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Newborn Baby Essentials

Ranked #8,829 in Parenting & Kids, #313,349 overall

A Practical List of Things Your New Baby Will Need

When we first found out about the pregnancy, we were very excited about getting the baby's clothes, toys and other gear. But soon I was overwhelmed by all the choices available. And I started to wonder, did I really need everything on the list of these baby stores? The lists on this lens will hopefully help you decide which items are truly baby essentials and which ones are just nice-to-have. In today's times we do need to be practical without sacrificing on the basics. Enjoy!

Experienced Mommies Weigh In

Survey for Veteran Mommy Shoppers to Help Out the First-time Moms

Perhaps this poll can help you predict what most people will likely give you as gifts (during your baby shower, christening, or other occasion). This way, you can plan to not get too many of certain items.

Besides saving money, you won't have to worry about where to store extra clothes, toys or bottles that your baby may never use or outgrow too quickly.

(Mommies with kids, please answer the poll to give new moms some really great, practical feedback. Thanks!!)

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Best Parenting Book I've Read

From the Amazon Product Description: P.E.T., or Parent Effectiveness Training, began almost forty years ago as the first national parent-training program to teach parents how to communicate more effectively with kids and offer step-by-step advice to resolving family conflicts so everybody wins. This beloved classic is the most studied, highly praised, and proven parenting program in the world -- and it will work for you. Now revised for the first time since its initial publication, this groundbreaking guide will show you:

How to avoid being a permissive parent
How to listen so kids will talk to you and talk so kids will listen to you
How to teach your children to "own" their problems and to solve them
How to use the "No-Lose" method to resolve conflicts

Using the timeless methods of P.E.T. will have immediate results: less fighting, fewer tantrums and lies, no need for punishment. Whether you have a toddler striking out for independence or a teenager who has already started rebelling, you'll find P.E.T. a compassionate, effective way to instill responsibility and create a nurturing family environment in which your child will thrive.
Parent Effectiveness Training: The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children

Parent Effectiveness Training: The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children

by: Thomas Gordon

Amazon Price: $6.88 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

This parenting book has real-world advice and examples of how to become an effective parent-- that is to say, one that raises children who become independent, responsible and caring adults. Unlike other books I've read that just espouses jargon and some examples, this book actually explores the techniques more deeply. For example, it won't just tell you that active listening is good and how to do it, it also shows you different ways people think they are practicing active listening but are actually not.

I first read it when I was pregnant and I am re-reading it now as my child is growing older to make sure that I remember all the principles. I find it an invaluable tool.

Newborn Hospital Packing List

Some Suggested Items You Can Pack for Baby

When packing your hospital bag, don't forget to include some items for your baby. As a rule, it's good to bring the following:
  • 2-3 Receiving Blankets
  • 1 Towel
  • 2-3 Tie-sides
  • 2 Burp Pads
  • 2 Wash cloths
  • 2 pairs of Mittens/ bonnet
  • 2 pairs of Socks/ booties
  • Baby book

Good Deals for Your New Baby

Save money by looking for bargains for your newborn on Ebay. Here are today's great buys.
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Infant Clothes

When I started shopping for baby items, it was very hard to pare down. There were so many cute choices that it was hard to resist. On hindsight, I really wish we didn't buy so much stuff. Here's a list of items and suggested number of items to buy to prepare for your newborn's early weeks.

Receiving blankets (6)
Tie-sides, short sleeves (3)
Clip-sides, short sleeves (3)
T-shirt, short sleeves (3)
Onesies, short sleeves (6)
Frogsuits (2)
Overalls (2)
Layette (2)
Booties (4)
Socks (6)
Mittens (6)
Bonnets or caps (2 - 4)
Christening clothes (1)
Party clothes/travel attires (10)
Halloween costume (1)
Christmas/New Year dresses (4)
Party shoes (2) -
Hangers (20)
** Mild fabric detergents

Value for Money Baby Clothes

If you loved , you might also enjoy:

1

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Luvable Friends Newborn Socks in Reusable Washbag, 6-Pack

Luvable Friends Newborn Socks in Reusable Washbag, 6-Pack

These newborn socks are soft and comfortable on yo more...0 points

2

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3-Pack Sleep N Play (Terry)

3-Pack Sleep N Play (Terry)

Our Luvable Friends layette collection of unique b more...0 points

3

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Straight Edge (non-skid) Socks

Straight Edge (non-skid) Socks

Straight edge socks are ideal for everyday wear wi more...0 points

4

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3-Pack Pants

3-Pack Pants

Our premium Luvable Friends layette collection fea more...0 points

5

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2-Pack Scratch Mittens

2-Pack Scratch Mittens

Luvable Friends scratch mittens are the perfect wa more...0 points

Meal Time

Some suggested gear for the hungry baby

The quantities suggested are good for those who are looking to breastfeed for at least 6 months. If you will be formula feeding, it might be better to buy a little bit more to save you time on washing and sterilizing the baby bottles.

