The arrival of a new baby is a very exciting event. Whether you are expecting your first child, preparing for your third little one or going through the adoption process, you will need to get ready for the baby before bringing the baby home. Not only will having certain items on hand make it easier for you to care for the baby but some items, like the car seat, are also actually required ahead of time.
Transporting the Baby
You will need a way to transport the baby from place to place. Even if you take the bus everywhere, you should still have a car seat, which you will need anytime you bring your baby in your or any car. Car seats are available at many retailers; you can also call your town hall and ask if your municipality offers low-cost car seats, as many do. A car seat for an infant must initially face backward for proper safety. Install your car seat before the baby arrives to make sure you know use it properly and because you'll need it to bring baby home. Police departments and some car dealers offer free car-seat safety inspections.
A sling or a carrier that fastens around your waist and shoulders is also helpful. Carriers help babies stay close to their caregivers, something that can help make them feel safer and less fussy. However, carrying a baby around may strain your muscles after a prolonged period, so you'll want a stroller to help avoid fatigue. For infants, popular choices are a stroller base onto which the infant car seat is locked into place or a "pram"-type stroller in which the infant lies down. Umbrella strollers that merely provide a place to sit do not provide enough support for a young baby.
Feeding the Baby
Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed for as long as you can, you will still need items to help make that task easier. A breastfeeding mother may want to purchase a pump to help express and store excess milk. A nursing mother may also find that her breasts leak sometimes, and small pads can be placed in her bra to absorb any leakage. Special nursing bras are convenient, as the cup of the bra detaches from the top, allowing the baby easier access to the breast without the need for you to disrobe. A nursing pillow can help properly position the baby to help the baby latch on and nurse effectively.
If you are bottle-feeding, purchase six to eight bottles and slow-flow nipples to start. You will have to sterilize the bottles, so you might want to purchase a steam sterilizer. You may also want a bottle warmer to warm up the formula or breast milk in the bottle. You'll need a bottle brush to help clean the bottles and nipples. If using formula, purchase several containers as close to your due date as possible. Check the expiration dates carefully.
A Place to Sleep
You need to provide your baby with safe places to nap and sleep at night. Cribs are beds designed specifically for babies, as the mattress is surrounded by wooden bars so that the baby cannot crawl out of it. Other options include a free-standing bassinet for the baby's first few months or a small bed that attaches to the side of the parents' bed. Not everyone is comfortable with this latter arrangement, but it can be convenient for a nursing mother, as she can merely lean over to give the baby her breast.
Diapers
All babies need diapers for sanitary reasons. Not all babies will fit into newborn-size diapers, so you might want to have one box of newborn and one box of size one diapers, just in case. Place a garbage can or diaper pail in the area where you will be changing your baby's diapers.
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