checklist -- basic

PREPARING FOR BABY

Getting ready for our baby's arrival on July or August is exciting! But being a first time mom, it can be confusing as well especially since I am as always and as I should be on a budget but there's the temptation to splurge indeed.

Anyway, our new OB provided us with a prenatal care book which includes a page of a basic checklist.

And yes, I am to check off items as I shop or get them as dole outs from friends who had just their bundle of joy as well.

I'd copy it down here.

Prepare a plane in your home for the baby.

□ Sleeping area (crib or bassinet/cradle)

□ Place for clothes and supplies

Clothing

□ 5-7 undershirts or 'onesies'

□ 1-2 hats/bonnets

□ 1-2 sets of baby washcloths and towels

□ 3-4 dozen newborn diapers (plus 3-4 waterproof pants and diaper clips if using cloth diapers)

□ 4-6 receiving blankets

□ 2-3 pairs of booties or socks (you won't need shoes until he is walking well)

□ 2 washable bibs

□ 4-6 cotton diapers to use as burp rags

□ 3-4 fitted sheets

□ 2 crib blankets

□ 1-2 blankets for the carriage or stroller

*Be sure to wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in baby detergent before using.

Feeding Supplies

□ 4-6 baby bottles (4 and 8 ounces)

□ bottle brush

□ nursing bra

□ nursing/breast pump

Other basic items that you may need include:

□ pacifier if you choose to use one (choose a one piece, silicone model with a soft nipple and has a shield that is at least 1.5 inches wide)

□ infant carrier

□ 1 nasal suction bulb

□ thermometer

□ 1 stroller, carriage or combination of stroller/carriage

□ 1 front pack or back pack to carry your baby until he is 5-6mos old

□ 1 diaper bag

□ 1 calibrated spoon, medicine dropper or oral syringe for giving medicine

□ baby bath tub

□ diaper rash ointment and/or petroleum jelly