Being Pregnant :: Preparations

Babies look too breakable.

As my pregnancy passes the middle stages, I fear I'm blatently unaware of just how to take care of a baby! They're so little and delicate - how does a new parent prepare for taking care of a baby? It's unfortunate that I haven't had the opportunity to be around babies or mothers *or* pregnant women, for that matter - so I'm treading on new water and having to rely on my doctor, books, the internet and instinct. I've put some helpful articles under the resources link.

What to get baby

Lists! Now where would we be without lists? Below is a list of things that I've collected to prepare for baby's coming. Remember, I'm not experienced yet... that would be a real gem is to have a preparation list by an experienced mom. But I will be after June and I'll be sure to update ;)

This preparation is a culmination of lists on most pregnancy sites, so it *should* be somewhat accurate.

Hospital Stay

Tip: pack your hospital stay bag 1 month before your due date.

Nightgown/t-shirt to give birth in
Nightgown/slippers to wear after delivery
Nursing bras and pads (pads even if you're not breast feeding for leakage)
Bathrobe
Birth plan
Tissues
Wet wipes and/or a sponge
Books/magazines/personal stereo & music
Hand mirror to see your baby being born
Warm socks
Underwear
Drinks & snacks
Money/phonecard and telephone numbers
Camera/Video camera, film, batteries, and tapes
Hairbrush
Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo & Conditioner
Towels

Makeup (if you feel like it)
Toothpaste and toothbrush/Mouthwash
Stop Watch with second hand (to time contractions)
A picture or stuffed animal to use as a focal point when in labor
Journal or Diary
Going Home Clothes
Diaper bag with diapers, wipes, changing pad, burp cloths, and a change of clothes for baby
Car seat
Bottles and formula (if not breast feeding)
A knitted baby cap
Recieving blankets

Baby's First Months

CLOTHING

6 cotton shirts
6 stretchsuits
6 vests/bodysuits
2 cardigans
4 pairs socks/booties
4 Bibs
Hats & mittens
Snowsuit/jacket
4 socks or booties
2 hooded bath towels

BREAST FEEDING

2+ bottles (for water)
1 bottle and nipple brush
6-8 nipples and caps
Breast Feeding
Breast pads
Breast pump
Milk storage kit/bottle

BOTTLE FEEDING

6 bottles, teats & tops
Sterilizing equipment
Bottle warmer
Bottle brush

BATHING & CHANGING

Bath tub (optional)
4 washcloths
Nail scissors/clippers
Brush & comb
Toiletries: baby bath,
shampoo, lotion, powder,
wipes, cotton wool,
ear buds, Diaper cream
Changing mat
Diaper disposal unit
Diaper sacks
Diaper pail
Disposable Diapers
(10-12 diapers a day for first month or so)
or Cloth Diapers
(can use for burping too)
Diaper liners
Rubber pants or diaper covers
Diaper pins

ON THE MOVE

Car seat
Pram/pushchair
Baby Carrier
Changing bag
Sun canopy/parasol

BEDTIME

Cot or cotbed
Crib & Mattress
Crib bumper pads
Mattress
Nursery thermometer
Baby monitor
For Cradle, Pram or Carrycot
3-4 fitted sheets
2-3 flat sheets
3 blankets

LATER ADDITIONS &
OPTIONAL ITEMS

Bouncer/rocker
Toys
Activity centre
Play mat
Crib Mobile
Musical night light
High chair
Baby swing
Play pen
Changing table
Bassinet