress and the crib. Make sure you have waterproof mattress pads, fitted sheets, bumper pads (if desired), receiving blankets, sleep sacks and a changing pad. You will also want to purchase a storage rack for storing diapers, wipes and baby clothes.

Transportation

• If you plan on transporting your baby in your car, you will need an infant car seat for your newborn. You should purchase a new car seat rather than accepting a hand-me-down because many older car seats no longer meet current safety standards. You will also need a stroller for your baby and a diaper bag to carry essential supplies, such as diapers, wipes, bottles, formula and a change of clothes.

Hygiene

• Your baby will need careful grooming and care from day one. To do the task properly, make sure you stock up on tearless shampoo, baby body soap, infant nail clippers, washcloths, a baby bathtub and a brush or comb.

Clothes

• Where you go your baby will go, so she will need appropriate clothes for all seasons. Make sure she has onesies, T-shirts, sweaters, pants, hats, mittens, a coat, socks or booties and sleeping outfits. In addition, you will need to purchase special mild baby detergent.

Feeding

• The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of your newborn crying from hunger, only to find that you need to take a trip to the store to purchase formula. Instead, make sure you have plenty of baby formula on hand, plenty of bottles with caps and nipples, a measuring cup, breast pump if breastfeeding, nursing bras, nursing pads, bibs and burp cloths.