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The Baby´s |
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lmost Here. Are You Ready? |
Proper equipment (purchased now, rather than later) can help you succeed and have fun.
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Car Seat - needed to take the baby safely (and legally) home |
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Receiving blanket |
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Bassinet and/or crib |
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Diapers - estimate 10 a day! |
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Changing table (or designated area to change baby) |
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Newborn clothes: one-pieces, T-shirts, footsies, PJ's, hat and socks |
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Diaper Bag (see list below for what goes inside) |
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Stroller |
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Burping cloths |
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Breast pump |
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Rocking chair (or comfortable place to feed your baby) |
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Infant bathing tub |
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Playpen or play mat |
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If your due date is rapidly approaching, it's a good idea to gather a few items and make arrangements for birth and hospital stay.
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Name, phone number and address of your Pediatrician and Obstetrician. |
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Written directions to the hospital - with all the commotion, you might not remember the way. |
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Phone numbers of friends and family to call from the hospital with the good news. |
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Phone number of friend or relative who will take you to the hospital if they do not live with you. |
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A bag with comfortable clothes, slippers and toiletries for you while you are in the hospital. |
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Car seat, receiving blanket and clothes for the baby. |
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Arrangements for babysitting for your other children (or pets) while you are at the hospital. |
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Book, magazine, cards, or baby announcements (address them ahead of time) to keep you busy during hospitalization. |
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In the hospital you have lots of help - nurses, volunteers and doctors - all at your beck and call. But once you've been home for a few days - deprived of sleep, chaos everywhere and your previously routine schedule turned upside down - you'll be glad you organized your house and gathered the necessities ahead of time.
Baby's need lots of stuff - all the time. So prepare an extra diaper bag - or two. Leave one in your car and give one to dad. That way you will have the necessities if your car breaks down or you were out longer than expected.
The perfect diaper bag should include the following:
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5 diapers |
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Small bags to dispose of dirty diapers |
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Baby wipes |
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Changing pad |
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Burping cloth |
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Pacifier (if your baby uses one) |
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Change of clothing for baby |
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Clean shirt for mom |
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Blanket |
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Infant Tylenol (fever reducer) |
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List of important info: pediatrician's phone number, recent weight of baby, allergies if any, and immunization records. |
Life with a newborn is full of surprises. And hopefully these checklists will help you to enjoy those surprises rather than stress over them. Hold on tight and get set for the ride of your life!