Nursing pillow - this is super helpful when you are breastfeeding
Sling
Breast pump
Breastmilk storage bottles or storage bags
Feeding cups for breast milk
Feeding bottles w/ nipples & covers (6 sets) - I used the Dr Brown's bottles for the anti-colic device. Did it work? Well, my baby hardly suffered from colic.
Formula milk measuring bottle (1)
Bottle brush (1)
Nipple brush (1)
Steam/Electric Sterilizer - nice to have but you can just boil the bottles and other stuff
Bottle drying rack
Food grinder or Food processor (6 months up)
High Chair (6 months up)
Feeding spoons (6 months up - 2)
Plates/Bowls (6 months up - 2)
Spill proof cups (6 months up - 2)
Bibs, cloth (7)
Bibs, cloth with plastic or rubber layer (4)
Burp pads (7)
Teether (3)
Teething rusk - buy when needed, has expiry date
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Pacifier- if you want the baby to use, buy the newborn ones and the 3mos and up ones

Best Breast Pump

My personal pick out of all the electric breast pumps out there

From Amazon Product Description: A double electric personal use breastpump ideal for daily use. Natural Expression pumping, One touch let-down button designed for faster milk flow, customized pumping with adjustable speed and vacuum control. Stylish backpack contains everything mom needs to pump. Battery Pack for pumping anywhere, anytime. Includes: Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump with 2 Phase Expression pumping in a stylish black microfiber backpack bag, Removable cooler carrier, Removable motor unit, Double pumping accessory kit, Manual breastpump, Cooling element, AC adapter, Battery Pak with soft cover #9017004, 4 collection containers and lids, 2 container stands, Breastfeeding Information Guide,Free breastpumping accessory samples.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump

Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

This pump was my savior. I brought it everywhere with me when I went out without my baby. It was super convenient to use, discreet (most people didn't even know it was a breast pump unless I told them), and since it's a double electric breast pump, pumping breast milk was also really fast.

This was important to me because I would often rush to meetings or be finishing work so I needed something that wouldn't take too long. I also got the adaptor for places where I couldn't plug in the pump. Just over-all, I know that I wouldn't have been as successful building up stored breast milk for my baby without this device. Worth every penny!

Bath Time

Keep your baby clean and fresh with these items.

Bathtub
Infant bath support
Natural sponge
Bath towels (6)
Wash cloths (6)
Baby shampoo/soap - find something hypoallergenic for the first few weeks to avoid rashes
Baby soap
Baby powder with rash protection formula
Baby lotion
Baby anti-mosquito lotion
Baby oil
Alcohol
Diaper rash ointment
Baby wipes holder
Baby wipes
Absorbent cotton
Cotton tips
Tissue paper
Vandol
Bath Toy
Petroleum Jelly
Disposable diapers (tons!!) - when my baby was really young, we used up 1 pack of 48 pcs every 1.5 weeks
Cloth diapers - if you like

Gentle & Mild Enough for Newborns

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, 12-Ounce Bottle Pack of 2

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, 12-Ounce Bottle Pack of 2

Amazon Price: (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

Traveling Baby

Before you take your baby out, review this list to check if you have everything you need.

Baby Carrier (for infants)
Carry cot/Car seat (for infants)
Stroller
Stroller Toy Bar
Car seat (6 months up)
Kiddopotamus Snuzzler Head and Body Support - this is what we used to keep my baby's head and body steady in the carrier.
Nursery bag with changing pad
Wet ones
Alcogel

Health & Safety

A healthy baby is a happy baby.

