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You've probably been planning baby's room ever since you heard you were pregnant. Before your baby comes and life gets too hectic, it's a good idea to prepare a calm yet quietly stimulating nursery for your baby. When baby needs rest, calmness should prevail. But when baby's awake, he should have something interesting to look at, to touch, to listen to, and–a little later–to play with. This kind of sensory stimulation
will promote baby's well-being and ability to learn. Enjoy decorating baby's room now before he becomes a child with his own ideas about decor. Just remember, Dad or a friend should do any painting or other work with chemicals or heavy lifting.
What to buy?
You’ll want to have your home, and the baby’s nursery, ready and waiting shortly before your due date. From diapers and clothes to a safe crib, there are lots of things to shop for and gifts to hope for. Click here for a handy list to take with you when you make those all-important shopping trips for your new baby.
Your baby’s bed
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A rocker is an invaluable addition to a nursery. It’s ideal for soothing baby to sleep after those middle-of-the-night feedings. Be sure to sit in the rocker and imagine feeding a baby or rocking with baby on your shoulder before buying it. Back construction, arm height, and the distance the chair rocks back are critical to you comfort. |
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• The crib:
When choosing your baby’s crib, think safety first. Be sure the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and check to see that the drop side works easily with just one hand (you’ll have baby in your other arm). Avoid cribs with corner posts that extend above the rail, too; baby’s clothing could get hung on them when he becomes mobile.
• The mattress: The mattress should fit tightly inside the crib. You want almost no space between the edges of the mattress and the sides of the crib. The baby’s tiny arms and legs can get trapped in the space if the fit isn’t tight. Worse, your baby could suffocate if his head got caught.
• The bumper pad: The bumper pad protects your baby from direct contact with the hard crib slats. It’s also a fun place to exercise your decorating style. The bumper should have at least six straps to hold it in place. Straps that close with snaps are more secure than those that tie to the crib. The bumper should fit around the entire inside of the crib, leaving no area where the baby could bang his head or wedge it between the bumper and
the side of the crib. You can buy a bumper pad or make your own with fabric and firm foam. Use the bumper pad only until baby can reach a standing position. Baby may try to stand on the pad, to crawl out of the crib.
Your baby’s tub
A little plastic bathtub will provide a comfortable bath environment for your baby. You can buy one to fit either a single or double sink, or to go on the counter. Some come with reclining seats, and many have compartments to hold supplies or a rinse pitcher. Of course, you also can bathe your newborn right in the sink. Just be sure it’s absolutely clean and that the faucet is out of the way. Baby will be more comfortable if you line the sink
bottom with a soft towel. Wait until your baby can sit on his own (around 4 months) to use a bath ring or a bath seat. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a moment!
The changing table
Although not absolutely necessary, a changing table can be a real back saver because it puts the baby at a comfortable height when you dress him or change his diapers.
• The table should have a restraining belt to keep the little wriggler in check while you wipe baby and diaper.
• It also should have a safety railing around the top.
• And most of all, the changing table should be sturdy. Give it a shake test to make sure it doesn’t wobble. Remember to keep an eye on your baby at all times when he’s on the changing table.
The layette
Babies outgrow their clothing very quickly. So if you have easy access to a washing machine, buy only a few of each basic layette item. Remember, too, that you’ll probably receive baby clothes as gifts. Here’s what you really need for your baby’s first days at home:
• Two or three one-piece stretch suits
• Two sets of separates
• Four or five T-shirts
• A machine-washable sweater
• Four nightgowns or sacks
• One bunting (a hooded nightgown)
• One hat
• Six pairs of stretchy cotton socks
• Six receiving blankets
• Diaper covers or plastic pants if you’re using cloth diapers
Three excellent toys for a newborn
You probably won’t be able to resist teddy bears and clever noisemakers as you prepare baby’s room. Buying toys may help you grasp the reality of the child you’re carrying. But remember, baby won’t be able to enjoy most toys for several months. Three items, however, have immediate play value:
1) A mobile: Babies love to watch mobiles swing and turn above their cribs. Mobiles come in all price ranges and are great for quieting a fussing baby. Black and white or primary colors are most interesting to young babies.
2) A music box, tape player, or CD player: What better way to help a baby make the transition from intense wakefulness to needed rest? Either a wind-up toy music box or a sturdy tape or CD player (that’s out of baby’s reach) will serve him well. Don’t forget to buy a CD or two of lullabys or soothing children’s music. A lovely lullaby will soon become a familiar signal that a good-night kiss is on the way.
3) A plastic crib mirror: Babies love to look at faces more than anything else. They especially love to look at their own babbling, thumb-sucking, adorable selves. Choose a mirror specially designed for crib use to ensure baby’s safety.
The all-important car seat/baby seat
When you’re out shopping for baby things, pay special attention to the car seat that will secure your baby during rides together. In a moving automobile, your lap isn’t a safe place for your baby. (Besides, all 50 states require car seats.) The safest spot is the center of the rear seat. Remember never to place your baby in a seat in front of an air bag. When choosing your baby’s car seat, select one that is appropriate for his age, weight, and
height. Today’s new car seats meet federal safety standards, so you can be assured that the one you buy will securely hold your baby. Older car seats handed down from relatives and friends or bought at garage sales may not meet current guidelines, so be sure your car seat meets the latest standards.
• The infant seat: This car seat is designed specifically for babies who weigh less than 20 pounds. It positions the child backward to minimize injury in case of a crash. These seats feature a harness system that adjusts as your baby grows. Easy-to-tote models include a handle; some more expensive models let you leave the base of the seat in the car and just pop out the seat itself. Many fit right into the child seat of a grocery shopping
cart. When your baby grows out of this car seat, you’ll need to buy a seat designed for older babies and toddlers.
• The convertible car seat: This seat is appropriate for infants and also adjusts to accommodate toddlers up to about 40 pounds. It faces the rear for infants but adjusts to face the front for toddlers. Some have a removable back support and pillow. All have highly engineered harness systems to secure the baby safely in the seat. Especially with a convertible seat, you will probably want to use rolled receiving blankets around baby’s head
or purchase a special rolled cushion, at the newborn stage.
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Your baby-basics shopping list
Sleeping
cradle, bassinet, or crib
bumper pad
fitted sheets
several receiving blankets
warmer blanket, quilt, or comforter
music box, tape player, or CD player
Diapering
cloth or disposable diapers
wipes or washcloths
ointment/diaper-rash treatment
diaper pail with locking lid
changing table (optional)
Clothing
T-shirts
nightgowns, stretch suits, and blanket sleepers
a cute outfit or two
machine-washable sweater
several pairs of stretchy socks
hats
mild laundry soap
Feeding
bottles with nipples and caps (12 if bottle-feeding; a few if breastfeeding)
if breastfeeding, breast pump, nursing bras, and pads
extra cloth diapers or small towels for burping
Bathing
baby bathtub
extra mild bath soap
baby shampoo
Transportation
car seat
stroller or carriage
soft baby carrier
Play and comfort
mobile for crib
plastic crib mirror
several pacifiers
swing
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