Bringing Your Newborn Home

Preparing for a newborn, particularly your first, can feel overwhelming. But remember, you have an entire care team led by your child’s pediatrician to provide you with support.  We’ve also compiled a useful checklist to help you prepare your home and yourself for your new baby’s arrival.

Preparing Your Home

First things first, you need to prepare your baby’s nursery and stock up on the essentials. There are many odds and ends that will be necessary to stock up on, and many that aren’t. Use this guide and the list below as your full shopping list.

  • A crib
  • Mattress and cover
  • Fitted crib sheets
  • A mobile or white noise maker
  • A changing table/dresser for storage
  • Clothing
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Age-appropriate toys
  • Blankets
  • A comfortable chair
  • Bottles
  • Pacifier
  • Thermometer
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Bathing supplies
  • Diaper ointment

It’s also recommended that you start babyproofing your home at least three months before the birth of your child to allow you enough time. By the time your child reaches 6-months of age, you’ll need to do another check to make sure your home is safe for your baby to crawl, pull up, and walk. Here are some things to keep in mind.

  • Get on the floor and inspect your home from your child’s eye level. You’ll quickly recognize potential hazards – corners on furniture, heavy objects that could be pulled down, and more.
  • Don’t fall prey to every baby proofing product. Use your intuition and map out your own safety plan. Learn more about Injury Prevention service available through UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
  • Adjust your hot water heater to less than 120 degrees to prevent scalding injuries.

Preparing Yourself

While you’ve spent a lot of time making sure everything’s perfect for your baby’s arrival, it’s important not to neglect your own needs. Your life is going to change in many ways, so be sure to plan for your soon-to-be future.

  • Nurture yourself through a healthy diet and exercise
  • Go to bed early and get plenty of rest
  • Plan your work leave
  • Sort out finances and create a budget
  • Turn to friends and family for support who have gone through childbirth
  • Set up a family photoshoot for after the baby arrives
  • Consider journaling how you feel throughout your pregnancy
  • Enjoy quality time with your significant other while it’s just the two of you

Last but not least, don’t forget to choose a pediatric provider a few months before your baby arrives. He or she can advise you throughout your pregnancy journey and answer any questions you may have in preparation for your due date and beyond.