The arrival of your new child is an exciting time, but amid all of the excitement, you’ll need to have a huge array of supplies to help begin the first steps towards your new life as a mother. Our practice has been able to help numerous women prepare for these moments by giving them a step-by-step list that encompasses all of their needs.
Step 1: Hospital Kits
About a month before expected delivery, you should have a hospital kit that contains all of your comfort items and new baby items. Your comfort items can help you feel more cozy and pleasant during your stay at the hospital.
Some of the items we recommend for mothers include:
- Slippers
- Nightgown
- Bathrobe
- Breast pads
- Bra and nursing bra
- Multiple pairs of socks
- Multiple stacks of underwear
- Comfortable hair ties/scrunchies
- Toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, and deodorant
- Loose, comfortable clothes to wear home
For the newborn, we recommend:
- Going-home outfit, such as an onesie
- Warm baby clothes if the weather is cold
- Baby socks
- Blankets
- Baby car seat – this is required by law and needs to be installed in your car before heading to the hospital.
Other items the hospital will need from you include:
- Health insurance card
- Hospital admission papers
- Birth preferences
- Contact information
- Pregnancy medical file, such as a list of medication
Step 2: At-home preparation
Your newborn will need many items to be comfortable and happy in their new environment. Here, we’ll section out these needs into sections to make your list easier:
Nursing – Your baby will need to nurse with items such as:
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Milk storage containers
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Formula
- Thermal bottle carrier
Diapering – Disposable diapers are the most commonly used items, but to make the most out of diaper changing, you’ll need:
- Two boxes of disposable diapers
- Changing pad
- Baby ointment
- Disposable baby wipes
- Safety pins/velcro pins for cloth diapers
- Waterproof covers
Bathtime – For bathing, you’ll need:
- Plastic infant tub
- Washcloths
- Baby soap
- Baby hairbrushes
- Soft-hooded towels
Clothing – Your baby will need clothes! Some of the clothing items you’ll need for a full year include:
- Onesies and undershirts
- Nightgowns
- Pants
- Hats
- Socks and booties
- Scratch mittens
- Snowsuit
- Baby laundry detergent for washing clothes
Bedtime – Among this list, your baby will need to be comfortable with other joyful items, such as:
- Cotton blankets
- Receiving blankets
- Infant toys
- Approved crib and crib mattress
- Sleepsack
- Crib Sheets
- Waterproof mattress covers
Miscellaneous – Among these items, you’ll also need:
- Strollers
- Rocking chairs
- Playpens
- Safety Locks
- Diaper bags
- Sunshades for the car
- Baby thermometer
- Medicine spoon
- Bulb syringe
- Baby medication for fevers
The Benefits of A Supply List For Mothers
Supply lists have numerous benefits; they can help organize and plan ahead for the baby. They help alleviate anxiety about becoming a new mother and help work with finances to accommodate for the new child truly. For planning mothers, they can also gain a great insight into how much taking care of a child costs each year, which allows them to communicate with their partners about what it means to have a child and whether or not it is feasible.
Common Questions about Supply List For Mothers
Am I spoiling my infant through all these items? – No. In fact, these items are quite necessary for your child, because they cover the necessities for happy growth, such as cleaning, feeding, and clothing your child during the first few years of their life until they reach toddler age.
Is green poop normal? – Yes, and even the yellow and brown varieties too. These variations depend on what your baby is drinking in terms of breast milk. Also, make sure that they get at least six wet diapers a week for a well-hydrated bum.
How many layers of clothes does my baby need when I go outside? – Dress your baby in at least more than one layer than what you have one. This allows them to retain body heat.
How We Can Help With Supply List For Mothers
We understand that with a new baby comes a whole new batch of responsibilities. Our supply lists can help prepare women for their newfound motherhood and help their family members support mothers in their lives through baby supplies. If you have any more questions about motherhood, then ask away and contact us today!