How to Get Ready for Baby Delivery

What does a baby need, beyond a loving smile?

Whether pregnant or adopting, preparing for the arrival of a new baby is an exciting time. With so many products on the market and so much conflicting advice, it can be hard to know what you need. Besides stocking up on items for the baby, you also need to prepare yourself for the busy first few weeks as well as mentally get ready for parenthood.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Bare Essentials for the Baby

1. Get clothing for the baby. Try to have approximately six to eight onesies, or bodysuits; four sleepers, or footed pajamas; two lightweight hats; and two pairs of booties or socks.

2. Get six to eight receiving blankets and two large square lightweight blankets that can be used to swaddle your baby.

3. Buy a car seat, if you use a car. You will need a properly installed car seat before you can drive away from the hospital with your baby.

4. Buy a few pacifiers. Many babies find pacifiers soothing at times. Check with your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about when to introduce a pacifier and what type to use.

5. If you plan to bottle-feed the baby, get four to six bottles (both four-ounce and eight-ounce size). Buy nipples, liners (if needed) and a bottle brush also.

6. Buy diapers and wipes. If you are using disposable diapers, buy one package of newborn size and one package of size 1 diapers. If you are using cloth, get two dozen diapers.

Other Baby Items

1. Determine where your baby will sleep. Get a bassinet, co-sleeper, crib or pack-and-play as well as sheets for the item.

2. Strollers are useful for getting out and about with your baby. Baby in Stroller image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com

   Get a stroller or baby carrier. Many strollers can be used with infant car seats. Consider using a sling, wrap or other carrier instead of a stroller.

3. Stock up on baby supplies such as a nasal aspirator, infant nail clippers and sterile gauze.

4. Find a pediatrician. Ask other parents for recommendations. Meet with a few doctors before choosing one for your baby.

Preparing Yourselves and Your Family

1. When the baby arrives, you might not feel like cooking. Sweet potato casserole image by PhotoDaniels from Fotolia.com

   Stock your freezer and pantry with prepared meals. In the first few weeks after the baby arrives, you might find yourself too busy or tired to cook.

2. Spend time enjoying your spouse or partner. Try to go on dates or take a trip -- even a weekend way -- before your family expands.

3. Talk to older children, if there are any, about the baby's arrival.

4. Locate local groups for new moms or new parents. Also see if there are any online parent groups in your area. Such groups can be good sources of support and information.

5. Finish or forget about any big projects. Tending a new baby is very time-consuming. Try not to be in the middle of a big renovation project when the baby arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider your budget, your living space, and your willingness to use secondhand items as you prepare for your new arrival.

• You can save a lot of money by using secondhand items such as cribs and clothing. Check your Yellow Pages to find out if there is a children's consignment shop near you. Ask friends and family if they are getting rid of any unwanted baby items.

• Do not buy many clothing items in the "newborn" size, as you do not know how big your baby will be when he or she is born.

• If you receive a lot of clothing or blankets as gifts, do not remove the tags and wash the items until you are sure you really need them.

• If you get a secondhand crib, bassinet, stroller or any other item, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website to determine if the product has been recalled for safety reasons.

References

• SureBaby: Preparing for the New Baby
• babyzone: Getting Ready for Baby: What Your Probably Didn't Think About!

Resources

• SureBaby: Preparing for the New Baby
• babyzone: Getting Ready for Baby: What Your Probably Didn't Think About!