Baby care essentials Does my baby really need that much stuff?

Newborn And Baby Essentials
Before bringing home your new baby, you will want to make sure that you have the essentials to take care of him/her. The amount of items you will need will vary from one woman to another. Below is a checklist of what most women will need for their newborn.

Clothing:

• 6-8 undershirts (buy side-tying, button or snap front for the first few days; once the cord falls off, you may want to have some `diaper shirts` that snap closed at the crotch)
• 3-5 nightgowns
• 6-8 one-piece stretchy sleepers
• 1 or 2 hats
• 2 or 3 `outfits` for dressing up
• 4 or 5 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 1 or 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• 1 or 2 sweaters or jackets, more in winter
• bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby

Blankets:

• 1 or 2 large cotton blankets
• 6-8 receiving blankets (also good as burp cloths)

Feeding:

If you are breastfeeding, no equipment is needed! Some nursing mothers like to have these optional items:

breast pump

milk storage containers

nursing pillow

nursing bras (if buying prenatally, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)

breast pads (disposable or washable)

If you are formula feeding:

• 6 to 10 four ounce bottles with nipples
• 4 to 6 eight ounce bottles with nipples
• sterilizer
• bottle and nipple brush
• formula (be sure to check expiration date and note the lot number in case of recalls)

Diapering:

If you are using cloth diapers:

• 2 to 4 dozen diapers
• 6 to 8 waterproof covers

If you are using disposable diapers:

• buy 1 or 2 boxes of newborn size diapers. It is better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly
• 1 diaper pail
• Vaseline or other barrier cream
• 1 or 2 dozen wash cloths for cleaning baby`s bottom or disposable baby wipes

Bathtime:

• 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
• 6 to 8 wash cloths, not used on baby`s bottom
• baby soap or cleanser
• baby shampoo
• soft-bristled hair brush

Bedtime:

If you are using a crib:

• approved crib and crib mattress
• 2 or 3 waterproof mattress covers
• 3 or 4 fitted cribsheets
• 3 or 4 light blankets that fit in the crib

If baby will sleep with you (not recommended):

• firm mattress (not a waterbed)
• 2 or 3 waterproof pads to place under baby

Other Items:

• pacifiers
• nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby`s nails as needed)
• bulb syringe for suctioning mucous -many hospitals will give you this after delivery
• baby thermometer
• eye dropper or medicine spoon
• approved infant car seat-MUST HAVE BEFORE GOING HOME FROM HOSPITAL
• sling or baby carrier
• stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
• diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads
• change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)

Other Optional Items:

• baby swing
• bouncy baby seat
• mobiles
• rattles and other baby toys

Comments: Baby care essentials

Comments 1 to 24 of about 125.
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twinstwice - 25 days ago.
Just wondering if any moms out there that have lots of kids have ever had a quad stroller. And if so, what brand did you have and did you like it? We are looking into one but we would have to order it and the more info I have before hand the better! Please post on my page, thanks!

