Prepare a place in your home
for the baby
Prepare a sleeping area and a place for clothes and
supplies.
Purchase essential nursery equipment
There are several ways to save money on baby items. Many
items can be purchased second hand or through discount
stores. Some items may be purchased by the case, such as
disposable diapers. Suggestions for essential nursery
equipment are:
-
Federally approved car seat
-
Crib or basinet/cradle
(slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.)
-
Bottles (ounce) and nipples
-
Brush for cleaning bottles
-
Large tote or diaper bag
packed with:
-
Several diapers
-
Receiving blanket
-
Change of clothes
-
Plastic bag for soiled
diapers
-
Washcloth or baby wipe
-
Diaper pail for cloth
diapers
-
Plastic lined garbage pail
for disposable diapers
-
Nursing Bras (2 cotton)
-
Changing table or place to
change diapers
Purchase a crib
If purchasing a used crib, make sure
it meets current safety standards. You can find a listing
of these standards at
www.nsc.org/library/facts/cribtips.htm.
Purchase and learn how to use a federally approved car
seat
Your baby must always be
placed in the car seat, beginning with the ride home from
the hospital. The safest placement of the car seat is the
middle of the rear seat, facing backwards. Some car seats
may require the use of a special locking clip on the seat
belt. Never place your baby in the front seat of your car,
especially if your car has passenger-side airbags. Ask if
you are unsure.
If
purchasing a used car seat make sure it meets current
safety standards by checking the date on the seat. Most
car seats will have an expiration date on the tag, telling
you not to use that seat after a certain date.
Select a physician to be your baby's doctor.
Attend a newborn care class
It will be helpful to attend a newborn care class if you
have not had recent experience caring for newborns.
Attend a breastfeeding class
Attend a breastfeeding class if you will be nursing your
baby.
Check on cloth diaper service
If you are planning to use cloth diapers from a diaper
service, check to see if they will deliver on a 24-hour
notice, or before your due date.
Wash baby clothes before using
Be sure and wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and
washcloths in baby detergent before using.
