Baby Supplies

The list of items you need to purchase for a new baby may seem incredibly daunting. As first time parents, you want to make sure your baby has everything he needs to become a thriving toddler. You want to make sure you do not miss any essential item. Yet many of the things the stores want you to think you need are not as necessary as you may think. And an item one parent raves about really may not be something you would use. Many baby products are unnecessary and will end up in storage or at next year’s garage sale. So how do you determine what baby supplies are truly essential and what are unnecessary?

To start with is the layette, the baby’s clothing and bedding. The amount of items you get in this category depends largely on how much you want to store and how frequently you want to do laundry. Some people would rather have less clothing items for their baby as they outgrow them so quickly. Others would rather have extra clothing items at their disposal and do laundry on a less frequent basis. The minimum amount you will need to get started is 6 to 8 onesies or T-shirts, 6-8 sleepers, 4-6 pairs of booties or socks, 4-6 receiving blankets, 3-4 sets of sheets for the crib or bassinet, 4-6 burp cloths, and 6-8 washcloths. Remember babies can go through several of these items per day. It is common for your baby to have worn 3 different outfits before bedtime.

Medical supplies also can be confusing as to knowing what you really need for your newborn. You will want to have a rectal digital thermometer (not a mercury thermometer) and lubricant (petroleum jelly) on hand. A rectal thermometer gives the most accurate temperature reading for infants up to 6 months old. After that age, a thermometer can be placed under their armpit, in their ear or in their mouth for an accurate reading. It also is a good idea to have a non-aspirin liquid pain reliever for infants (such as acetaminophen) in your medical supplies. When a fever comes, it is not the time you feel like running to the drugstore with your baby, so have the pain reliever on hand ahead of time. Saline drops to help relieve a stuffy nose, a suction bulb for the nose and infant nail clippers also are good items to have readily available.

For newborn care during the first few weeks it is essential to have rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs available to help clean the umbilical cord stump. The rubbing alcohol helps disinfect and dry the stump out until it falls off. Vaseline or petroleum jelly also are important if your baby was circumcised or to help prevent diaper rash. Creams specifically for diaper rash also are a good idea to have available. And of course you will want a good supply of newborn diapers ready for use. Most newborns use approximately 80 diapers per week. Depending what size your baby is at birth, however, could determine whether he fits better into newborn or size 1 diapers. Be careful not to purchase too many diapers in smaller sizes that he may quickly outgrow.

Items needed for bathing an infant are largely based on parent preference. Some parents want a baby tub for their infant. Others may prefer to bathe their baby in the tub on an infant bath sponge. And for some parents it is easiest to bathe their infant in the kitchen sink. Pick the location that works best for you. The first couple weeks until the umbilical cord stump falls off you will have to sponge bath your baby and not completely immerse his body. This can be done in any of the mentioned locations with a washcloth and small amount of soap. After the umbilical stump falls off and he can be immersed in water, you can use an infant shampoo and body soap separately or get a soap that works on both their hair and body. Many new parents make the mistake of bathing their baby more frequently than needed. Most newborns only need to take a bath a couple times a week. You do not want to scrub off that fresh baby smell any sooner than you need to.

Items that are nonessential and not recommended for newborns are baby powder and lotion. Baby powder should not be used because it can be inhaled into your infant’s lungs. Baby lotion is not recommended because it is better for your newborn to learn to create his own essential body oils. Only if his skin seems extremely dry or he has a condition such as eczema is lotion a good idea.

These are suggestions for essential baby supplies, but you are your baby’s parent and will best know what his needs are and what will work best in your household. Enjoy shopping for your new little one and keep receipts in case that essential item turns out to be nonessential after all.

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