sdd2much - 28 days ago.
A girl that I work with gave me this info and I know I sure appreciated any extra help I could get so I thought I'd share it with you. I hope this is the right spot =) *Free New Mothers Kit From Pfizer Call 1-800-223-0182- Say you are interested in the New Mother's Kit and also let them know if you are having twins or triplets. They will ask how you heard of this offer, tell them a friend told you. You get Desitin, Pediacare, Purell, and other Pfizer products. *Evenflo 1-800-233-Baby free gift pack for Multiples-full of bottles, nipples and toys *Window Covering Safety Council free childproofing kit for window blinds, Call 1-800-506-4636 *Avent 1-800-54-AVENT free info and sample (wonderful samples for breastfeeding mother) *Baby Mil or Baby soy 1-800-344-1358 - Free samples and coupons *Balmex 1-866-844-2798 press 0 - free sample/coupons *Carnation Good Start 1-800-242-5200 free club with checks free and dollars off formula if you have twins or more they will send you even more coupons for free formula. *Del Monte 1-800-USA- BABY (coupons/samples) *Earths Best 1-800-434-4246 press #1 for free coupons *Free Evenflo Product Coupons, Booklets and Information, Call 1-800- 356-2229 *First Years 1-800-533-6708 free toys for Multiples *Gerber 1-800-443-7237 free coupons - be sure you tell them if you are having multiples *Huggies 1-800-544-1847 samples and coupons (make sure you tell them if you are having twins/triplets) *Johnson and Johnson 1-800-526-3967 coupons, and for multiples coupons for free items. *Luvs 1-800-699-7916 coupons for Multiples *Pedia Care 1-800-717-2824 $23.00 in cents off coupons and coupons for free items new mothers pack (some of their products are Desitin, Listerine, Pedia Care, Purell) Great pack *Similac 1-800-Baby-Line Welcome addition club checks for formula and info *Twins magazine 1-888-558-9467 they will send you a back issue to see if you like it. *Nestle Infant Nutrition 1-800-222-0453 www.verybestbaby. com They send coupons for 5 cans of carnation good start formula *Playtex Products 1800-222-0453 Twins-bottle kit, liners and pacifiers. Triplets-2 bottle kits, liners and pacifiers. Quads-3 bottle kits, liners and pacifiers *Evenflo Products Multiple Birth Program 1000 Evenflo Drive Canton, GA 30114 1-800-356-2229 Twins-starter kit, disposable liners and coupons. Triplets-starter kits, liners, coupons and bibs Quads- starter kits, liners, coupons and bibs *Scott Paper Co. - Call 1-800-TEL-SCOT to receive free Baby Fresh Wipesfor multiples. *Playtex Products 1800-222-0453 Twins-bottle kit, liners and pacifiers. Triplets-2 bottle kits, liners and pacifiers. Quads-3 bottle kits, liners and pacifiers *Johnson & Johnson 1-800-526-3967 Twins-gift packet. Triplets-gift packet. Quads-gift packet *Mead & Johnson 1-800-222-9123 www.enfamil. com You can receive a one time shipment of complimentary formula; one case for each baby. *Proctor & Gamble Company Pampers Multiple Birth Program 1-800-543- 0480 Preemie Pampers can be purchased by the case by calling 1-800- 543-4932. *Beechnut Food Corp 800-beechnut www.beechnut. com Twins-promotional packet and 2x the coupons. Triplets-promotiona l packet and 3x the coupons. Quads-promotional packet and 4x the coupons. *Bristol-Myers Multiple Birth Program 1800-422-2902 ask for coupons and samples. *H.J. HeinzConsumer Services 1-800-872-2229 Send coupons for baby products *Modial Industries 216-626-4490 Different gifts, some people get diaper genies *Carnation 800-242-5200 Carnation does not have a multiple program, but you can call every week or so and get coupons. They do have an Special Delivery Club for expectant mothers:1-800- 547-9400, Carnation sends booklets on pregnancy, nutrition, formula coupons, samples, order forms for upcoming programs and other pamphlets. *Midas 800-621-0144 Midas dealers offer discounts on car sets. You can return the seats to Midas and get credit for services at any Midas shop. *Ross Laboratories (Similac)1-800- 222-9546 Welcome Addition Club - Call to join the club and receive coupons. Talk to your peditrition for local rep. Will usually give a case of formula per baby. *Scott Paper Co.1-800-TEL- SCOTTwins- coupons for free Baby Fresh and Wash a-bye BabyTriplets- coupons for free Baby Fresh and Wash a-bye BabyQuads-coupons for free Baby Fresh and Wash a-bye Baby *Ansa Bottle Co., 1-800-527-1096 Triplets or more only *Little Me, 1-800-533-5437/ 1-301-729- 4488 Triplets or more only; *Mother's Little Miracle, 1-310-544-7125 Triplets or more only; *One Step Ahead Catalog, 1-800-274-8440 *COUPON for a FREE any size Baby Magic Product 1-800-228-7408

sugarmomma - 30 days ago.
My husband bought our little man a stroller and carseat set yesterday. OMG, getting baby stuff makes me so excited!!! Let's go calendar... pick it up... I can't wait... let's go... hurry up!! I want my boy to see his new 'ride' :o)

tashabug - 35 days ago.
on the subject of fenugreek(sp)...my lc told me to take 3 3x a day. about every 8 hours

Bri - 35 days ago.
niseybear - You're lucky. I haven't heard of anyone being sent home with formula. The ped might if the baby isn't gaining weight and we even got some from our 'baby pictures' place (where we had our 3D u/s done). My hospital sent us home with some much, even a HALO sleepsack but no formula. Good Luck with your fenugreek. It helped me. I got an extra couple ounces from it. Did you have to order it? I got mine from our grocery store and I know vitamen stores like GNC carry it. Make sure you take enough that your sweat smells like maple syrup. If it doesn't then you aren't taking enough. I know the package says 2 three times a day but that usually isn't enough. It is a herb so don't worry about it harming you. Good Luck!

niseybear - 35 days ago.
You know, that's interesting Bri about the hospital sending her home without formula or a bottle. I was provided A LOT of formula when I left the hospital AND my son's ped gave us more a week later. All I had to do was purchase the bottles. I'm having trouble with my milk supply right now...pumping is useless, but my little man seems to be getting enough as he isn't fussy after feeding. He was one time today, but I think that was because he got disinterested and started playing with my nipple instead of feeding. I pulled him off and he was crying about five minutes later. I gave him a bottle and we were all good! LOL I'm waiting on the Fenugreek to arrive and hopefully that will do the trick.

