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Preparing to go home with your baby

Cribs and crib safety Eat right during pregnancy Preparing your other children

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Baby supplies you need

Description

As you prepare for your baby to come home, you will want to have many items ready. If you are having a baby shower, you can put some of these items on your gift registry. You can buy other items on your own before your baby is born.

The more you plan ahead, the more relaxed and ready you will be when your baby arrives.

Below is a list of items you will need.

Crib and Bedding

For the crib and bedding you may want:

• Sheets (3 to 4 sets). Flannel sheets are nice in the wintertime.

• Mobile. This can entertain and distract a baby who is fussy or is having a hard time falling asleep.

• Noise machine. You may want to get a machine that makes white noise (soft static or a rainfall). These sounds can be soothing for a baby and can help them sleep.

Changing Table Supplies

For the changing table you will need:

• Diapers: (8 to 10 per day).

• Baby wipes: Unscented, alcohol free. You may want to start with a small supply because some babies are sensitive to them.

• Vaseline (petroleum jelly): Good to prevent diaper rash, and to care for a boy's circumcision.

• Cotton balls or gauze pads to apply Vaseline.

• Diaper rash cream.

Rocking Chair with a Footstool

For the rocking chair you may want:

• Pillow for resting your arm when nursing.

• "Donut" pillow. This helps if you are sore from a tear or an episiotomy from your delivery.

• Blanket to put around you and baby when it is chilly.

Clothes for New Baby

For the baby's clothes you will need:

• One-piece sleepers (4 to 6). Gown-types are the easiest for changing diapers and cleaning baby up.

• Mittens for the baby's hands to keep them from scratching their face.

• Socks or booties.

• One-piece daytime outfits that snap (easiest for changing diapers and cleaning baby up).

General Items

You will also need:

• Burp cloths (a dozen, at least).

• Receiving blankets (4 to 6).

• Hooded bath towel (2).

• Washcloths (4 to 6).

• Bathtub, one with a "hammock" is easiest when the baby is tiny and slippery.

• Baby bath and shampoo (baby safe, look for baby 'no tears' formulas).

• Nursing pads and nursing bra.

• Breast pump.

• Car seat. Most hospitals require the car seat to be properly installed before leaving the hospital. If you need help, ask your nurses at the hospital for help with installing it before bringing your baby home. (The National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA) -- www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats provides recommendations on finding the right car seat and installing it correctly.)

References

Parga-Belinkie JJ. The newborn infant. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 115.

Wesley SE, Allen E, Bartsch H. Care of the newborn. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 21.

Review Date: 5/14/2024

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.