In this Article

• The Nursery
• Crib Linens
• Diaper Time: What You Need for the Changing Table
• Layette: Baby's First Clothes
• Bathing Baby: What You Need
• Washing Baby's Laundry
• Feeding Baby
• Diaper Bag: What You Need When You Are on the Go
• Other Essentials
• Baby's Medicine Cabinet
• Nonessentials (But Nice-to-Have!)
• Pregnancy (What To Buy For Baby) Glossary
• Pregnancy (What To Buy For Baby) Index

Diaper Time: What You Need for the Changing Table

• Diapers (plan on using 70-90 per week for the first six weeks, then 50 per week)
• Disposable diaper wipes (alcohol-free)
• Diaper rash ointment or cream (such as Desitin or A&D)
• Rubbing alcohol to wipe around base of umbilical cord
• Cotton swabs to apply rubbing alcohol
• Petroleum jelly to apply on circumcision (so the baby's penis doesn't stick to the diaper)
• Pad for baby to lie on during changing
• Diaper pail

Layette: Baby's First Clothes

• 6 undershirts that snap on the bottom or tie on the side, commonly called "onesies" (3 in three-month size and 3 in six-month size)
• 3-4 infant gowns with elastic bottoms or draw strings. These make for easy diaper changes. All you have to do is pull the gown up over the belly to change the diaper and then pull it back down when finished. There is no stumbling around trying to snap the gown back together, which is especially nice when it's 3 am and all you want to do is get baby back to sleep so that you can get back to sleep.
• 6 sleepers/stretch suits (3 newborn to three-month size and 3 in six-month size). These are nice to put baby in during the day, but are not essential items. When buying these, make sure you get the kind that zip up the front. These are easier to get baby in and out.
• 3-4 pairs of booties or socks with stretch elastic band at cuff
• 3-4 receiving blankets
• 1 blanket to cover swaddled baby in crib
• 1 sweater and hat

Bathing Baby: What You Need

• Baby bathtub (sloping with foam pad or flat with molded sponge insert)
• 4 terry cloth bath towels (hooded towels are OK, but not necessary)
• 4-6 washcloths
• Tearless shampoo
• Baby soap. Many brands make baby shampoo and soap all in one.
• Brush and comb
• Rounded-tip nail scissors or clippers. If you are afraid you may clip more than baby's nails, you can nibble their nails with your teeth. Usually this is easier during the first few weeks.
• Bulb syringe nasal aspirator. These are used to suction excess mucus from baby's nose (the one you receive in the hospital is a keeper!)

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Pregnancy Symptoms - Read about early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more on MedicineNet.com.
• Women's Health - Learn about women's health - medical, health and wellness for women - from female anatomy to infertility and menopause.

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