Some parents don't feel like buying anything until they have their baby. The advantage of getting and arranging everything ahead of time is that it lightens the burden later.
What do you really have to have, in the way of equipment, to take care of a new baby? There are no exact rules, but there are some suggestions:
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| Anne Geddes |
A place to sleep
A simple bassinet on wheels is convenient at first. Most parents start with a crib with a bumper pad to go all around inside. Cribs should have childproof side locking mechanisms, no sharp edges or lead paint, and at least 26 inches from the top of the rail to the mattress set at its lowest level. The baby doesn't need a pillow for his head, and it's better not to use one.
Something to change and dress her on
Changing tables with a waterproof pad, safety traps, and storage shelves are convenient, though expensive. But you can change the baby on a low table or bathroom counter, or on the top of a bureau that is at a comfortable height.
Other Equipment
- A diaper bag is very useful when you leave the house with your baby.
- An inclined plastic seat in which the baby can be strapped, carried short distances, set down almost anywhere, and from which she can watch the world go by, is a most useful accessory.
- A child's nose syringe is helpful to remove mucus during colds, if the mucus is interfering with feeding.
- Playpens are controversial. Some parents and psychologists disapprove the imprisonment of a baby in a pen, fearing that it may cramp the desire to explore and cramp the spirit. If you are going to use a pen, you must start putting the baby in it each day from about 3 months. If you wait until a baby starts to crawl (6-8 months), the pen will surely seem like a prison and will be met with persistent howls.
- Infant walkers are amajor cause of injury. Their supposed benefits are controversial, and their dangers are clearly proven. They should not be used.
Things to have in your medicine cabinet
- a box of prepared bandages of various sizes.
- 2 boxes of sterile gauze pads
- 2 roles of sterile stretchable bandage 2 inches wide
- a roll of paper, cloth or plastic tape, 1 inch wide
- a bottle of antifever medicine (it comes as drops for babies, syrup for toddlers, chewables for preschoolers, and small "swallowables" for older children.
- a hot water bottle and an ice bag.
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