- Car Seat. Be sure to have it checked for correct installation and placed in the car for the trip home. Check here for more information on babies and car seats.
- Several prepared meals for when you get home
- Phone numbers for restaurants that deliver or a delivery service such as Waiter on the Way
- Mattress cover for the adult bed
- Sanitary napkins-maternity sized for the first couple weeks and smaller for later
- Nursing pads and nursing bras
- Nursing gowns (cotton is more comfortable)
- Birth announcements and thank you notes
- Diapers. Cloth diapers are great burp pads even if you use disposables
- Diaper ointment such as A and D or Desitin
- Plastic pants and diaper pins (a bar of soap for storing pins)
- Diaper pail
- Baby towels and washcloths (Think about how often you want to run the washer)
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Receiving blankets, comforter or quilts as needed for the weather and the temperature of your house
- Knit hat for baby
- Baby shirts, kimonos, gowns, sleepers, booties and socks in 0-6 month size
- Crib or cradle and bedding
- Bottles and bottle warmer
- If you are going to bottle-feed, discuss formula with the pediatrician.
- Pacifiers
- Infant thermometer
- List of phone numbers for the calls from the hospital and a list of emergency numbers at home
Great gifts
- Rocker or glider
- Snugli or other baby carrier
- Baby book
- Mobiles
- Radio for the nursery
- Intercom for the baby’s room
- Donation fund for cord blood donation if you are interested.