Bri - 36 days ago.
Hey everyone. I was thinking of the one thing most people don't tell you but you should have just in case. My sister planned and did for the most part breastfeed. Therefore, they didn't buy bottles or formula. But, she had complications with her birth, horrible story. Her body was wanting to recover before it started producing milk. Their first night home was fine until about 2am when their new baby was screaming her head off for food and Jamie wasn't producing like she should be at that point. Hospitals send you home with a whole bunch of stuff but never do they give you formula and a bottle. At 2am my brother in law was running to the grocery store to find something to feed his daughter with. I now say hope for the best and plan for the worst with breastfeeding. It is hard for most women. Those that don't run into any bumps is lucky. When my son was born I made sure I had formula just in case.

krystalnicolewright - 39 days ago.
Ok, can someone tell me....the only thing that I haven't bought yet and am wondering about is a baby wipes warmer. I've heard many people say that it is a must-have and many others that say that you don't need it. What do you think? Please comment on my page!

karenc - 39 days ago.
thencamebaby, we bought a crib at babies r us and spent in the middle range (of what was available) -- somewhere over $100 but less than $200. it's lovely and very sturdy wood and it does convert to a toddler/day bed -- we thought that seemed really practical -- and we found a coordinating changing table too. I felt the same way -- didn't want to skimp but we watch our budget and didn't want to blow all of our money on one item. I say it makes sense to buy a good quality crib that's within your means and that appeals to your sense of style. luckily, there's a really wide range out thee to choose from!

Bri - 39 days ago.
Sakurako - I feel for you. I thought about twins when I was buying for my son. It is amazing how much stuff you need. Like I said below. I would buy what you need and not go for all the extra stuff. For clothes, you don't need as much as they say. I do laundry once a week and don't have near as much as they say. 2 or 3 outfits for dressing up??? I have like one. I never had in the 0-3month range because babies want to be comfy and don't need the dressy stuff. I have a son and hate sweater vest and such anyways. Now that he is five months old we have a polo shirt and two aloha shirts (he's hawaiian) and that is what we have for 'dressy'. We never had a snowsuit (it reminds me of the little brother from 'A Christmas Story' that couldn't move). For blankets - you get a lot from friends and family and so you won't need to buy many. I have three that I use. One that he sleeps with, a spare and one for his carseat. That's it. Feeding is different. If you are breastfeeding then you might not need a pump and all that yet. See how things work out and then buy from there. You may find that nursing twins is too much. I have a friend and couldn't keep up with twins. If you are bottle feeding then you won't need storage contains and such. I do recommend a nursing pillow whether you are or not. Even my husband loves to use our Boppy when feeding our son. Who really uses waterproof covers anyways? If you have girls then most dresses come with diaper covers and you won't use them with boys. You get my idea... Don't worry too much about quanity but what you need. Babies are too expensive to keep buying things that you don't need. That being said...I do buy a lot for my little boy. He has lots of cute oneies that I couldn't pass up. And now that he is playing with toys I alway find something at the store everytime we go shopping. He is definately not deprived of any needs. HAHA! He's a very happy young man. Everyone is going to find their right balance. Some people will spend more on the nursery and others on clothes and again others on toys. I try to buy what is needed and then the extras are spaced out a little bit more. Like I said before. I haven't consentrated on the nursery yet because I plan on moving. By then I will have a little more time and money. Even then I won't be buying everything the nursery lists say to buy. I think these lists are made buy retail stores. HAHA!! Buy buy buy!

Bri - 39 days ago.
ja312sta - I would say spend what you feel is right. It looks like you have the basics so all you really need is the sheets. I would skip on buying the 'bed in the bag' style sheets. You won't use the blanket unless you hang it on the wall. Obviously pillows in the bags are a no-no too. They don't recommend bumpers anymore because of SIDS but I have one anyways. My baby moves around too much at night not too. He got his leg bruised at daycare because he put it through the slats and try to get free before the teacher got to him. I would buy a bumber, at least two sets of sheets and a dust ruffle if you want it to look pretty. You will need a laundry basket and diaper pail if you haven't gotten those. A soft lamp and nightlight are nice too for those midnight feedings and diaper changes. Other then that I wouldn't go overboard. Remember the first year your baby won't really care if there are expensive paintings on the walls. If you find cute pictures then that's great. I live in a condo right now and plan on moving within the year so I haven't really decorated much yet. A couple bright things to make the room cheery but I figure the baby doesn't care and there are too many other things to buy for. When I get into my house I will probably paint the walls and make it more of his room but for now he's happy with his toys and crib being fun.

