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Having a baby is the happiest time of your life. As a parent you'll be happy knowing that you already have the items your baby will need on hand before your baby comes home.
The items listed below are minimum requirements:
Layette:
Four to six undershirts, size 3 to 6 months.
Four to six sleeping gowns, size 3 to 6 months.
Four to six all-in-ones, size 3 to 6 months.
Four to six footed sleepers, size 3 to 6 months.
Four to six receiving blankets.
Four to six hooded towels.
Four to six baby washcloths.
Four to six pairs of socks.
A dozen cloth diapers (if you are using cloth diapers you will need at least 2-4 dozen).
A going home outfit, size 3 to 6 months.
One large box of newborn size diapers (You may want to stock up, if you find a good sale. Don't buy more than 3 large boxes, you may have yourself a large baby and not be able to use all of them)
12 baby bottles with nipples and collars (at least 6 if breastfeeding).
Two to three bottles of baby shampoo.
One large bottle of baby lotion.
One large bottle of baby oil.
A container of cornstarch (much better and cheaper than commercial baby powder).
One tube of zinc oxide for diaper rash.
You will also need a crib or bassinette with at least two to four crib or bassinette sheets, a crib bumper, and two to three crib blankets.
You may want to consider adding a dust ruffle and some waterproof pads for the crib. These are not necessary at first, but you will need them later.
Make sure not to buy newborn size clothes as you may have a large baby and not be able to use them. Most clothes sized 3 to 6 months will fit a newborn loosely but will still look nice.
Here are some other nice to have items that you may want to consider purchasing:
A portable crib or playpen is wonderful for taking with you to friends homes or to the park or even out in the backyard. Baby can sleep while you do some gardening or visit with friends.
Extra nipples for your baby bottles. This is an absolute must have nipples will get sticky and become unusable after a while. Besides it's nice to have a few on hand while sterilizing the others.
A bottle warmer. You may use a microwave but it's much safer to use a bottle warmer and if you buy a portable one then you can use it for trips.
Two to three pacifiers. While you may not want to use them, they are a wonder for soothing a newborn. You can always take them out of the baby's mouth once they are calm.
A diaper pail (even if using disposal diapers). This can be filled with a little bit of soapy water and used to prewash clothes or diapers.
A bath to wash the baby. These are much more convenient for a newborn than leaning over a bathtub or using a sink.
An umbrella stroller, this is much more convenient than some of the bigger stroller.
Having these items in your home will make your life a little easier during those first few hectic months.
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