Preparing For Baby: The 10 Essentials

by Jennifer Steinbach, PCD(DONA)

Every company selling baby items would love to have you spend a fortune in order to care for your newborn; but in reality, parents need only a few items for their new job. Simplify your life and cut down on expenses by sticking to this list of essentials that will satisfy you and your baby's needs:

1. Infant Car Safety Seat

Make sure you have purchased and installed one correctly prior to the birth. Your local police station has information on car seat installation safety checks.

2. Baby Sling

These traditional wonders are practical and in style. Parents realize their convenience, how much happier babies are when carried in them and how easy they are to use. Good slings are made of fabric with a double ring at the shoulder for adjustments. They offer the most versatility in terms of the baby's size (newborn to at least 24 months) and with positions in which the baby can be carried.

3. Bassinet or Co-sleeper

Infants sleeping in the same bed or room as the mother enhance the breastfeeding relationship and reduce the risk of SIDS1 2. Night feedings will be more peaceful and easier when the baby is so close. Your family may decide to co-sleep, so don't worry about having a crib ahead of time.

4. Breastfeeding Support/Education

Breastfeeding is an art to be learned by both the mother and baby together. Mothers can prepare by reading a book,(see the resource list), getting connected with a La Leche League breastfeeding support group and having the name and telephone number of a lactation specialist on hand. Take a class, if there is one available.

5. Newborn Layette

A small, simple collection of onesies, sleepers or layette gowns, hats, receiving blankets and burp cloths will have you prepared. You'll receive more of these items as gifts both before and after the baby is born.

6. Diapers and Diapering Supplies

Whether you decide on cloth or disposable, it is a good idea to stock up on some supplies before the baby is born. Changing tables, diaper genies and wipe warmers are not essentials in caring for your newborn.

7. Postpartum Support

Adequate postpartum support decreases the mother's risk of postpartum depression and increases the breastfeeding success rate3. Build a support network of friends, family, a postpartum doula (an individual who comes to the family's home and is trained to support mom, baby and family) or a combination of individuals. The assistance your new family receives during the postpartum period is essential to the mental and physical health and well-being of not only the baby and mother, but every household member.

8. Pediatrician or Family Doctor for the baby

Seek out recommendations and find a doctor for your baby in advance of the birth. A good doctor should make time for a "getting to know you" appointment. Ask questions about how the doctor would handle different situations or illnesses, vaccines, well-baby check-ups, etc.

9. Basic Medical and Bathing Supplies

Gather together a rectal thermometer, a nasal aspirator, some baby emery boards or nail clippers, a mild, baby bath soap and baby shampoo.

10. Do A Safety Check

Read-up on infant safety information regarding infant bedding, clothing, toys and your home environment. Check baby's clothing, bedding and toys for any chocking or strangulation hazards. Turn back your hot water heater and install properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Do not allow smoking in your house or around your baby and take an Infant & Child CPR course from an accredited organization such as the American Red Cross or the National Safety Council.

3 DONA International Position Paper. The Postpartum Doula's Role in Maternity Care. 2002; Womenshealth.gov. Depression During and After Pregnancy. Retrieved September 7, 06 from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website http://www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

Jennifer Steinbach
Steinbach57@comcast.net