Home essentials
These are the basics you'll want to have in the nursery space when you bring your baby home. It's wise to buy baby's clothing according to weight -- a baby weighing more than 3.6 kg (8 lb.) at birth probably won't fit into the newborn size. Or buy the size three times the baby's age: for example, size 6 months for a two-month-old; size 12 months for a four-month-old.
Equipment
• crib or bassinet
• change table (any safe surface will do as long as it's the right height to prevent back pain)
• bottles, nipples, formula, cleaning brushes and sterilizing equipment (if bottle-feeding)
Clothing
• several undershirts
• several stretchy sleepers for a winter baby
• several short-sleeved cotton rompers for a summer baby
• socks or bootie slippers
• 6 to 10 receiving blankets
• 3 dozen cloth diapers or disposable diapers
• safety pins, 6 diaper covers or rubber pants (if using cloth)
• diaper pail for cloth diapers
• sun hat or warm cap and outerwear appropriate to the weather
Supplies
• cotton swabs
• diaper cream
• thermometer
• soap appropriate for baby skin
• baby washcloths and hooded towel
Page 3 of 4 -- What to bring along for the trip to the hospital on page 4.
