Advice For Parents

What you need for your newborn: The basics, the extras and what you probably don’t need. 

When you sign up for a baby registry you are encouraged to buy everything they've got!.  All you really need for baby is diapers, a safe place for the baby to sleep, some clothing and loving arms. If you are driving your baby home from the hospital, you need a car seat.  But we know we will want extras to make life easier and more comfortable. We hope you find this useful. If you think of anything that should be added, please let us know!

Furniture

The necessities:

·       Crib, co-sleeper, bassinet, nest or portable crib. 

·       A firm mattress (preferably new)

Nice-to-haves:

·       Changing table or a pad for the baby’s dresser.

·       Rocking chair or glider

·       Humidifier or vaporizer

·       Dresser/chest

·       Hamper

·       Baby monitor (if you have a big house)

Babyproofing Gear

The necessities (after 4 months):

  • Gates at the top and bottom of all stairs

  • Cabinet, drawer and refrigerator latches

  • Outlet covers

  • Stove knob covers

  • Fireplace bumper

  • Furniture anchors and guards for sharp edges

  • Doorknob covers, toilet lock, 

Diapering Gear

The necessities:

·       2 packs of newborn disposable diapers or 2 to 3 dozen cloth diapers to start

·       Wipes

·       Diaper cream ointment

·       Waterproof changing table pad

·       2-3 changing table pad covers (usually cotton or terry cloth)

·       Diaper pail or trash can with a lid

·       Several diaper covers if using cloth diapers

What you don't need: Talcum powder,a wipe warmer or a diaper stacker 

Bathing and Grooming Gear

The necessities:

·       2 hooded towels

·       4 to 6 washcloths 

·       Infant tub (for after the umbilical cord falls off)

·       Bath seat or inflatable tub-within-a-tub (for after 6 months)

·       Baby bath wash/shampoo (without dye, scent or chemicals)

·       Baby comb and brush set

·       Baby nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set

The nice-to-haves:

·       Bath toys

·       Mesh bag to hold bath toys

·       Faucet guard

Baby Care Basics

The necessities:

·       Thermometer

·       Petroleum jelly

·       Infant acetaminophen (check with pediatrician before using)

·       Nasal aspirator

The nice-to-haves:

·       Teething gel or drops

·       Saline nose drops

Linens

The necessities:

  •  Several thin cotton receiving blankets

  • 2 waterproof mattress protectors

  • 2 fitted crib sheet

What you don't need: Pillows, bumpers, sleep positioners, or mattress padding as all pose a SIDS risk

Feeding Gear

Breastfeeding Gear:

Necessities

·       2-3 nursing bras or camisoles

·       2-3 boxes of nursing pads

·       6 or more cotton bibs

·       6 or more burp cloths (cloth diapers do the job)

·       Nursing pillow (optional) 

Nice-to-have:

·       Breast pump (electric if you'll use it every day at work, otherwise a hand pump is fine)

·       Breast milk storage bags or containers

·       Several bottles and nipples if someone else will be feeding baby pumped breast milk

·       Nipple cream (for the first few weeks)

Bottle feeding or when returning to work:

·       4 to 8 bottles with newborn nipples 

·       Bottle-cleaning brush or a dishwasher basket

·       Bottle-drying rack

·       For formula feeding wait until baby is born to buy formula to see what the pediatrician recommends.  

·       6 or more cotton bibs

·       6 or more burp cloths (cloth diapers do the job)

·       Insulated cooler/carrier for outings

After 6 months:

·       Highchair

·       Plastic bibs

·       Infant feeding spoons, cups and bowl

·       Baby food mill or blender

 Baby Clothing

The necessities:

·       7 or more snap-crotch bodysuits/onesies

·       3-4 T-shirts and/or side-snap shirts

·       Several shirt-and-pant sets

·       4 pairs of pajamas and/or sleeping gowns or 2 to 3 sleep sacks

·       Sun hat/cold weather hat

·       Sweater or fleece set 

·       Bunting or snowsuit (not for use in carseat)

·       6 pairs of booties and/or socks

Nice-to-have:

  • A special outfit to bring baby home in

What you don't need: Shoes (until baby is walking outside, i.e., the toddler years)

Baby Toys

No necessities, but it’s nice to have:

·       Soft books and board books

·       Rattles

·       Plastic links

·       Soft blocks

·       Activity gym/play mat

·       Toys that attach to the stroller

·       Something plush that crinkles, rattles, and squeaks

·       Baskets to store toys in all the key places: baby’s room, the living room, the kitchen

What you don’t need: Car seat toy bars (an added risk if there’s an accident)

Travel Gear

The necessities:

·       Car seat that fits a newborn. New is recommended!

·       Stroller that accommodates a newborn

·       Diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit

·       Front carrier or sling

The nice-to-haves:

·       Baby backpack (for after 6 months)

·       Stroller that your car seat fits onto

·       Rain cover for the stroller

·       Warm blanket or "boot" to wrap baby in during winter strolls

What you don't need: 

A mirror to see baby in the car since they can be a hazard if there's an accident 

Baby Seats

The necessities:

·       Bouncer seat or infant seat

·       Stationary activity center (once baby is 4 months old)

The nice-to-haves:

·       Swing

·       Travel sleep nest 

·       Portable play yard

Do not get a walker or jumper.  They are not safe.