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Baby supplies you need

As you prepare for your baby to come home, you will want to have many items ready. If you are having a baby shower, you can put some of these items on your gift registry. You can buy other items on your own before your baby is born.

The more you plan ahead, the more relaxed and ready you’ll be when your baby arrives.

Below is a list of items you will need.

Crib and Bedding

  • Sheets (3 - 4 sets). Flannel sheets are nice in the wintertime.
  • Mobile. This can entertain and distract a baby who is fussy or is having a hard time falling asleep.
  • Noise machine. You may want to get a machine that makes white noise (like soft static or a rainfall). These sounds can be soothing for the baby and can help him sleep.

Changing Table Supplies

  • Diapers - (8 - 10 per day).
  • Baby wipes - Unscented, alcohol free. You may want to start with a small supply because some babies are sensitive to them.
  • Vaseline (petroleum jelly) - good to prevent diaper rash, and to care for a boy's circumcision.
  • Cotton balls or gauze pads to apply Vaseline.
  • Diaper rash cream

Rocking Chair with a Footstool

  • Pillow for resting your arm when nursing
  • "Donut" pillow – This helps if you are sore from a tear or an episiotomy from your delivery.
  • Blanket to put around you and baby when it is chilly

Clothes for New Baby

  • One-piece sleepers (4 - 6). Gown-types are the easiest for changing diapers and cleaning baby up.
  • Mittens for the baby’s hands to keep him from scratching his face
  • Socks or booties
  • One-piece daytime outfits that snap (easiest for changing diapers and cleaning baby up)

General Items

  • Burp cloths (a dozen, at least)
  • Receiving blankets (4 - 6)
  • Hooded bath towel (2)
  • Washcloths (4 - 6)
  • Bathtub - one with a "hammock" is easiest when the baby is tiny and slippery.
  • Baby bath and shampoo (baby safe – look for baby ‘no tears’ formulas)
  • Nursing pads and nursing bra.
  • Breast pump
  • Car seat - most hospitals require that this be properly installed before leaving the hospital. If you need help, ask your nurses at the hospital for help with installing it before picking the baby up.

Update Date: 6/25/2012

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

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