Five of the Most Important Items for a New Baby
Newborn babies come with a long list of needs, but some needs have a much higher importance than others because tiny babies can't live without certain items. These essential tools help parents properly care for their infants, so their little ones thrive. Get the most important items first and worry about additional luxury items later. Buy items you need to keep your baby fed, safe, warm and comfortable. Then go shopping for "extras" such as toys and expensive strollers.
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Breastfeeding Supplies or Formula
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Food tops the list as one of the most vital items needed for a new baby. All babies need to eat either breast milk or formula in the first few months. Babies can't eat solid food, so only feed your infant breast milk or formula until your doctor gives you the approval to give her food. Some doctors recommend starting solid food at a certain age, while others look for signs of readiness such as sitting up or swallowing. If you plan on breastfeeding, buy breast pads, nipple cream, milk storage containers, a breast pump and other supplies to help you gain a good milk supply. New moms may also enjoy breastfeeding support pillows along with comfortable nursing bras. Avoid stocking up on too much formula in advance if you decide to formula feed because you don't know how your new baby will react to formula. You may need to switch formulations a few times until you find the right one for your infant. If you do decide to buy a tub of formula beforehand, check the expiration date and write down the lot number just in case it's recalled.
Diapers and Supplies
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What goes in must come out, so don't forget to stock up on diapers and supplies such as diaper cream, wipes and baby powder. Buy several different sizes because babies grow rapidly in the first few months. If you still end up with too much of one size, some stores will exchange unopened packages of diapers for a different size. Call the store ahead of time to find out what its policy is.
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Clothing and Blankets
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All babies need clothing to keep them warm and secure. Buy several different types of outfits such as sleepers, t-shirts, onesies, booties, socks, hats and other outfits. Buy more winter outfits if your baby is due in the fall or winter, and stock up on extra newborn spring and summer outfits if your new addition arrives in the spring. Don't forget to buy extra receiving blankets and a few regular blankets also.
Car Seat and Accessories
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You need a car seat to ensure your baby is safe when you leave the hospital or house, if you have a home birth. Babies need to remain secure in a car seat every time they ride in the car. Some states have serious fines and penalties for people who don't keep their infants in car seats while driving. Purchase head support cushions, so your baby's head doesn't flop around while laying in the car seat.
Extra Sanitary and Health Supplies
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Buy extra sanitary supplies that go beyond diapers and wipes. Buy hand sanitizer for yourself and those who want to hold the new baby. Stock up on anti-bacterial soap, diaper changing pads and a diaper pail to keep diapers in a secure sanitary place. A newborn baby also needs other health supplies, such as a thermometer.
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References
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