Basic Nursery: Needs only

You care about your baby more than anything in the world and want to provide the best for them. This clear goal becomes blurred when there are so many products on the market some of which are unsafe and prey on new parents' insecurities. I hope this guide helps you find what is best for your family.

Sleep

Needed

A safe sleep surface:

1. Crib

2. Bassinet

3. Play yards

4. A fitted sheet

5. Sleep sack or swaddles 

6. Offer a pacifier made of a single piece of material if you are not breastfeeding (if breastfeeding you can offer a pacifier after 3-5 weeks)

7. Baby room thermometer

Products labelled crib,bassinet,or play yard are tested by CPSC .These are the only safe sleep surfaces.

Not Needed or Unsafe

1. Blankets

2. Mobiles over the crib or within reach

3. Crib bumpers

4. Anything other than a fitted sheet unless directed by health care provider

If an item is not labelled crib,bassinet,or play yard it is not safe for any sleep, even if called a "sleeper"

Eating

Needed

1. Lactating person- If you are going to breastfeed

2. A lactation professional- under the ACA most insurances are required to provide lactation services

2. Bottles- If you will pump breast milk or use formula

3.  Infant Formula- If you are going to feed your baby formula

4. Double electric breast pump- if exclusive pumping or spending long periods of time away form baby

5. Vitamin D and Iron Supplements- Consult your health care provider

*note free lactation support groups are located through out the world by La Leche league

Not Needed or Unsafe

1. Toddler Formula- This is not tested to the same standards of infant formulas

2. Water, other than the water mixed with formula according to your formula directions. Not necessary for breastfed infants unless directed by your health care provider.

3. Solids- See when here and consult your healthcare provider

4.Homemade formula, infants should only have breastmilk or commercial infant formula

*note* Some infants may require solids for medical situations under the supervision of their healthcare provider

Diapering

Needed

1. Diapers according to your child's weight -reusable or disposable

2. Baby wipes- reusable or disposable

3. A place to dispose of trash

4. A surface to change diapers

5. A cleaning method if cloth diapering

6. See here for diaper rash

Not Needed or Unsafe

1. Diaper changing furniture, you can change diapers on the floor with a mat

2. Wipe warmers, these can harbor germs

3. A special diaper trashcan, unless you choose

4. Essential oils- These should not be used on children or around

Clothing

Needed

1. Weather appropriate onsies
2. Bottoms
3. Temperature appropriate sleepers
4. Socks
5. Jackets

6. Hat- weather appropriate (beanie for hospitol and colder temperatures/Uv sun hat for outings during warmer days)
During colder days dress your baby in light layers so you can remove layers as you enter different environments like a heated room

During hotter days bring an extra layer for when you enter air conditioned buildings

A general rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you, check this link for telling if your baby is too hot or cold

Not Needed or unsafe
1. Shoes
2. Jewelry
3. Scratch mittens

Travel

Needed

1. Rear facing car seat that your baby is within the weight range of , is not expired,and you have been the only owner of

2. A child passenger safety technician, free events happen in many places

3. A stroller

&-or

4. A baby carrier which is tested by the BCIA

5. An insulated bag with ice packs for bottles of formula or breast milk

6. Ready to feed formula if you are not able to properly store or prepare formula when out

*note for sun protection, try to find car seats and strollers with the most shade and look into UV umbrellas when using a baby carrier.

Not Needed or Unsafe
1. Anything that did not come in your car seat box or was specifically manufactured by your car seat company for your car seat model
2. Breastfeeding covers, unless you chose to
3. Stroller additions not made by your stroller for your stroller
4. Sunscreen should not be used before 6 months unless directed by your healthcare provider

*note* It is your right to breastfeed your child wherever you legally are allowed to be in most states, check yours here 

Bath time & skin care

Needed

1. Supervision, never take your eyes or move from your baby when near any water. Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.

2. Water

3. Mild baby soap

4. Wash cloths

5. A safe basin after baby's umbilical cord has fallen off  with anti slip grips

6. A towel

7. Baby nail clippers if your baby is scratching themselves

8. Baby detergent for your baby's clothes

9. Baby lotion if your baby's skin seems dry

10.digital thermometer to check temperature rectally

11. Infant nail scissors

See more on how to safely bathe your baby here

Not Needed or unsafe

1. A special baby towel

2. Bathe toys, the water is stimulating enough

3. Bathe toys with holes can grow mold

3. Essential oils should not be used on or near children

Play time

Needed

1. A mat or blanket on the floor, unless you have a comfy floor

2. Supervision and safe environment

3. Simple safe play objects

4. Freedom of movement and child led discovery

5. Board or cloth books, Check your Library

6. Choke tube 

Not Needed or Unsafe

1. Baby containers (jumpers, swings, rockers etc.)

2. Electric toys

3. Pillows

4. Screens (tv, phone, tablets etc.)

This is an educational resource not medical advice work with your Healthcare provider, follow your product manuals, and register for safety recalls.