thencamebaby - 40 days ago.
I'm having problems choosing what crib to buy. They all seem fairly similar, but the prices vary so much. I don't want to buy an inexpensive crib that is built cheaply, but I also don't want to get ripped off. How did you all chose a crib? Also, are the cribs that are supposed to grow with your child (convert into a toddler bed/day bed) better then a regular crib? please let me know what you think!

karenc - 40 days ago.
like many babies, my little boy has sensitive skin, so we are washing our laundry with dye- and fragrance-free detergent. Arm & Hammer and Purex have both worked nicely for us and are affordable (as opposed to Dreft which is over $9 a box at my supermarket). I skip dryer sheets but my husband likes them and has found several fragrance-free brands.

kathp - 40 days ago.
Because I have MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities) I am hyper aware of the chemicals in detergents. For most babies any non-biological washing powder is fine. I would recomend not using fabric softeners though as these can contain some chemicals with unproven safety. In particular those associated with the scent. If you want a completely natural alternative, you could use soap nuts and bicarbonate of soda. Soap nuts are the husks of the fruit of the soap nut tree and contain completely natural saponin. The bicarb aids in whitening.

ja312sta - 50 days ago.
I am pregnant with my first baby and I was wondering. What is the average price everyone is spending on decorating their babies room? How much is too much to be spending? I already have my crib and changing table. I need the bedding blanket, bumpers, sheets, Curtains, crib skirt. I also have a rocking chair, but I am going to have the pads on that recovered as well. Ok now what is a good amount to spend? or what did you spend?

Sakurako - 50 days ago.
I've got twins coming and the sheer amount of necessary *stuff* is sort of freaking me out. It's like this whole list, doubled! I'm sort of a minimalist and an organizer, so this will definitely be a change.

socalgal - 58 days ago.
Lizzie, Babies really do not need shoes for a very long time--until they start cruising around 8 months or so. But most people still get little baby shoes because they are cute. But you do need some socks and/or booties from the beginning. Even if you put the baby in a blanket, they often kick their feet free. Plus, in the summer it will be pretty warm, so you may not want to have baby all wrapped up all the time--a onesie and some socks would be perfect in warm weather. Another thing that new moms may not know you need are the mittens. That should be one of the first things you put on baby. They are born with long sharp fingernails and begin scratching the hech out of themselves immediately after birth, so you will want to cover their hands right away. Good luck!

lizzie287 - 60 days ago.
Hey Moms! I'm a first timer, never been around babies much, except holding for, you know, 5-10 minutes once every 10 years so far lol. My question is when do babies start needing socks and shoes? I imagine for the first few months they would probably mostly be wrapped in blankets would they not? Just want to know what all I need to buy for my little girl who is coming in July! Thanks!

lljohnson3 - 64 days ago.
Hello Mommies! I hope you are all feeling and doing well! Those little babies are growing fast! I am hoping you guys will check out my website. I am making personalized baby burp cloths and blankets and I would love to do business with you! And since I am just starting out I would also appreciate any suggestions and advice you can give me on my products and website :) http://littledroolers.webhop.org

katiebaby1434 - 65 days ago.
are humidifiers necessary??

loveatfirstbump - 67 days ago.
Does anyone make their own soap? Last summer I learned how to make all natural homemade soap (body & face) It contains absolutely no chemical preservatives or all the other junk you might find in store bought soap. I made a few 100% Olive Oil soap bars, which I plan to use for the baby. The other bars contain stuff like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and essential oils for aromatherapy. Its costs a bit to get started up but its totally worth it.

cali.momma - 72 days ago.
dreft smells AMAZING

megcantwaitforherfirst - 72 days ago.
i was wondering whhat i should dress my baby in coming home from the hospital in the summer??

CaseyLynn - 77 days ago.
About detergent: I was told that Dreft is the best but not necessary. Any detergent that says 'free and clear' or is free of dyes or fragrance and is hypo-alergenic is perfectly fine to use. Dreft is expensive and I was looking for an alternative that I could use for the whole family. I haven't tried this yet of course but I plan to. I thought I would offer up this little tidbit since it is a bigger issue than I thought.

girlygirl - 77 days ago.
Just have to tell anyone having twins, or even those just having one who want to save some money, about an awesome car seat. The Radian car seat made by Sunshine Kids fits three across the back seat of a car, and is good from birth to 65 pounds so it's the only car seat you'll ever need. As easy as it may seem at first to get the bucket seat, you're going to have to buy another one at 6 months or so, so these are a good investment. It saved us not only on the car seats, but on the cost of a new van! Just had to share...


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