The Basics for Baby and You

Both you and your baby will have certain basic needs in the days and weeks after birth. Use these last few weeks of your pregnancy to think about, gather and arrange the following:

All a newborn truly needs is:

Your warm arms
Your breast milk (or formula)
A safe place to sleep (crib or bassinet)
An approved rear-facing car seat, installed in the back seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and in the center position, if possible
A small collection of soft shirts and one-piece stretch suits
A few lightweight baby blankets
Cloth or disposable diapers

(The chemicals used to scent some disposable diapers and wipes may cause rashes, so you might want to experiment before buying a lot of any particular type of diaper or wipe.)

For winter babies, a padded suit with a hood
For summer babies, a sunhat

You’ll need:

3 nursing bras: 1 to wear, 1 to wash and 1 ready to go (nursing pads to insert in those bras are also recommended for catching breast-milk leakage when you aren’t nursing)
Some shirts you can lift from the waist (or specially designed with breastfeeding flaps) and nightgowns you can open from the top for nursing
A safety-approved baby front pack or sling that drapes across one shoulder and around your waist to keep your baby close to you and your hands free when you need them
A small safety-approved baby seat for convenience when your baby is awake and you want to put him down for a few minutes (mostly, though, babies are happiest when they can touch, smell and hear you and feel your movements)

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.