Bringing home a newborn baby is one of life’s biggest and most exciting events. Prior to bringing home your bundle of joy, there are some things that you should have stocked up and ready to use.
Have plenty of appropriately sized diapers and wipes. Have a package of the next size up in diapers also, in case your baby is too big for the newborn sizes. Also be sure to have baby bath formula, lotion, and diaper-rash ointment. If you buy an orbit stroller you can put all these materials in the large storage space while you travel with your new born.
Have a supply of at least ten receiving blankets laundered and ready for use. This may seem like a lot, but you will need them. You may be surprised at how many are used every day. Same goes for one-piece outfits. You will be changing outfits a few times each day for the next several months, so get a supply in increasing sizes. Make sure that you have long sleeved sleep wear for the first few weeks. It is important to maintain a newborn baby’s body temperature, and chances are, if it is during the summer months, the air conditioner is going to be on. It is not necessary to dress the Summer-born baby in flannel, but long sleeves are recommended. Easy access in the crotch area is a definite necessity, as those late night changes can be very frustrating when several snaps and layers have to be fastened. For the first few weeks, while the umbilical cord heals, the elastic-hemmed nightdresses are incredibly handy.
Whichever method you choose to feed with, a quantity of bottles, nipples and caps is fundamental to keeping a hungry newborn fed. Having a 24 hour supply of pre-mixed bottles on hand will lessen the 3am frustration of fumbling while holding a screaming, inpatient, wriggling infant greatly.
All in all, if baby is clean, fed, and dry, you are good to go until morning.