Before Elise was born, I asked several people what kinds of medicine-cabinet-type things I should get for the baby. I didn't get much in the way of suggestions, probably partly because there aren't a whole lot of things that newborn babies need. But here is a list of what I would tell someone who asked me that question now:
1. Rubbing alcohol, to clean the umbilical cord stump before it falls off
2. Cotton balls or Q-tips, to clean the umbilical cord stump
3. Baby Tylenol (or whatever brand), because EVENTUALLY you will need it, and when you do need it (like after shots) you won't want to make the baby wait while you go get it
4. A rectal thermometer, as this is the best and most accurate way to take a newborn's temperature-- and since fevers can be dangerous for newborns, you want the most accurate reading possible
5. Vaseline, for greasing up the baby butt thermometer (and I think that you use it on circumcised boys to keep the diaper from sticking to the incision, but I don't know for sure)
6. Diaper rash cream, just in case you need it (and you probably will at some point, no matter how vigilant you are with regard to changing diapers)
7. Saline drops for baby's little nosie-- newborns are often congested and you need saline drops to use that nose sucker bulb thingy the right way
8. Lotion-- even though we don't regularly put lotion on Elise, every once in a while she'll have a little spot of dry skin
9. Baby oil, for removing the sticky parts of band aids or medical tape, or for rubbing on your baby's head if she has cradle cap
We also bought a humidifier when Elise was little and was all congested. It seemed to help her when she'd sleep. I don't know if I'd say "You're having a baby? Get a humidifier!" but it's something you'll probably EVENTUALLY end up using.
Also, a first aid kit. Again probably not something you NEED for a newborn, but it sure can't hurt to have it around.
Based on my experience, that stuff ought to get new parents through the first couple of months, anyhow.
Even though we don't have one in our car, I'd suggest a Travel First Aid kit that just stays in the main vehicle. And some Taco Bell sauce packets just in case.
ReplyDeletePS: If the worst happened and you got stranded in your car with Elise and were still breastfeeding, I read that starving mothers have the most nutritious breastmilk. Weird.
Maggie