Basic Baby Supplies

Expectant parents should think ahead about the many baby products they will be using a on regular basis. Not having the right baby supplies when bringing a newborn home can send new parents into a tailspin and send Daddy out for a lot of last minute shopping. It is best to be prepared with some basic items while a mother-to-be is still pregnant so that parents can relax when they bring baby home.

Diapering Supplies

Babies go to the bathroom a lot, even when they are just a few days old. It is important that parents have plenty of the right supplies to make changing easy. These include:

• Newborn size cloth or disposable diapers. Pampers Swaddlers are a good choice if a parent is using disposable diapers. The diapers have a knotch so that the umbilical cord stumps is not irritated. They also have a mesh lining that helps keep the baby more comfortable than traditional disposable diapers.
• Extra sensitive baby wipes.
• Vaseline, especially if the newborn is a boy who has been circumcised

Weather Appropriate Clothing

If a baby is due to be born in the winter, parents need to make sure they have plenty of warm clothing for the newborn. Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads in the first few weeks of life and hats are a major necessity for winter babies. Newborns also have sharp finger nails and parents should make sure they have some type of hand covering to keep the baby from scratching his or her face.

Blankets to Swaddle Baby

Babies like to be swaddled tightly in the beginning of their lives because they miss the snug feeling of the womb. Parents should have plenty of swaddling blankets to wrap the baby in. Having more than a few blankets is important in case the newborn spits up a lot or has a diaper leak.

Sterilized Bottles or Pacifiers

Parents who choose to bottle feed should sterilize bottles and pacifiers before a baby is born. Most new parents are overwhelmed on the babies first day home and do not need the added pressure of sterilizing everything in the beginning.

Have Formula on Hand Even if Breastfeeding

It is important that parents have at least one can of formula at home even if a mother is planning on breastfeeding. Circumstances may arise which prevent nursing at all after birth and being prepared with formula helps prevent rushing to the store at the last minute.

Build a Baby Registry Around Basic Supplies

If parents decide to create a baby registry for friends and family members they should be sure to add basic supplies first. Parents can never have too many baby necessities and adding basic supplies to a registry takes a bit of the financial burden off of parents. Some stores have a tool when creating a registry online that adds basic items to the registry first and parents can then add additional items.

When bringing a new baby home the best thing parents can do for both themselves and their newborn is to be prepared. Having an arsenal of basic supplies makes the first weeks much easier.

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