Supplies You’ll Need to Furnish New Baby’s Nursery
Start stocking baby’s room at any time during the pregnancy, but best to start early than to try and wait until the last minute, then rush out and buy it all. Baby items can be very expensive and it’s much easier to spread the cost out over months than weeks or days.
As for baby clothing you’ll need approximately 350 diapers just for the first month! Cloth diapers, even if you’re using disposables are great for burping cloths and diapering emergencies. Purchase 2 or 3 dozen of the pre-folded type. You’ll need a dozen or so sleepers, gowns or one-piece pj sets. For cold weather try the pj sets. In warmer weather you can use sleepers or gowns. For day or nighttime, the Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½onesies’ are perfect. Get about a dozen of them. Babies spit up and can go through several outfits in a day. If it takes you a couple of days to catch up on laundry you can find yourself out of casual clothes for baby in no time. Other things you’ll need are a few pair of socks, a couple of pair of plastic pants, some pins and a knit hat or two.
Bedding depends upon the season or temperature you keep the inside of your house. Some people think that, if it’s cold outside, they must keep the baby tightly wrapped inside. Not true. If it’s comfortable inside, the baby doesn’t need tons of extra layers. A warm blanket will suffice, if it’s summer, a receiving blanket. If there’s air conditioning in the baby’s room, use the warm blanket.
So, one or two thermal blankets and 10 to 12 receiving blankets should suffice, along with 3 to 4 sets of crib sheets.
Baby can have his or her own towels and wash cloths but it’s not absolutely necessary to purchase baby ones. Although the baby sets are smaller, regular towels and wash cloths work fine. Many babies have sensitive skin, though, so wash their clothes and linens separately from everyone else’s, using a baby-type brand of detergent. If you will be purchasing all new baby towels, get a couple or more of the hooded type of towels, and a dozen or so wash cloths.
Of course you’ll need a car seat for baby. Many hospitals include this in the bill so that you’ll have one to take home with you and baby. Some moms use the car seat as an indoor seat as well, but they also make indoor seats that are handy and not as heavy.
Nursery equipment includes crib with bumper pads and optional mobile or soothing musical toys. Basinet is also optional but handy for keeping baby in other parts of the house besides the nursery. A diaper pail is a necessity. Whether you’re tossing in disposables, or you’ll be hiring a laundry service, you’ll need some sort of container with lid. Don’t forget plastic liners and ties. You may want to invest in a baby swing, too. They’re great for lulling restless babies to sleep.
Many moms dress baby in the crib, and that’s fine, but a changing table is a nice addition to any nursery. They generally have drawers for storing baby items and are raised to the perfect level for changing diapers.
Accessories for baby include 4, 6, and 8 ounce bottles, nipple and bottle brush, diaper bag, baby wipes, baby tub, baby bath products, comb, brush, and optional toys. It’s also a good idea to have a rectal thermometer and baby nail clippers.
To make things easier on mom, a baby carrier – the type that straps onto you – is a real help. Mom will also need several comfortable nightgowns, nursing bras, cotton bra pads (if breast feeding), nursing pillow, stroller, and a nice rocking chair.
If you’ve just discovered you’re expecting a little one, there’s plenty of time to stock the nursery. If you’re running out of time, you can order online with ease.
