You’ll have more time to catch your baby’s first smile, first coo—or first burp—if you’ve already purchased the necessary items to make baby’s world warm after bringing home baby.  The choices may seem overwhelming – the checklist below is a good place to start preparing for bringing home baby.  For these items and others you may purchase, you are strongly advised to review them with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting www.cpsc.gov.

Take this handy checklist with you, and have fun shopping.

Must-Haves

• A car seat. You can’t take the baby out of the hospital without one; make sure it meets federal safety standards.
• Diapers—cloth or disposable? Time, money, the environment, and baby’s bottom are just a few factors that influence your choice of diapers.  Your doctor can answer some of your questions and help you decide which diapers best fit baby’s needs and yours.
• Feeding equipment. Pediatricians encourage women to breastfeed their babies because of the nutritional and immunological benefits. Breastfeeding mothers may want to consider purchasing a breast pump and bottles for the times they must be separated from their babies. If you choose not to breastfeed, you will need a supply of bottles, nipples and formula. There are many different types; your doctor may have a recommendation to help you prepare for bringing home baby.
• Clothing. Keep your baby warm and comfy with receiving blankets, sleepers, and booties that fit the season.
• A crib, cradle, or bassinet. Although you can move a bassinet from room to room more easily, a crib is sturdier and can be used for a longer period of time. Be sure the crib meets all American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, including narrowly placed rails to prevent choking and plastic stripping on the rails to prevent splinters.
• Bedding. Basics include blankets, sheets, and waterproof pads. Soft, fluffy, and loose bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys should be removed from your baby’s sleep area. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), research has shown that placing a baby to sleep on soft mattresses, sofas, sofa cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces greatly increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the unexplained, sudden death of a baby under one year of age. SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies from 1 to 12 months of age. Although it is sometimes called “crib death,” cribs do not cause SIDS. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy, full-term babies sleep on their backs, not their tummies, to help reduce the incidence of SIDS. The NICHD website has more information at www.nichd.nih.gov/sids. See, also, For More Information.
• Bathing equipment. Bath time will go smoothly after bringing home baby if you have everything readily available, including a tub, baby soap, baby shampoo, and baby-soft washcloths and towels.  Children must be watched by an adult at all times when in or near water.  Always stay within an arm’s length of your child, as children may drown in an inch or two of water.

Nice-to-Haves for Bringing Home Baby

• A changing table. Whether you purchase this handy piece of furniture or convert an existing dresser, be sure your changing table has safety features that keep baby securely in place.
• Baby carrier. This will keep baby close to you while you still enjoy freedom of movement.
• Baby monitor. You can rest—or work—easier if you’re tuned into this device that allows you to hear – and in new models, see, -  your baby in another room.
• Diaper bag. Packed with everything your little one needs to be comfortable.
• Baby swing. The motion can soothe and entertain baby.
• Stroller. Made for cruisin’ and sometimes snoozin’, it takes a load off your back.
• High chair. Not necessary for infants, but as your little one grows you’ll want to include him or her at the family table. Make sure the high chair has a sturdy base and safety straps.