NURSERY NECESSITIES - What babies really need
NURSERY NECESSITIES**Single Baby**
Nancy Hamm: Owner of Exclusively Baby Nurse (www.exclusivelybabynurses.com, The Baby Nurse Directory (www.thebabynursedirectory.com and Managing Director of the NCSA, The Newborn Care Specialist Association. Her first love is doing night duty for newborns and consulting/educating new parents. Ms. Hamm can be reached at 602-263-1003
Because many first-time parents feel overwhelmed by trying to ensure that they have all of the necessary items for their new baby, we have made a list of things you will need and want.
Being a Newborn Care Specialist I have been able to compile a list of what you really need. Please feel free to email me for twins or triplet lists.
This list is coming up distorted when I post it. If you would like a good list just email me at nancy@exclusivelybabynurses.com
*Items marked with an asterisk are the items you will need to have before the baby comes home from the hospital. Items that are underlined are highly suggested items.
Diapering
____ *Changing table
____ *Changing table pad
____ *Changing table pad cover (terry cloth)-2
____ *Newborn diapers-200 minimum
____ *High-quality baby wipes-2+ packages
____ Diaper rash cream
____ *Diaper pail
____ *Diaper pail liners or trash bags, whichever your pail requires
____ *Soap at every sink ( hand soap in pump bottle is easy)
Bathing/Health & Hygiene
____ *Newborn nail clippers-1
_____*Baby emery boards-1 pack
____ *Nasal aspirator
____ *Saline drops-1
_____ *Gripe Water for gas
____ *Thermometer (rectal is the only accurate thermometer - forehead not recommended - ear - must be over 3 months to use
____ *Vaseline or KY Jelly (preferably a tube)
____ Infant towels 2
____ *Baby washcloths 4
_____Liquid baby soap ( Avalon, Aubrey’s, Burt’s Bees, Healthy Timez ) 1 bottle
____ Baby lotion- (Avalon, Aubrey’s, Burt’s Bees, Healthy Timez)1 pump bottle
____ *Baby hair brush
Feeding
Bottle Feeding Exclusively:
____ *Formula (you will get samples from hospital, however we suggest Nestle Good Start Supreme without DHA/ARA (Purple can)
____ 8-cup measure with spout (preferably plastic)-for mixing formula
____ Wire whisk for mixing formula
____ Funnel for pouring formula
____ Rubber spatula
____ *Bottles-6 of the 4 ounce bottles
____ *Bottles-6 of the 8 ounce bottles
____ *Nipples-slow flow-6
____ *Nipples-fast flow-6
____ *Bottle liners- large boxes of 4 ounce liners if using Platex bottles
____ Bottle liners-1 box of 8 ounce liners if using Platex bottles
____ *Nipple basket for dishwasher
____ *Bottle drying rack
____ *Liquid dishwashing soap
____ *Burp cloths- 6 or more (thick cloth diapers work great)
Clothing and Bedding
____ *A going home outfit (if you want one)
____ *Onesies (short sleeves; no legs) -10
____ *Sleepers (long sleeves; long legs)-6 or more
____ *Newborn gowns-6
____ *Receiving blankets- 2 Miracle Blankets or/and 4 large stretch type thermal weave blankets 30x40”
____ *Crib sheets- 3____ *Crib sheet savers 2
____ *Crib mattress pad (waterproof)-2
____ Crib bumper-I don’t recommend for safety reasons
____ Mobile
____ *Infant positioner
Laundry
____ *Dreft detergent
____ *Zout stain spray
____ *Small sock laundry bag or lingerie bag
____ *Laundry hamper for nursery
On the Go
____ *Infant car seat (with cushioned head supporter)
____ Stroller-your choice, you know what features are important to you
____ Portable crib-Pack & Play (if you want one)
____ Extra sheet(s) for portable crib
____ *Diaper bag-your choice, you know what features are important to you
____ *Plastic changing pad (will probably come in the diaper bag)
____ *Travel baby wipes case
____ Divided formula container for diaper bag
Gadgets/Furniture
____ *Crib
____ *Crib mattress
____ *Changing table
____ *Dresser, chest of drawers, or armoire for baby’s clothes
____ *Baby monitor
____ *Gliding, stuffed chair
____ *Ottoman for chair
____ *Side table large enough for clock, bottle(s), etc.
____ *Night lights-1 for baby’s room____ *7.5 watt bulb if you have a lamp____ *Pacifiers Soothie brand____ *Bassinet (optional)____ *Bassinet sheets 2____ Diaper stacker (optional, not necessary)____ *Bouncy seats 1____ Swing____ Take-along swing (optional but quite convenient)
____ *Feeding pillow Boppy Luxe *** Friend
____ Nursery lamp (if you must buy, get a dark shade and dim bulb)
____ “White noise” machine Walmart sells Conair for apx. $13 Must have continual ‘on,’ volume control and static white noise____ *Hangers-3 dozen or more____ *Nursery clock - an electric clock with light up display____ *Nackup battery for the clock____ *Small trash can for nursery