Supplies For Your Baby
Car Seat
You won't be able to bring your baby from hospital without a car-seat so make sure that you shop for one well before your due-date. Search for a lightweight, rear-facing model designed for babies under 20 lbs.
Convertible seats can be used for babies and toddlers. They are designed to face the rear of the car while your baby is under 20 lbs. Once your baby is a year old and weighs 20 lbs, the seat can be turned around so that it faces forward.
If your premature baby is less than 20lbs when he reaches one year of age, you must wait until he is 20lbs in weight before turning his car seat to face forwards. But if your baby reaches 20 lbs before his first birthday, you should keep his car-seat facing the rear of the car until he turns one.
Some car seats are designed to snap out at the base. These are handy in so far as you can move the infant without risk of waking him. Other seats can fit onto a set of wheels to turn into a stroller. Whatever type you choose, make sure that it is correctly installed.
Buggy/Stroller
Before you choose a buggy, make sure that you can steer the buggy in a straight line with one hand. Also, press down lightly on the handles, and ensure that it doesn't tip over when you do.
Research shows that the T style restraint is safest, this is the sort where a buckle connects the crotch and waist belts. Ideally, the handles should be waist high or lower. You can also get special strollers for use while jogging.
Keeping your baby warm
Remember that premature babies have little body fat and so may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so make sure to check regularly whether the baby requires additional layers for warmth.
What clothes should I buy for my baby?
When choosing clothes for your baby, it is an idea to select materials such as soft cotton, which are comfortable for the baby, are kind to sensitive skin and are composed of natural fabrics, which breathe and so help prevent nappy rash:
- Vests
- Soft, cotton, baby grows (stretchy one piece garments with snap-shut fasteners)
- Fleecy or woollen hat with ear flaps for the colder months
- Broad brimmed sun hats or alternatively, legionnaire style peaked cap, with neck and ear flaps are best to protect babies from the sun
- Baby mittens for the colder months
- Fleece, zipped baby bags with hoods
- Cotton socks or tights
See the resources section at the end for websites that you can buy clothes for premature babies on.
Bathing Supplies
Soft fluffy towels and soft washcloths, a sponge, mild baby soap, baby shampoo, and simple moisturising cream, such as aqueous cream, which you can get in a pharmacy.
Avoid perfumed products or those which contain chemicals. Choose instead, products which are designed for baby sensitive skin.
A plastic cup for rinsing your baby's hair is also a good idea.
Remember: Never leave a baby alone in a bath - even when he can sit up - as a baby can drown in a few inches of water.
Cradle
Some parents like to put their newborn baby into a cradle, before moving her to a cot at around one month of age. If you use one, make sure that it is sturdy and that it won't tip over. If the cradle has folding legs, make sure that they're locked tight into position before putting the baby into it.
Cot
If you're using a second-hand cot, make sure that it is spotlessly clean and sturdy, and that the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. It is vital that you buy a new mattress for your baby and that it fits the cot perfectly to ensure that the infant won't get trapped between it and the edge of the cot. Modern cots meet this safety requirement.
Flannel-backed, waterproof mattress protectors are a good idea - they are more comfortable than the more old-fashioned plastic or rubber versions. You'll also need some cotton sheets to fit the cot.
Pillows should never be put into a cot, as they are a suffocation risk.
It is not recommended to use a bumper pad around the cot.
If you use a blanket, lie the baby with his feet towards the foot of the crib, tuck a thin aerated, baby blanket into the mattress and fold the blanket so that it is only as high up as the baby's chest.
Nappy changing station
It is a good idea to place the nappy changing station against a wall, but never in front of a window, so that your baby has less chance of falling. Ideally the station should be sturdy and have a 2 inch guard rail around all four sides. If it doesn't, then make sure that you use a nappy changing mat in which the middle is slightly lower than the sides.
Make sure to keep the nappies, wipes, powder and other accessories within your arm's reach, but out of the infant's reach. If you use disposable nappies, make sure to have a supply of scented nappy bags, so that you can put them into the bin, without worrying.
Medicine Chest
Medicine to reduce temperature and fever, Petroleum Jelly, Talcum Powder, Antibacterial cream, Nappy rash cream, Baby scissors or clippers, Thermometer.
Baby Monitor
Many parents like the security of having a baby monitor, so that they can hear the baby if it cries while in another room of the house. However, if you live in an apartment, or if your home is always quiet, this may not be something you'd want to have.
Rocking Chair
A rocking chair or glider is not necessary, but is a nice luxury and provides somewhere comfortable for the baby's parent to sit while feeding or cuddling her.
Baby Carrier
These are a great way to carry your baby around with you, while at the same time allowing you to have your hands free. Baby slings are another method of soothing and comforting your baby and are ideal in that they allow the baby to lie down and sleep, while being carried. When the baby is bigger and can hold his head up, you can also consider carrying him in a special baby-back-pack.
Bouncy Seat
Bouncy seats are perfect for those times when you need to put the baby down for a few minutes. Many have a rocking motion or can be rocked gently. Others have a little bar of toys along the front to entertain the child.
Hanging Mobile
It is an idea to hang a colourful mobile above the cot and the changing station to entertain your baby.
CD Player
Many parents like to play classical music to their children. Others prefer to play nursery rhymes, baby songs and even talking books, although of course, nothing can take the place of telling nursery rhymes to your baby yourself, or of reading stories to her and singing songs to entertain her or lullabies to send her to sleep.
Toys
Young babies don't really need toys, but many enjoy 'entertainment mats' which are quilted and contain unbreakable mirrors, squeaky squares and soft pieces to chew. Otherwise, most make do with a string of baby toys across the front of their pram or buggy, and when they're a little older, activity centres, which are especially designed for early learning.
It's important that anything you give your child to play with is safety approved and is appropriate for her age. Early learning toys are a good idea, but only in moderation, when the baby is young.
