Buying Basics to Make Way for Baby

Toddle no more than half a dozen paces down a baby aisle in a store and you could go gaga at the myriad garments, gewgaws and goods.

There are rompers, rattles and rash ointments. You’ll find Mickey Mouse, the Little Mermaid and other cute characters clinging to blocks, bottles, booties, cradles, cribs and bibs.

Many items are fun. Many are enticing. But how many are necessary?

Better Homes and Gardens Guide to Children’s Products magazine says getting equipped for your first baby can be exhausting and expensive, so it’s wise to start with your own list of bare-bones essentials, then add more items as you can afford them.

For example, you won’t need shoes, highchairs and teething rings until later. You can also save money by using good hand-me-downs from friends and relatives and by shopping for good, quality items at garage sales.

Baby Clothes: Start with only enough clothes for now; you can add to the wardrobe as the child grows and the seasons change. Buy big. Newborn sizes may fit for only days, if at all. Your baby may quickly be ready for 3-month sizes, or you can buy 6-month sizes that will be roomy at first but will provide the most wear.

Also, select clothing based on convenience, not cuteness. Choose clothes that snap or zip open for easy diaper changes and that can be pulled on and off easily. Buttons can be bothersome.

Starting essentials: three receiving blankets, six to seven jumpsuits, one sleeping sack, two sweaters and caps (or one bonnet for summer babies), eight 6-month-size T-shirts, three pairs of socks, one snowsuit (for winter babies). You’ll need infant-size diapers--about 90 per week. If you plan to use cloth diapers, you’ll also need safety pins and at least three plastic pants.

Baby’s Room: Much of the room preparation, such as painting and window treatments, should be done before you bring your baby home. However, you can delay buying such decorative things as wall hangings or shelves.

Cradles and bassinets are outgrown quickly, so you could simply use a crib. Changing tables are convenient but not vital. Stuffed animals will probably collect more dust than hugs until the baby is older. Other items you can add later include a dresser, playpen, swing, rocking chair, toy box, monitor and walker. Starting essentials: diaper pail, crib and crib bumper pads.

Baby’s Bath: You can bathe your newborn in a sink, or you can use a plastic tub. Rubber ducks and bath toys won’t be needed until the baby is older.

Starting essentials: three hooded towels, four baby washcloths, baby soap, baby shampoo, powder, baby nail clippers, baby comb and brush, cotton balls or swabs, zinc oxide cream for diaper rash, moistened baby wipes.

Other Baby Gear: You won’t be able to drive away from the hospital unless you have an infant car seat. Some hospitals will rent them, or you can buy one that can also fit the baby as a toddler.

Starting essentials: car seat, rectal thermometer, bulb syringe, two bottles, nipple brush, small supply of formula, nursing pads and shields. When the baby grows older, you can add a bib, highchair, baby plates and cups.