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

Other Essentials

• Newborn-size pacifier. Many lactation consultants recommend not using a pacifier if you are breastfeeding to prevent nipple confusion in your baby.
• Infant car seat. Can also be used as a baby carrier. And you can find stroller frames that the infant car seat can snap into so that you don't have to carry the car seat at all times, which can get heavy. If you decide to get a stroller that your infant car seat can snap in to, make sure you get one that fits your infant carrier.
• Breast pump for breastfeeding moms. Breast pumps allow you to pump milk so that someone else can feed your baby. This is important if you need to leave your baby for a significant amount of time (for example, if you are working). Breast pumps also come in handy when your breasts get engorged and baby is too sleepy to help you out. With a breast pump you can pump some of the milk out and save it for when baby is ready to eat

Baby's Medicine Cabinet

• Thermometer. There are many types available. Some doctors prefer that you use a rectal thermometer to get the most accurate temperature. A digital, plastic thermometer that you can place under your baby's armpit may be easy for you to use for the first six months. Ear thermometers can be used after age 6 months.
• Calibrated medicine dropper
• Pain reliever/fever reducer medicine (acetaminophen, such as Tylenol infant drops, is recommended). Infant Motrin works great to relieve inflammation associated with teething. Do not use aspirin!
• Mylicon drops to relieve gas.
• Baby Orajel or Ambesol to soothe teething gums.
• Small gauze squares to clean wounds.
• Hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds.
• Wound cream such as Bacitracin Antibiotic or Johnson & Johnson First Aid Cream. Do not use Neosporin on babies under age 6 months, as it contains an ingredient, neomycin, which can cause sensitivity in infants.
• Small bandages.
• Cool mist vaporizer. Good for when baby has a cold.
• Infant sunscreen for babies over age 6 months. If you live in a very sunny climate and your child is exposed to sun often, talk to your baby's doctor about applying sunscreen earlier.
• Syrup of Ipecac to be used only as directed by the Poison Control Center to induce vomiting.
• Pedialyte or Ricelyte to be used as directed by your child's pediatrician for fluid replacement during diarrhea.

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.
• Labor and Delivery - Pregnancy, labor, and delivery questions answered about pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Symptoms - Read about early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, food cravings, headaches, moods swings and more on MedicineNet.com.

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