Basic Supplies for Your New Baby

Basic Supplies for Your New Baby

Besides an infant car carrier to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital, there are a number of things your baby will need during her first months. Most of a newborn's time is spent either eating or sleeping so bedding and feeding supplies are most important. Provide your baby with a bassinet or crib that meets modern safety standards as well as a swing, play mat, or activity seat for relaxing.

The necessary infant feeding supplies will vary depending on whether your baby is breast fed or taking formula. Newborns are not big eaters during the first few months, so a selection of four ounce bottles will be ideal. Larger eight ounce bottles can be introduced after about three months when your infant increases her feeding amounts.

Your baby's wardrobe is one of the most fun things to shop for. Newborn outfits are available in a number of styles and your infant will probably have more than enough during her first few months. Look for well-made clothing that will hold up against stains and roomy outfits that do not hinder your baby's movement. One piece shirts that button at the crotch are favorites because of their layering flexibility and ease of changing.

Until your baby begins to walk, non-slip socks and booties will be best for her little feet. Infants love to kick so be sure the booties are not easy to remove. Bibs are also an important part of your newborn's wardrobe. Bibs will protect your baby's clothes from the inevitable messes during feeding time and the drooling that will soon result from teething.

During your newborn's first days at home she will only need a sponge bath. After her umbilical cord falls off, she can enjoy her first real bath. An infant tub will provide extra support for your babies head and make bath time much simpler. Use a gentle cleanser made for babies or a mild soap with a small, soft cotton wash cloth. Rinse your baby often with cupfuls of warm water and wrap her in a soft hooded towel to dry.

Parents hate to see their babies suffer with colds, toothaches, or temperatures so a medicine bag with basic health and safety items is a must have. Grooming tools made specifically for infants, like nail clippers, manicure scissors, brushes, and combs, should be a part of your baby supplies. Also include a thermometer, infant pain relievers and cold medicines, and a nasal aspirator bulb for sniffles and coughs. Petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and swabs, and an assortment of first aid supplies will also prove valuable in the future.

Your infant may sleep most of the day and spend most of her awake time eating, but she will still delight in simple toys with movement and sounds. See our guide to choosing infant toys. The Baby Cake Diaper Cakes combine an assortment of the basics you and your newborn will need in a colorful nursery display. The Diaper Cakes include bottles, diapers, and wardrobe essentials as well as a variety of toys perfect for newborns.

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