Infant grooming kit with comb & brush, scissors, nail file, nail clipper, nail brush, emery board
Infant medikit with:
* nasal aspirator
* medicine dropper,
* medispoon,
* teether
* ear thermometer
* scissors
Baby monitor- if the baby is sleeping in another room and you need to do chores or if you live in a big house, this is nice to have
Safety gadgets (most for 3/6 months up):
* Socket covers
* Cabinet/drawer locks/catches
* Door protectors
* Corner cushions
* Multipurpose lock for toilet seats, etc
* Cooker & hob guard (alternative - railing/gate into kitchen)
* Fridge/freezer catch (alternative - railing/gate into kitchen)
* 'Baby on Board' sign for the car
Gripe water or drop version for gas pain or if baby turns colic
Hand sanitizer

Baby (and Mommy's) Fave Toy

Cloud B Twilight Turtle The most unique nightlight your child's ever seen, the Twilight Turtle is the first of its kind. An adorable piece during the day, the plush's soft body and bright plastic shell make a great toy for play or display. At bedtime, Twilight Turtle becomes a constellation nightlight transforming your child's room into his or her very own planetarium. In three soothing colors, the shell illuminates walls and ceilings with eight actual constellations scattered throughout a star pattern. The Twilight Turtle Star Guide allows your child to point out the Big Dipper and others easily. Cloud B has won several awards for their ingenuity. The 2006 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice, iParenting Award, and Baby Talk Editor's Choice have all been bestowed on the Twilight Turtle. The National Parenting Center gave the nightlight its Seal of Approval. For spending every night underneath the stars, order the Twilight Turtle today!
Could not locate item B0011RXLYS. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Documentation/Entertainment/Toys

All are nice to have it's up to you which ones you want to get

Baby book
CD's with baby music
VCD's for babies (3 months up)
Books for babies
Crib mobile
Rattle
Small Squeeze toy
Bouncers/rockers (3 months up)
Walker (6 months up)
Kicker or gym exerciser
Activity center/activity toys
Digital Camera & video camera
Chimes
Piggy bank

Gender Neutral Baby Book

A beautifully illustrated journal to record special moments and memories in a baby's first three years.
Humble Bumbles Baby Journal

Humble Bumbles Baby Journal

by: Amy Meyer Allen

Amazon Price: $12.34 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

I was given three baby books before my baby was even born and this was my favorite hands down. It didn't have too much details to fill out but had enough for the milestones of my baby's life. It's also beautifully illustrated. I'm sure my baby will enjoy viewing it when he's much older to see all the really neat stuff he got into while growing up.

Suggested Resources

Fortune favors the prepared! Here are some other excellent Squidoo lenses to check out. These are excellent guides you can use to prepare you when baby arrives.
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A Penny For Your Thoughts

What other equipment did you have to get for your baby that is not listed on here? Any favorite products worth checking out? Please share.

  • jgelien Dec 28, 2009 @ 9:44 am | delete
    I think you have covered it all. Great job on this lens. 5*
  • JodiTraxler Oct 13, 2009 @ 3:07 am | delete
    Great lens! 5*s, lensrolled and featured on Feeding Your Baby -- Taking The Bottle Away!
  • chris57 Jul 23, 2009 @ 1:20 am | in reply to Janice | delete
    Thanks for mentioning your own great finds, Janice! These are really helpful for new moms. :-)
  • Janice Jun 29, 2009 @ 12:28 am | delete
    Wow, Chris, this is a great resource for new moms. Kudos to you!
    I just want to share with you awesome products I used/purchased when my kiddos were still tiny (they are now 7 and 4). They made my life easier and saved me mega-bucks, too.

    * Luvs diapers - less expensive than Huggies and Pampers
    * Gerber baby wash and lotion (oatmeal was my favorite, great for babies with sensitive skin) - good, cheaper alternative to Aveeno
    * Baby vicks rub - a very light, chamomile-based version of the regular vicks; can be used for young babies. My winter must-have.
    * Vicks plug-in vaporizer - the alternative to the baby rub; plug onto an outlet and it'll do its job.
    * Avent microwave steam sterilizer - a lifesaver! bottles water into sterilizer, put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and you're done!
    * Fisher Price booster seat - I didn't have space in my home for the usual ginormous high chair so I got this awesome feeding chair. It's a portable seat that will fit most dining chairs.
    - Janice
  • chris57 Jun 24, 2009 @ 4:01 am | in reply to jamie grande | delete
    Thanks, Jamie!! Awesome list. Thanks for sharing. Let us know how they work out for you. More and more products keep coming out that make moms lives simpler. It can only help us. :-)
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chris57

Hi there, I'm new to Squidoo and still learning the ropes but I am enjoying myself so far. Whoever said that creating and maintaining lenses is addict... more »

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