Checklist for Expecting Mothers

by Robert MeyerIf you are expecting you may want to start preparing early for the arrival of your new baby. Below is a checklist of things you will need when the baby arrives. I found this list in Consumer Reports and thought it would be helpful. You might want to start shopping early so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time. It would also save some money if you had a baby shower and shared the list with friends and family.Here is a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.Tooling around_____Car seat_____StrollerBeds and linens_____Crib_____Crib mattress_____Bassinet/cradle (if you don’t want to put your baby in a crib right away)_____Two to three fitted crib sheets_____Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby_____Two mattress pads_____One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet).Diaper duty_____Diapers. Disposable or cloth_____Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables)_____Diaper bag Dressing baby_____Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet_____Six side-snap T-shirts_____Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch_____A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)_____Six pairs socks/booties_____Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits. Get only a few items in newborn size. Then,go for clothing in the 6-month size–your baby will grow into it quickly. But don’t buy babysleepwear that’s too big; it’sa fire hazard_____Cotton sweater or light jacketSummer babies_____Brimmed hat Winter babiesWinter babies_____Snowsuit or heavy bunting_____Heavy stroller blanket_____Warm knit hatFeeding timeIf you’re planning to breast-feed:_____Two or three nursing bras_____A box of washable or disposable breast pads_____Breast pump if you expect to use one_____Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk_____Bottle drying tree_____Bottle brush_____Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)_____Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths.If you’re planning to bottle-feed_____Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasherBathing/grooming_____Three soft hooded towels_____Two packs of baby washcloths_____ Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo_____Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers_____Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment_____Infant bathtub_____Soft brush and comb_____Mild laundry detergentMedicine chest essentials_____A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby’s doctor,such as Infant’s Tylenol_____Cotton pads/swabs_____Nasal aspirator_____Digital thermometer_____Rubbing alcohol_____Petroleum jellyKeeping baby happy_____PacifiersExtras: Nice but optional_____Monitor_____Changing table_____A rocker or glider_____Soft carrier_____SwingIn addition to shopping so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time you should also do some price comparison research on the internet to save some money. My favorite site is http://www.bestbabythingsonline.com.