Expecting a new addition to your family can be both an exciting and stressful time in your life. There are many things you’ll need to do to prepare for bringing a baby home, including the purchasing the things you’ll need to care for your baby on a day-to-day basis. You may need additional supplies if you plan to leave your baby with a sitter while you work, or if you choose to utilize a daycare service. For all of these situations, there are certain supplies you’ll need to have on hand. Consider the following ideas when it’s time to bring home your new baby.

Bringing the Baby Home

Before you go to the hospital, you need to prepare all the items it will take to safely bring your child home. The hospital will provide you with the items you need to bathe the baby before bringing it home, however, you’ll need to have a “bring home” outfit prepared. Make sure you have onesies, socks, and plenty of blankets available. You’ll also need to bring a car seat for the ride home. If you’re having your baby during an especially cold time of year, you may also want to invest in a car seat cover to keep out the cold air.

Caring for your Baby at Home

Once you arrive home with your new bundle of joy, there will be certain items you’ll need to have on-hand. Of course, you must have somewhere for the baby to sleep – you can use a basinet or a crib, depending on how much space you have and where you want to put the baby. Many parents choose to use a basinet for the first few weeks, so they can keep the baby next to their bed. Eventually, as the baby grows older, they may transition to a crib in mom and dad’s room or to a crib in a separate room altogether.
You may also want to invest in a changing table for your baby, as this can make it much more convenient when it’s diaper-changing time. As the baby gets older, you may also want to buy a baby swing and bouncer. These items can be a life saver when you need to occupy the baby for a few minutes. Of course, you’ll also need basic items, like diapers, baby soap or shampoo, and lotions or powders. You’ll also need to stock up on receiving blankets and burp rags, since you’ll go through these quickly!

Packing for Daycare or a Babysitter

Packing for the babysitter can be quite a chore. While it’s almost impossible to think of every situation that might occur, there are a few things you absolutely must provide. To make your life easier, you might want to put together a weekly diaper bag with diapers, baby wipes, formula, and a few changes of clothing. In addition, you’ll want to carry a daily bag with daily outfits, diapers, and formula. This way you have everything you need to transport the baby before and after work, and your babysitter has extra items on-hand in case of an emergency.

In most cases, the items and equipment you need to have on-hand will depend on your baby. If your baby uses a pacifier, that’s another item you’ll want to have with you at all times. You’ll also have certain stuffed animals and snacks that your child will take a liking to. The most important thing is to keep clothing, diapers, and food with you at all times, since you can’t just run through a drive through to pick up a baby bottle when it’s needed!