Introduction
There is no shortage of advice for new parents on what to buy, how much to buy, or when to buy it. While there are a few absolute necessities, many items for baby or the nursery can be acquired according to personal preference. Here, we discuss the bare necessities you'll need to have for your newborn.
Nine newborn essentials
- A crib, unless you plan to have a family bed. You'll need to make a plan for baby to sleep somewhere. A bassinet cradle or three-sided crib (co-sleeper) can be a good option for the first few months if you prefer to start small. Most cribs do not come with mattresses, so you'll need to put a fire-retardant mattress on the list. Be wary of hand-me-down or older cribs; make sure they meet current safety recommendations. The slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart, for example.
- Linens, if you're going to use a crib. You can use a waterproof mattress pad with crib sheets on top, or you can look for a waterproof pad (called a sheet saver) that fits on top of the fitted sheet. Whatever you choose, you'll need one quilted mattress pad, a few waterproof pads, and at least two crib sheets and lightweight blankets. Babies don't need pillows, crib bumpers, or fluffy comforters. These can even pose a danger of suffocation. The same goes for stuffed animals left in the bed.
- Diapers, whether cloth or disposable, plan on 70 to 90 diaper changes a week to start out, and then around 50 changes a week after six weeks. You'll need some kind of pad for the baby to lie on while changing, moistened (alcohol free) diapering wipes or soft wash cloths, a pail or bucket to dispose of soiled diapers, and probably, diaper rash ointment or cream.
- Clothing. It's a good idea to start with at least six "onesies" (undershirts that snap at the bottom), three to four infant gowns with a drawstring at the bottom, three receiving blankets large enough to swaddle the baby, a sweater and cap, and three to four pairs of socks or booties. Some parents like to buy several sleepers (stretch suits) that zip up the front.
- For bath time, you'll need some kind of baby tub. For tiny babies, you can get tubs with a sponge insert or those that are sloped with a foam pad inside. You'll also need a few terrycloth bath towels and washcloths, baby soap and/or tearless shampoo, brush and comb, and round-tip nail clippers or scissors.
- For feeding, you'll need some burp cloths and bibs. Even if you're breastfeeding, you will need bottles and nipples to use with milk that you pump. A bottle brush and dishwasher basket can be very useful for cleaning. If you are not breastfeeding, you'll need formula and an accurate measuring cup.
- A rear-facing infant car seat rated up to 20 pounds. This can also serve as a baby carrier, and some models snap into a stroller so that you need not carry the car seat everywhere.
- Breastfeeding mothers usually appreciate having a breast pump to express milk when you have to be away from baby or if your breasts become engorged when baby isn't ready to feed.
- Talk to your pediatrician about his or her recommendations for the medicine cabinet. A thermometer is usually necessary. There are many types available; ask your doctor which type he or she recommends for you. A bulb syringe to suction excess mucus from the nose and mouth is helpful, and you may get one at the hospital to take home. Your pediatrician can tell you what kinds of medications or ointments you may need in your baby's medicine cabinet.
Eight other items for your baby
The following items aren't essential, but many parents find them convenient.
- A baby sling to carry your baby and leave your hands free
- A baby monitor that allows you to keep track of baby while you are in a different room
- A diaper bag, with plenty of room for snacks, toys, a changing pad, and plastic bags (for dirty diapers)
- A "bouncy seat" or infant swing
- A changing table for diapering, with storage for diapers, wipes, ointment, etc.
- A crib mobile; musical mobiles are available that provide added interest
- A CD player; some babies enjoy soothing or lullaby music
- A night light, to help you see during late-night feedings or diaper changes
QUESTION
Nothing can relieve the symptoms of morning sickness. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
REFERENCE:
Womenshealth.gov. Newborn care and safety.
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Breastfeeding
It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
Doula vs. Midwife
A midwife and doula are not the same thing. A doula's job is to provide non-medical, emotional, and personal support to a woman throughout her pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. A certified nurse midwife is a medical health care professional that manages the overall general health of the mother and baby; for example, performs exams, orders laboratory tests, and procedures, and performs fetal monitoring from the pregnant woman's first prenatal visit to post-partum and aftercare. A midwife can deliver the baby, whereas a doula cannot.
A midwife usually tries to minimize the use of unnecessary technological interventions. A midwife cannot perform C-sections, use vacuums or forceps during labor and delivery. Midwives generally work with an Obstetrician (a doctor that specializes in pregnancy, birth, and women's reproductive health) when medical intervention by a specialist is necessary.
A doula does not require a medical degree, but requires certification in some states. Certification for nurse-midwife in the US requires a certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Entrance into the AMCB program requires a Bachelor's Degree and a licensed RN degree. AMBC certification is a Master's Degree program.
REFERENCES:
Government of the District of Columbia. "Municipal Regulations for Nurse-Midwives."
Oregon Health Authority.gov. "Utilizing Doulas to Improve Birth Outcomes for Underdeserved Women in Oregon." Feb 22, 2012.
American College of Nurse-Midwives. "Become a Midwife."
AMCB.org.
Am I Pregnant Quiz
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Embryo vs. Fetus Differences Week-by-Week
The embryonic stage of pregnancy occurs from the moment of conception until the 11th week pregnancy, or first trimester. During this time the embryo develops major body structures, for example, the organs, heart, and main blood vessels. At this stage the baby's heart begins to beat.
The fetal stage, or second trimester is next, and begins during the 11th week of pregnancy, and continues through to week #40. During this time the baby's organs and structures continue to develop, the fetus' gender can be identified, and fetal movement begins. The fetus is about 2 pounds by the 27th week. During the third trimester the baby is the size, and has the characteristics of a newborn.
The greatest risk of miscarriage is during the very early stages of pregnancy before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Fetal Movement: Feeling Baby Kick Week-by-Week
Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous time in a couples life. Learn what your baby's first movements may feel like week by week, how often you may feel them, what time of day the baby is most active, and what to do if you feel your baby is not moving as much as you feel it should be moving.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightening” and passing the mucous plug.
Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman’s water breaking, and when contractions begin.
There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
Pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue, and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.
Pregnancy Planning (Preparing for Pregnancy)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Symptoms Am I Pregnant
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms include missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Pregnancy: Birthing and Parenting Classes
Preparing for a baby is an important step in parents' lives. Choosing the right birthing class and method (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.) is important for the mother, baby, and father or support giver. Parenting classes are also information for first time parents. Information is provided about diapering, feeding, and bathing your baby as well as the different stages of child development.
Pregnancy: Prenatal Care and Tests
Prenatal care is important for the health of the mother and the baby. Common prenatal tests include ultrasound, amniocentesis, screening for group B strep, and chronic villus sampling. Prenatal care also helps detect health conditions related to pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Prenatal care costs can be expensive, but services are available to help women get the care they need.
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