It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what supplies to have for your baby’s arrival. There are countless products out there so how do you know what is really a necessity and what would just be nice to have? In order to make the process of selecting items feel more manageable, I recommend breaking your search down into categories. Here is Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny’s Preparing For Baby Checklist focusing on diapering, sleeping, and feeding.
Diapering
Diapers
First you will need to decide if you prefer to use disposable or cloth diapers. There are definitely pros and cons to each. Cloth diapers are better for the environment, but definitely add to your laundry pile and tend to be less absorbent. With cloth diapers you will also need a wet bag for when you are out of the house to store the soiled diapers in. Disposable diapers can be more convenient, but some brands can cause irritation more easily due to gels and dyes. Look for brands that avoid chlorine, dyes, and other unnecessary ingredients, such as Honest Company and Bambo Nature which is also eco-friendly.
Wipes
You will also need wipes. I recommend any brand that doesn’t involve perfumes, alcohol, or excessive soaps, such as Water Wipes. All you really need is water! Some parents opt for just using warm and a cloth, but like cloth diapers this adds a lot to the laundry pile and aren’t as convenient if you’re out and about.
Diaper Cream
Diaper cream or lotion can help with avoiding and resolving irritation. Using a petroleum jelly at each change such as Aquaphor or Vaseline can help to keep the skin dry and avoid rashes. With lotions, again it’s important to avoid perfumes. Natural diaper rash cream options are Burt’s Bees and Embeba Balm.
Changing Station
Last you will need to consider where you are going to change the baby. A changing table is great, but honestly, if you don’t want to spend the money, just getting a changing pad that you can spread out wherever you are will work just as well and likely be more convenient!
Sleeping
Where will baby sleep?
You will need to decide if you prefer to use a bassinet, bedside sleeper, or a crib when your baby first comes home. Eventually your baby will outgrow the bassinet option and a crib will be necessary. Regardless of what option you choose, it’s very important to purchase fitted sheets that are made for that specific item to ensure that they fit snuggly and baby cannot get tangled up in it.
Avoid Blankets
Additionally, it’s important for safe sleep to avoid blankets and instead opt for either a swaddling blanket (until baby can roll), or a sleep sack, such as Halo or SleepPea. According the American Academy of Pediatrics, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals are not recommended for sleep spaces. Although they look cute, they can add unnecessary risk of suffocation.
Additions
Other products help a child feel like they’re still in the womb, improving sleep, such as sound machines and pacifiers. Some parents opt to use pacifiers while others choose to avoid this route. The choice is completely personal. If you do opt to use pacifiers, be sure to have them in age appropriate sizes to safely fit baby’s mouth.
Feeding
Milk
Again, how you choose to feed your baby is going to be a personal choice. If you are strictly breastfeeding, then you will need to consider pumps, nursing bras, and milk storage bags. If you are formula feeding, then determining which brand of formula you use will be your first choice. We suggest discussing this with your pediatrician.
Bottles
There are so many options for bottles, and really the best one is the one your baby eats well from. Using a bottle that can help control airflow is ideal to avoid excess gas for baby, such as Dr. Brown or Avent. Most importantly is to ensure that you have the correct sized nipple so that your little one doesn’t take it too much too quickly (this can lead to choking, irritability, bottle refusal, and spitting up). As baby ages, moving up to the next nipple size can help to avoid frustration of not being able to get enough as quickly. As recommended by our Lactation Education Service Manager, Olivia, the best and most professionally recommended bottles for breastfed babies are those with gradual slopes. The top three that professionals and experienced moms recommend are: Dr.Brown’s, Lansioh, and Evenflo glass bottles.
Preparing For Baby Additions
Regardless of what method of feeding you use, it will be helpful to have burp clothes and soft muslin bibs to help keep baby (and you!) clean. It can also be helpful to have a Boppy pillow for added support while feeding. Having a nice rocking chair or glider to nurse in is a definite plus, but not a requirement as you may find the couch or other chair more convenient anyway.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in our Preparing For Baby Blog Series! In the mean time feel free to check out our Recommended Products here!
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About The Author
Sarah Proctor has worked with young children for over 25 years as a teacher, childcare director, nanny, and mom of two girls. She has her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration from UMass Amherst. In addition, Sarah has her Director 2 certification from the Department of Early Education and Care.
