How2Day: A Checklist for What to Buy for a New Baby

Having supplies on hand makes baby's homecoming easier. Maria Toutoudaki/Photodisc/Getty Images
Today, ultrasound tests have made buying gender-specific clothing for an expected newborn easy. Now, parents buy baby's first set of clothing according to its gender. In addition to putting clothing on a list of things needed to bring the baby home, federal law requires the use of an infant car seat for the trip. In order to avoid last-minute scrambles, it's best to have on hand bottles and sterilizing equipment for baby's feedings, toiletries for baby's bath and a place for the baby to sleep when the baby arrives at home.

The easiest way to make certain the newborn has the clothing he needs to start out is to purchase a layette. A layette is a set of prepackaged baby clothing. Some prepackaged layettes include only the items needed to dress the baby to bring him home from the hospital. Larger layettes include a wider variety of clothing designed for the baby to wear until he reaches approximately 3 months.

All layettes contain sweaters, sleepers, socks,and mittens to keep the baby from scratching his face. Layettes also include undershirts long enough to fasten with snaps at the crotch. Receiving blankets, knit caps to cover the head and bibs are other pieces among the prepackaged items. Parents often buy more of the basic layette items and add things such as booties, rompers and dress-up outfits.

Whether you choose disposable diapers or cloth with waterproof covers, be sure you have plenty. Newborns go through more diapers than most parents can foresee.

U.S. law requires that children 40 pounds and under ride in a car seat. According to the National Institute of Health, "Automobile accidents are one of the major causes of injury and death in children." A newborn leaving the hospital must be strapped in an infant-only, rear-facing car seat.

A bassinet or a crib is a must-have for the checklist. Bassinets and cribs are small baby beds that provide a safe place for baby to sleep. The bed needs a mattress cover, sheets, blankets and possibly a neck support. The baby's room should include a dresser, chest, stool, and whatever additional furniture the parents want.

If the newborn will be formula-fed, several 8- and 4-oz. disposable and non-disposable bottle sets are needed. Sterilizing equipment, bottle brushes and a bottle warmer are additional items that are helpful but not essential.

For baby baths, you can purchase baby starter kits or each item separately. The checklist can include a baby-size tub, body-wash, mild shampoo, lotions, powder, oil and towels.

Though not immediately necessary, most parents-to-be include rattles, pacifiers, a baby monitor, a thermometer, diaper bag, breast pump and a diaper pail on the list.

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