A List of Things You Will Need For Your Baby

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

23 Jan 2006 04:03 PM

Here's a list of items that every baby needs. I suggest waiting until after your baby shower before purchasing too many supplies because many of the items you will receive as gifts.

Medical Supplies

· thermometer - I prefer digital thermometers over mercury ones.

· infant ibuprofen, Tylenol, or both - You don't want to be running to the drugstore when your child is sick.

· teething tablets - These are homeopathic and great for relieving teething pain. They can be found at Wal-mart.

· nail clippers - the scissor kind is worthless, get small clippers that look like adult ones

Changing Supplies

· small changing pads

· diapers - don't stock up on too many newborn diapers because most babies don't stay small for long. I love the White Cloud brand at Wal-mart. Buy the big box it's cheaper per diaper.

· wipes - I prefer Parents Choice wipes at Wal-mart. Buy one carton for the container then buy them by the box.

· changing table or countoured changing pad and a cover that can sit on top of a dresser

Bath Supplies

· bath towel - buy two with hoods

· bath toys - plus a plastic cup for rinsing and pouring

· washcloths

· baby soap and shampoo or body wash

· baby lotion

· desitin or corona (Which is for animals and sold at feed supply stores. It has lanolin, which heals diaper rash faster than anything I've ever found. A nurse recommended it to me.)

· soft brush

· infant bath tub or sling - I preferred the sling because the tubs are so hard to store

Feeding Supplies · bottles - 1 or 2 are nice even if you plan on breastfeeding

· binkie

· burp clothes - need 4 to 6 or more if your baby has reflux

· breast pads - actually for Mom. I recommend Lansinoh brand

· formula

· breast pump - I found hand pumps worked better than electric.

you can wait until your baby is four months old before buying these items · plastic bibs - get a small one that fits the baby's neck

· baby spoons - plastic coated ones are the best

· baby food and cereal also plain mashed potato flakes are easy to fix and cheap.

· sippy cup - I like the ones with handles for first time drinkers

Bring home from the hospital

· alcohol pads

· soft brush for scrubbing babies head while bathing - this prevents cradle-cap

· nose aspirator

Sleeping Essentials

· crib

· receiving blankets - buy 4 to 6 because babies need to be wrapped up when they are first born

· sheets - at least two for when your baby poops or throws up on one

Car Basics

· infant car seat

· sun screen for the car window

Clothing

· clothes - don't buy too many you will receive a lot of 0-3 month clothes at your baby shower. If you get too many which you probably will take them back and buy a bigger size. Figure out how old your child will be the next time the season comes around and buy that size.

· pajamas - buy lots of these, 4 to 6 pairs, because they are easy to change and keep your newborn warm

· onesies

· socks - keep those baby feet warm

Toys and Board Books

· teething rings

· toys with bright colors and music

· balls

· blocks

· rubber toys for chewing

· soft toys for cuddling

· board books - not paper

Great extras

· bounce chair - my son slept in his the first three months because he was elevated and it helped his acid reflux

· swing - some children love these and some don't

· baby carrier - I used to take mine to the grocery store and carry my baby in it so I had my hands free.

· stroller - I used to take my son on walks for exercise.

· bassinet - this is nice because you can keep the baby closer for the first month

· rocking chair - babies love the rocking motion

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Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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