Bringing baby home

Now you’re bringing home a new baby from the hospital. There is plenty of tips and advice out there on the basics and how to be prepared. Truthfully, you can never be truly prepared. You don’t need everything at once, but here’s a few things to get you started.

CLOTHING AND BLANKETS

Newborn babies will need several changes of clothing a day thanks to spitting up and nappy blowouts. The following is recommended + Short- and long-sleeved onesies + Nightgowns for use until the umbilical cord falls off + One-piece sleepers—choose ones with zippers to save yourself time and effort! + Socks or booties + Scratch mittens (so baby doesn’t scratch his face with his new little nails) + Light blanket + Dressier outfits (optional, but nice to have)

FEEDING & CHANGING NAPPIES

If you choose to breastfeed nursing bras and a nursing pillow are nice conveniences. If you are bottle feeding, you’ll need bottles, teats, and formula. Make sure to check expiration dates on the formula. Follow the formula instructions when making the formula and have a cloth handy for when you burp baby. Baby’s weight can vary quite a bit so you may want to have newborn and infant nappies handy. You’ll need baby wipes, sorbolene (babies skin gets very dry after birth) or baby rash cream in case of nappy rash e.g. Sudocrem.

MEDICAL CARE SUPPLIES

These are some basic infant supplies that you should keep on hand + A bulb syringe will help suction out mucous.

+ Baby scissors or nail clippers will prevent your little one from scratching their face.
+ An eyedropper or syringe and baby paracetamol
+ A forehead thermometer on head to keep track of your baby’s temperature and symptoms so you can respond quickly if he or she is sick

SLEEPWEAR & PLACE TO SLEEP

The safest place for baby to sleep is in your room, not in your bed. You can choose a crib or a bassinet. The bed will need to be free from fluffy crib bedding and stuffed toys these may pose a danger to your child’s breathing. A onesie pyjama outfit so baby feels snug like in the womb and a light sheet or blanket , temperature dependent is recommended.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

To care for your baby, you also need to care for yourself. The first few weeks are brutal, compounded by sleep deprivation. Here are a few tips to look after yourself at home with your new baby.

+ Pear juice is important to prevent constipation post-partum. It should be used for up to a week after giving birth
+ Pre-prepare some frozen meals to take the pressure off having to shop or cook
+ Schedule grocery home delivery to coincide with your arrival home from hospital