What do you really need from Day #1

Friends and relatives shower you with magnificent clothes, blankets, decor, strollers and more for your baby. It can get overwhelming. What do you really need to have ready at home for when you bring baby home from the hospital? Here's my picks for your "absolutely necessary list." These items can be a part of an invaluable(although not so glamorous)gift basket for an expectant Mom.

Lotions, potions, meds and creams:
As you will see from the list, I am partial to minimizing additives, perfumes, dyes, parabens etc from products as much as possible. They are often culprits in skin irritations or other allergies, so less is more when picking products.
1. A&D Ointment - a vaseline based diaper cream for mild diaper irritation. It is less sticky than the zinc creams so easy on and easy off.
2. Zinc-based dipaer cream (like Desitin or my favorite all natural brand California Baby) - this cream is a greater barrier for worse diaper rash.
3. Aquaphor - a great all purpose ointment for dry skin, small wounds and even for diaper cream in place of A&D. Great for Mom's dry hands too.
4. Infant Tylenol dye-free - Hopefully you won't need this for a long time, but when your pediatrician advises tylenol use, you want this at home so you don't have to go running to the pharmacy looking for the right kind.
5. Children's Benadryl (also dye-free)- Again, hopefully you will never need this, but if your pediatrician advises you to use it for an allergic reaction, it is good to have it on hand.
6. Anti-bacterial ointment (Bacitracin or Neosporin)- good to have around for boo-boos in the future.
7. 1% hydrocortisone ointment (any brand) - a mild anti-inflammatory great for bug-bites and other mild itchies.
8. Mild shampoo and body wash - again look for products (often in the health food section) without artificial dyes, perfumes, colors, parabens etc. Again, I like California Baby shampoo and body wash and Jason's products as well.

Diapers:
You will need one or two packs of Newborn size diapers. I like Pampers Swaddlers (in the yellow package). Your baby will quickly grow into a size one so buy sparingly (or pass them along to friends.

Breastfeeding supplies:
1. Lanolin ointment - for any initial nipple pain.
2. Soothies - really nice cool gel pads in case of nipple cracks or blistering (I know this is making breastfeeding sound like a blast)
3. Breastfeeding pads - for leaking. You don't want to soak through that gorgeous new breastfeeding bra and onto that equally gorgeous "I'm not pregnant but I'm not back to my pre-pregnancy size either" t-shirt you're sporting.
4. Supplies for your pump - this you may not need for a few weeks, but if there are problems with latching or supply initially, the pump can be useful. Most new pumps come with the tubing, attachments and breastshields (the part that goes on the breast). However, the breastshields are standard size (24mm). Larger breasted women may need the 30mm or 36mm shield to get effective pumping so you may want to have the correct size ahead of time. Also, if this is your second baby, replace all the tubing and supplies prior to using the pump again.
5. Breastmilk storage bags
6. A bottle or two for expressed milk (if all goes well, I usually recommend pumping at 2 weeks of age, for Dad or others to start giving a bottle once a day. More on that in a later blog). I like Dr. Brown's wide neck bottle (always a slow-flow nipple) or Born Free vented glass bottles. These brands are BPA free and have a venting system which makes for less gas and less negative ear pressure while sucking.
7. A nursing pillow like the Boppy is helpful but not absolutely neccessary. A regular firm bedroom pillow is probably good enough. The Boppy does have a second use as a tummy-time (TMI for now) prop for the baby later so may be a good investment.

Clothes and blankets:
1. About 6-10 good quality cotton onesies with feet(0-3 mo) with as little sewn on/glued on/elastic-cuffed stuff as possible. This makes for a comfortable baby and easier washing. Many babies grow out of this size within a month or two, so rather get some 3-6 months than too many of the 0-3 month size. You may also need the onesie undershirts as an extra layer if it's cooler.
2. 3 or 4 light cotton blankets. SwaddleDesigns' Swaddle 1-2-3 blankets are my favorite. They are the perfect weight, large size, swaddle very well and wash beautifully. New babies love to be swaddled. It calms them, and keeps them feeling snug so they sleep better. Ask your nurse in the hospital to tach you a good swaddle before you go home. Heavier blankets are not recommended for baby's crib because of increased SIDS risk. If you have a winter baby, you may want one or two heavier blankets for the stroller or a stroller "sleeping-bag" like 7am enfants line or others.

Car seat and stroller - check out Consumer reports for their safest infant car seats and invest in one of the top few. The infant car seats are good for many months (each has a different weight/height max). As long as you are using the infant car seat, the only stroller you really need is the Snap 'n Go Car Seat Carrier or Kolcraft Universal. The infant seat just snaps into it. These frames fold easily, take up little space, have the largest carrying basket of any stroller, are sturdy, and are very inexpensive. Best of all you don't have to wake up your sleeping baby when you arrive at your destination! Most people I know are upset when their baby grows out of the Infant car seat, because it means giving up the convenience of the snap 'n go!

Books and Websites:
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a great new website for parents healthychildren.org with excellent information by age and stage including great breastfeeding advice. They also have a bookstore online where you can buy AAP books and handouts. The books by the AAP are excellent research-based books written in a mostly neutral tone. If you plan to breastfeed, it is helpful to read a breastfeeding book (or take a class) before the baby is born so you know what to expect. The other two books I like on from the AAP are "Heading Home with your Newborn" and "Caring for your Baby and Youn Child." They also offer a nice package "New Baby Gift Pack" for $49 of several books, informational pamphlets (car seat, first aid, choosing a pediatrician. developmental milestones). There are plenty of other well-respected books out there. Pick one which speaks to you. Most importantly, though, take all the advice in the books (or from well-meaning family and friends)with a grain of salt. First and foremost trust your instinct.

So there it is. Feel comfortable you have the basics for now. The rest of the stuff is the delicious frosting. Now you can relax and take the last few weeks to enjoy your quiet time and prepare your mind and body for this amazing journey ahead. You are already a Mommy and soon you will get to hold and kiss this baby you have been carrying and dreaming about meeting all these months.