Necessary Equipment for a New Baby

Having a baby requires feeding, bathing, changing and rocking. You'll need a variety of items to promote the health and well-being of your baby. It helps to purchase many of the essentials prior to your newborn's birth so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Since the cost of baby supplies adds up, shopping at consignment stores can help you save money. However, never buy used car seats, cribs or strollers, as these items pose potential safety hazards.

Car Seat

• Finda a car set that meets safety requirements.

  Install a rear-facing car seat before your child's birth. You can't leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat. You can ask your police or fire station to help install your seat if you are having trouble. It helps to look at various brands of car seats to find one that will fit suitably in your car. If your newborn's head slides forward when in the seat, invest in an adjuster, which will keep the car seat level.

Baby Clothes

• Keep your baby comfy and not overheated.

  Footed pajamas can keep your newborn comfortable during the cold months, and onesies can keep your baby cool during the hotter months. Newborns tend to jerk suddenly until they get used to their surroundings outside of the womb, and sudden movements may make your newborn cry. Sleep sacks or swaddling blankets will help soothe and keep your newborn asleep.

Feeding

• Have several clean bottles handy at all times.

  Newborns spit up often after feeding. Having a supply of burp cloths will help with the cleanup. If you opt to breastfeed, invest in a breast pump and storage bottles for your milk. If breastfeeding doesn't work out as planned or if you decide bottle-feed, you'll need about eight bottles with nipples. Unless you plan to hand-wash your bottles, a dishwasher basket will come in handy.

Changing

• Babies go through more diapers than you might think.

  For the first few weeks of your newborn's life, you can use cotton balls dipped in water to clean your baby between changes. You can switch to unscented wipes afterward. Stock up on plenty of diapers. For the first week, your newborn will need newborn-sized diapers. By the second to third week, he will have increased in size, requiring the size 1 diapers.

Sleeping

• Keep the crib simple.

  Buy a crib or bassinet that conforms to safety regulations. Loose blankets are not recommended for newborns; only a fitted sheet is necessary. Keep the mattress covered with a waterproof mattress cover, which will protect the mattress against accidents. Avoid infant sleep positioners, since they're considered unsafe.

Other Essentials

• Choose a changing table with restraints.

  A changing table isn't necessary but can help make diapering easier. A stroller helps with transporting your baby. A baby bathtub makes bath time easier, so you won't have to deal with a squirmy baby in a full-size bathtub. You can use just a washcloth and warm water for the first two weeks of your baby's life. A gentle baby wash and shampoo gently clean your baby's skin once her umbilical cord falls off. Other essentials include: hooded baby towels, a digital thermometer, fingernail clippers, a bulb syringe for cleaning the nostrils, diaper rash cream and a diaper pail that cuts down on odor.