How2Day: List of Things You Need Before a Baby Is Born

A list helps you know what you'll need before the baby is born baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
If this is your first child, you'll require any number of things before your baby is born. Waiting until after the birth adds tension to an already new and stressful situation of getting acquainted with the new member of the family and the accompanying lack of sleep. The more things you can have ready ahead of your baby's birth, the less worry you'll have about bringing that new little one home.

If you plan to nurse, you'll need clothing made for that purpose. Look for bras with pull-down flaps and clothing designed to allow you to nurse discreetly. A small blanket thrown over the shoulder can provide a discreet space for the baby to nurse. You can also use shirts that button or zip, or over-sized shirts you can pull up without exposing too much.

Babies grow quickly, so buy clothes in several sizes. But consider the seasons. For example, if you buy shorts sets in several sizes in July, you might find the larger shorts won't work because the weather has turned cold. Before buying clothes, think about when your baby will be born and the normal progression of growth. While fancy dresses for girls and little suits for boys are fun to have on hand for special occasions, for everyday wear you'll want T-shirts, one-piece sleepers and easy pull-on pants and shirts. Cold weather means warm winter gear to cover your little one from head to foot. Buy clothes that are easy to put on and get off. No matter how cute an outfit, if it has too many buttons, zippers or snaps, you'll soon discard it for something simpler to use. Also consider the comfort of your baby. Buy soft, stretchable clothing that won't bunch or scratch.

Babies use anywhere from four to 10 or more diapers per day, depending upon the needs of the individual newborn. Have a box or two on hand before you bring the little one home, but don't stock up too much. Babies grow very fast. Once your baby is home, you'll have a better sense of what diaper size to buy. Start with at least one box of newborn and one of the next size up ready to go. You'll also need wipes, rash ointment, powder and a diaper pail with plastic liners.

If you are breastfeeding, have available nipple softening and care ointment such as vitamin E, which doesn't hurt the baby. Get a breast pump so you can express milk if you miss nursing sessions.

If you plan to bottle-feed, you'll need formula and bottles. Get some protective towels to keep yourself clean when the baby drools or spits up and to clean up the baby when he drools or spits up.

You'll need a mattress along with bedding for a crib that is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You may also want a bassinet for use when the baby arrives home and the crib is too big. Keep a bassinet in your bedroom during those first days and weeks while you are recovering from the birth and learning to understand the baby's needs. You'll also want a changing table with raised rails so the baby will not roll off, and a baby bathtub. A rocker helps you soothe the baby and yourself as you rock that little one to sleep. A CPSC-approved car seat is required before bringing the baby home from the hospital.

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