Things to Take Care of Before Bringing Baby Home

Having a baby means that you are going to be spending quite a bit of time, and money, picking out new equipment. Even if you’re lucky enough to gain a few things secondhand, you’ll still need to do some shopping.

The list of things to buy for a new baby is overwhelming. There is a ton of unnecessary “wants” associated with baby supplies, but there are a few essentials you need to buy.

In order to be prepared, check out this list to see what you need to stock up on pre-delivery. Bonus points for adding them to your baby shower registry!

Pre-Baby Shopping List

1. Car Seat

Car seats should be the #1 thing on your to-buy list before the baby comes. Not only do they keep your new bundle of joy nice and safe, hospitals actually require them before allowing you to take your baby home¹. It is mandatory by federal law, and for a good reason.

You spent 9 months creating this life, now you need to protect your newborn at all costs. We know you don’t want to put your baby down, but never, ever, hold him or her while someone else is driving². If anything were to happen your baby could get seriously injured.

Car seats are here for a reason!

With that being said, there are tons of options to choose from. It’s actually pretty overwhelming. You’ll need to decide whether you want an infant-only seat or a convertible seat². Both have their pros and cons, and many parents choose based on personal preference.

One other thing should be said about car seats and that is that proper installation is key. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your baby safe at all times.

If you’re having trouble, or are just generally anxious, there are local resources to help. Lots of hospitals, police offices, fire stations, and even car dealerships have someone specifically trained for installation². Ask around and make sure it’s properly installed; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. A Crib

Congratulations, you made it home safely from the hospital! Now to address the sleeping situation…

Having a place for your baby to sleep is very important. Even if you decide to co-sleep, your baby should have a bed of their own³. It’s no secret that cribs are expensive, but they’re necessary.

If you’re looking for a second hand crib, just make sure they are up to federal safety standards. They change quite frequently³.

In addition to a crib, you want to purchase a firm crib mattress. Make sure that it actually fits and is appropriately sized. A good mattress will help prevent against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)⁷, so it is worth investing in³. Here is another great resource for information to prevent SIDS.

Place your baby to sleep inside their crib wrapped tightly in his or her swaddle blanket (more on that later) or with a tightly fitted sheet. Goodnight!

3. Breast Pump and Supplies

This one is crucial, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act… it’s free! Breast Pumps make it possible for dad to help at the 3:00am feeding. And believe us, you’ll be thankful for that later.

Breast pumps also help stimulate milk production postpartum³ and provide nutrients to your baby when you’re away.

They are also perfect if you’re planning to return to work but don’t want to switch to formula. Make sure to pick up some good quality bottles from the start. Your baby will get attached to a specific bottle nipple and refuse any variation down the road⁴.

Also stock up on burp cloths and bibs! Newborns tend to spit up after almost every meal so you’ll want to be prepared³.

4. Diapers and Diaper Supplies

The last thing you’ll want to do when you get home from the hospital is run out to get diapers. Newborns go through a ton of diapers… literally. Usually it’s about 10-15 a day, which means close to 100 a week⁴.

Regardless of if you’re going to use disposable or cloth diapers, have a week’s worth handy. After a few days, you’ll understand why.

Stick to buying just one pack of the newborn-sized diapers unless you know your baby is going to be very small. They will outgrow them within a week³. Grab one pack of newborn-sized and the rest in the next size up.

Going hand-in-hand with diapers are baby wipes, a diaper bag, and a diaper pail. Having tons of baby wipes everywhere is key. They’re extremely versatile and are important to keep you and your baby clean.

You’ll want a diaper bag for any time you leave the house. Get one that has lots of room for storage and pockets inside for optimal organization. Packing a “diaper-backpack” for dad is a great alternative to feminine diaper bags.

An odor-containing diaper pail is the last aspect of crucial diaper supplies. Find one that works, you’ll thank us later.

5. Stroller and Sling

A car seat will get your baby from one place to the next, but without a stroller or sling that’s the end of the line.

Strollers come in tons of makes and models and are made for convenience now more than ever. Lots of strollers have an adapter available for your baby’s car seat to transform into a stroller⁵. If not, frame strollers make transitioning from car to stroller easier than ever.

The most convenient way to take your baby on the go is with a sling.

Slings are not only instant baby soothers, but they allow you to be hands free and efficient. It is much easier to transport a baby to a sling than dealing with getting the stroller in and out of the car and carrying an infant seat, diaper baby and baby all at once⁶! Plus, there are tons of awesome designs to choose from.

6. Sleep Soothers

New moms need all the help they can get.

Swaddle blankets wrap newborns up nice and tight and give off a very soothing effect³. Make sure to get blankets that will make wrapping easier or opt for the miracle blanket. It takes out all of the guesswork with its origami shape.

It’s also worthwhile to consider a buying baby bouncer to help rock your newborn to sleep. The same goes for something that produces white noise. Babies love white noise!

7. Maxi Pads

This last one is for you. After giving birth, it’s completely normal to experience some fairly heavy bleeding for a few days³. Avoid tampons and stick to maxi pads in order to let your body heal.

Every woman is different in how long this lasts, but it happens. Make sure and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Conclusion

There’s never a better time in life to be over-prepared. Bringing home your bundle of joy will be scary, but having the essentials will help ease your nerves. Make sure to pick up everything on this list for a smooth transition from hospital to home. If you have any other must-buys before bringing home your baby, let us know on our Facebook page! We, along with many new mommy’s-to-be, would love to hear what you have to say.

And remember, to aid in your breastfeeding needs you are eligible to receive an insurance covered breast pump at no cost from leading manufacturers!

Things to Take Care of Before Bringing Baby Home

Pre-Baby Shopping List

1. Car Seat

2. A Crib

3. Breast Pump and Supplies

4. Diapers and Diaper Supplies

5. Stroller and Sling

6. Sleep Soothers

7. Maxi Pads

Conclusion

Sources:

Give Your Baby the Best of You

Breast Pump Accessories & Supplies

Virtual Lactation Consultants

Which Pump is Best For You?

Working Mom's Guide to Breastfeeding

Social Gratification

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