Get eqipped for your baby

You only need the bare minimum of clothes, diapers, and equipment. Buy most of the baby clothes after the birth so that you get the right size. Even full-term babies vary greatly in weight and length. However, you will need essential items such as a bassinet or cradle, baby cribs, a car seat, a baby carriage or stroller, and a baby bath.

DO I NEED TO BUY A CRIB FOR MY BABY TO SLEEP IN?

New babies can sleep anywhere even in a drawer removed from a desk or dresser. For the first few weeks a bassinet or cradle is adequate, but eventually you will need a baby crib. Choose a sturdy crib because she will be spending a lot of time in it. Most cribs have drop sides; make sure the  mechanism is easy to use.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Even buying the essentials can be very expensive. You can choose to spend a lot of money or spend less and get basic versions of what is needed, but remember that your baby’s safety and comfort come first. The best-looking equipment is not necessarily the safest, however. Some parents are  superstitious about buying baby things before the birth, but many stores will accept a deposit, and will deliver after your baby arrives.

BABY CHAIR – This will support a young baby before she can sit. Always place the chair on the floor, not on a table.

CRIB AND BEDDING – A crib with an adjustable mattress height is safer, and easier on your back, too.

BASSINET – This lets your baby sleep wherever you are, but your baby will outgrow it within a few weeks.

BABY BATH – A portable baby bath makes giving baths easier.

CAR SEAT – This is essential for car travel. It is also necessary for your trip home from the hospital.

CHANGING BAG – Keep diapers, a fold-up changing mat, cotton balls, barrier cream, wipes, and lotion in a handy bag.

SLING – This must always have a support for the head
of a newborn baby.

BABY CARRIAGES AND STROLLERS – Baby carriages or strollers that can take a baby lying flat can be used from birth. The choice depends on the climate and your lifestyle. A carriage offers more protection from the elements, is easier to push, but is harder to get into a car. Strollers are easier to get in and out of cars.

Other essential items

You will also need the following items:
■ diapers and diaper-changing equipment
■ clothes for your baby to wear, and a blanket to wrap her in
■ baby bathing equipment
■ if bottle-feeding: bottles and nipples, sterilizing equipment, and formula
■ washable blanket and three to four crib sheets
■ a baby monitor that can operate on electricity or a battery (often rechargeable).

WHAT NONESSENTIAL ITEMS ARE USEFUL FOR MY BABY?

Aside from the absolute essentials, at this stage you might also consider purchasing a changing table with a wipe-clean surface on which your baby  can lie. Other handy extras to get prior to the birth are a thermometer for the bedroom, and a pack of cloth diapers (for spills and spitting up). Toys are also important, all babies will benefit from something colorful to look at, such as a mobile. These will help stimulate your baby. Make sure that any soft toys you buy are washable as well as safe for a newborn baby; rattles and music boxes are also traditional toys for this age, but try them first since very  noisy ones may damage a young baby’s hearing.

IS IT SAFE TO BUY SECONDHAND EQUIPMENT FOR MY BABY?

With secondhand goods you don’t have the same warranties or safeguards as when buying new, and certain equipment, such as car seats, should  never be secondhand. The same applies to equipment that is loaned to you. Inspect carefully before buying and ask the seller any questions that you might have. If you are not totally happy, then don’t buy it. You could consider buying a secondhand baby carriage, but check the brakes and buy a new mattress. If buying a crib, check the stability and adjusting mechanisms, and buy a new mattress. Secondhand baby slings should be fine, while toys should be checked to ensure that they are safe. Avoid secondhand electrical items; secondhand cloth diapers may be too harsh for a new baby’s skin.