The New baby
The long months of waiting and wondering are over—the baby is
born.
Suggestions for baby supplies and equipment
Clothing
Booties or socks, 2 or 3 pairs
Bunting, or coat and hood
Diapers: 3 to 6 dozen cloth diapers or a weekly supply of disposable
diapers
Diaper pins
Gowns, kimonos, or sleepers, 6
Undershirts, 6
Sweater and cap, 1 or 2
Waterproof pants, 4 to 6
Bed
Bassinet, crib, or cradle
Crib blankets, 2 lightweight and 1 winterweight
Crib bumpers, 1 set
Crib sheets, 3 or 4 (or pillow slips, if you use a basket or bassinet)
Mattress, firm
Waterproof mattress pad, 2
Nursery items
Chest of drawers
Cool-mist vaporizer
Diaper pail
Laundry hamper
Dressing (changing) table
Rectal thermometer
Rocking chair for parent
Swing
Bath
A & D ointment or petroleum jelly Bath towels and washcloths, 3 or 4
Cotton swabs and cotton balls Mild baby soap and lotion (non-perfumed)
Nail scissors with blunt ends Receiving blankets, 3 or 4 Tub, plastic or
inflatable
Feeding supplies
Bibs, 3 or 4
Breast feeding: bottles with nipples and caps, 3 or 4
Bottle feeding: bottles with nipples and caps, 8
Bottle and nipple brush Extra nipples and caps Funnel Measuring cup
Outing supplies
Car seat
Carriage or stroller
Carriage robe or blanket Diaper bag
The first time you see your baby will be shortly after he or she is
born. The baby may be quiet and sleepy or crying lustily. The baby’s
head may appear pushed out of shape because the skull bones are soft and
pliable. Skin may be beet-red and coated with a white cheesy substance
that will wash off.
Some newborns have almost no hair. Others are born with long, soft hair
that rubs off during the first few weeks of life and is replaced by
their normal hair. Their eyes may be puffy, especially after the eye
drops that doctors use to prevent infection. Newborns’ hands and feet
are probably wrinkled and may be blue or mottled.
All in all, newborns hardly look like the bundles of joy parents have
been picturing for several months. Were the magazines wrong? Where are
the healthy skin, the bright blue eyes, the ribbons in the hair? And
where was the smile of recognition
when the nurse put the baby in Mother’s arms?
Be patient. This is the baby’s first day in the world, and he or she is
not quite groomed for an official reception. Give your baby time. And
give yourself time. The joys, and hard work, of parenthood are just
beginning.
