Since you will probably not feel like shopping for more baby gear in your
infant's first weeks home, it is wise to stock up on all the things you will
need ahead of time. Certainly, you will need basic baby supplies before your
baby comes home. While there are infinite items you can get for your baby, make
sure you have at least the following things on hand before the birth:
Diapers: plan on using approximately 10 diapers per day, so you will need at
least 70 for the first week.
Diaper ointment
Baby blankets
Somewhere for baby to sleep: a Moses basket, a bassinet or co—sleeper all
work fine
Bedding for wherever baby is sleeping.
Simple baby clothes: t-shirts, pajamas, socks and a hat
An infant thermometer
A pacifier
Soft cotton pads: many medical experts recommend not using diaper wipes the
first month since babies' skin is so delicate. A soft cotton pad dipped in warm
water can be used to wipe baby's bottom instead.
A diaper bag to take gear with you.
Bottles and formula, if you do not plan to breastfeed. Even if you do, you
may want bottles so that you can pump milk for someone else to feed to baby
while you sleep.
A baby grooming kit –at least tiny nail clippers and a soft hair
brush
With these items, you should be able to see to your baby's material needs for
the first few weeks.
You may need a few supplies of your own once the baby comes. Consider
stocking up on these items before you go into labor to make life a little easier
later on:
Nursing bras: at least 2
Nursing pads: these go into your bra to soak up any breast milk that may
leak
Nursing pajamas or other easy to remove, comfortable lounging wear
"Purelan" ointment for cracked, sore breasts
Bottled water or other drinks easy to carry around and keep by your bedside
Night light or dim light for the baby's room: you will not want to turn on a
bright
light during those middle of the night feedings
Underwear: you already have underwear—but make sure you and every member of
your family has enough to go at least 10 days without doing laundry —you'll be
glad you did.