Baby care essentials

• 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

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

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

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)

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

• 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

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

• 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)

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

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