What all do I need for my baby?

Question

I'm 8 months pregnant and I have my suitcase packed...But I just had my baby shower and I was wondering what all did I need? I'm pretty sure I am missing stuff but this is my first child so I am pretty clueless.

Answer 1

The first answerer had a good list but be sure that you have a baby tub to bathe him in and towels to dry him off!

I am now 32 weeks along with my second child and I am also rechecking my list of needed items its a little overwhelming!

Since this is my second time around I realize that it would have been easier if I had bought gowns with my first born. Gowns are good because they keep the baby warm and are also easy to open for diaper changing. I also suggest onesies with the built in footies, especially when dressing a newborn because they get cold so easily.

If you don't have a boppy and plan to breastfeed then get one! Even if you don't breastfeed it can be useful for comfort. Unlike other answerers here, I DO happen to believe in the magic of blinking lights and vibrations! It may not work for everyone but it certainly is a life saver when your at your wits end with a baby that gets bored easily. A swing is a must! Also a baby gym is quite useful and can entertain your newborn a little each day. It is also good development for them to be able to explore different color patterns and textures. As well as it is good for their 'tummy time' when they start to lift up the head more frequently and also when they start rolling over. Bouncy chairs can also be great because you can put your baby in it while you take a shower or cook in the kitchen. It helps buy yourself a little personal time.

I would also invest in a GOOD recliner. No! Not a glider! I have a nice leather recliner with a built in cup holder, stores magazines and remote controls. I used it a lot especially when my daughter was up all night teething/ill and this way I could prop up my feet and sleep while holding her. It's a true life saver, believe me!

Also I recommend that you invest in a small sun screen for your car to block the sunlight from the baby's car seat. It will not interrupt the baby's naps while driving places. Get a compact stroller that has an adjustable back in the seat (not a big one used in travel systems because they are so big!). That will make it easier to go shopping or out to eat.

Don't throw your money away on expensive bottles. Go with Gerber bottles because they are easiest to clean as well as the nipples can easily be replaced if you are traveling somewhere and have to replace them.

Use a stage one Winnie-the-Pooh pacifier because the nipples are easier for a newborn to keep in their mouth. Also be sure to get a strap for it so that it won't fall on the floor in public places. Nuks are better for older babies that have better suction.

I hope that I have remembered everything that I learned from my first go round to share with you. But the best thing to remember is that you are the very best thing for your baby and as long as you love him/her with all your heart and do your very best to provide for the needs, then there is nothing possibly in the world that could be better! You are the only thing for your baby so give him/her everything you can. Be as close to your baby as possible because they grow so very fast and even sometimes they make us suffer so much for them but it's so worth it! Cherish your miracle and God bless you and your new little one! email me at [e-mail] if you need any advice whether its related to delivery or your newborn.

Answer 2

Very little! The absolute basics are:

1. an age-appropriate carseat
2. diapers, either disposable or cloth
3. layette clothing, such as sleepers, gowns, "onesies"; about 4-6 of each
4. a small blanket or two, for covering up on outings and swaddling, if needed
5. personally, I also count a good, comfortable baby carrier as a necessity. You spend a lot of time holding babies, and sometimes, other stuff just needs to get done, too! Also, some days they just don't want to be put down, and your arms get tired after a while.

I had a crib for my first child, but didn't use it much. I never found a need for it since we co-slept.

I didn't need bottles or pacifiers since I breastfed.

I didn't go for many of the neat gadgets and gizmos, since I believe babies need HUMAN interaction and stimulation, not blinky lights and buzzing vibrations.

Answer 3

Do you mean for the hospital?
You will only need a couple outfits, a nice one for pictures and a couple ones just for every day. Also it depends on how many days your staying.
The hospital usually supplies the diapers while they are there, and the little t-shirts. They have all of the stuff for the baby, but you will want to bring a couple things for the trip home and the pictures. If your breast feeding you might want to get a boppy, they are wonderful!!
Well good luck

Answer 4

I found this link very helpful, my kids are 7 years apart...so when I got pregnant with my second one, I felt like a first time mom all over again.

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/babysupplies

Good luck to you, and if ya need advice feel free to email me
[e-mail]
Angel