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Gearing Up for Your Baby

Taking care of your baby requires the right gear. Here are some handy lists of things you’ll want to have at home. 

Bathing

  • Baby bathtub
  • Baby lotion
  • Baby shampoo
  • Liquid baby soap
  • Baby washcloths
  • Hooded bath towels

Sleeping

  • Bassinet or cradle
  • Crib and mattress
  • Tight-fitting crib sheets
  • Small, light receiving blankets
  • Waterproof pads

Breastfeeding

  • Breast pump (Call us for help getting one.)
  • Lanolin cream to soothe sore nipples (You might be able to get this at no cost with a prescription from your doctor)
  • Nursing pads to wear in your bra

Eating

  • Bibs
  • Bottles and nipples for breast milk or formula
  • Bottle and nipple brushes
  • Burp cloths or cloth diapers for spit-ups

Changing

  • Diapers
  • Diaper pail
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Changing pad and table
  • Diaper bag

Clothing

  • Booties or socks
  • Hats
  • Onesies
  • Sweaters
  • Sleepwear, one-piece pajamas, or nightgowns

Healthcare

  • Cool-mist humidifier to help your baby’s breathing when the air is dry
  • Medicine dropper to measure medicine
  • Nasal suction bulb
  • Thermometer

Travel

  • Blankets to cover your baby while you are outside
  • Front pack or backpack to carry the baby in for the first six months
  • Stroller
  • Approved infant car seat

Other Supplies

  • Playpen
  • Rocking chair
  • Safe toys
  • Baby swing (Avoid the kind that hangs from a doorway)
  • Pacifiers, if you decide to use them
  • Fragrance-free laundry soap (This is less likely to bother your baby's skin)