Here are a few things to consider as you prepare your home for a baby:

1. Buy a book on newborns and parenting. Most important, you will want to understand your newborn's behavior. We suggest you pick a book or two and become familiar with the newborn's appearance and behavior, and parenting approaches. If you need some ideas for quality baby books, search our "Online Catalog of Resources at PAMF's Health Resource Centers" section under the general topic of parenting and infant care for a list of titles. These items are available in our Health Resource Centers in Palo Alto and Fremont. Your welcome to come visit, browse and find the book(s) right for you.
   
   
2. You will need a car seat when you arrive at the hospital to bring your infant home. California state law requires car seats to be federally approved. The baby must always be placed in the car seat, beginning with the first ride home. The safest placement is in the middle of the rear seat, facing backwards. Never place an infant in the front seat of a car with passenger air bags. For more information about car seats visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (accessed October 2007).
   
   
3. Prepare a place in your home for the baby.
   
   
4. Essential nursery equipment includes:
   • A crib or bassinet with slats no more then 2 3/8 inches apart. If you buy a used crib, make sure it meets safety standards. (National Safety Council, accessed October 2007)
     
   • Large tote or diaper bag packed with diapers, receiving blankets, a change of clothes, a plastic bag for soiled diapers, and a washcloth or baby wipes
     
   • Diaper pail or garbage can
     
   • Place to change diapers
     
   • Storage area for baby clothes and diapers
     
   • If you are using cloth diapers, contact the company to begin delivery. The initial delivery should be 90 for the first week.
     
   • Purchase disposable diapers, if you are using them. You will need about 350 for the first month.
   
   
5. Feeding
   • Breast-feeding mothers require no special equipment. See breast-feeding classes for more information.
     
   • If formula-feeding you will need to discuss with your baby's doctor which formula is appropriate, and whether sterilizing is necessary where you live. In addition you will need bottles, nipples and brushes for cleaning both.
   
   
6. Other items to have on hand include:
   • T-shirts or "onesies," 5 to 10 sets
     
   • Booties/socks, 3 to 5 pairs
     
   • Hat, 1 or 2
     
   • Sleepers or gowns, 5 to 7 sets
     
   • Cold weather sleeper, 1 or 2, depending on the weather or temperature of the child's bedroom
     
   • Receiving blankets, 5 to 7
     
   • Thermal blankets, 1 to 2
     
   • Crib sheets, preferably fitted, 3 to 4
     
   • Soft wash clothes, 3 to 5
     
   • Burp cloths or cotton diapers, 3 to 5
     
   • Baby nail scissors or nail clippers
     
   • Baby thermometer
     
   • Baby brush
     
   • Mild soap
   
   
7. Consider buying used baby clothes.
   
8. Wash all clothing, bedding, towels and wash cloths before baby arrives.
   
9. Begin baby-proofing your home. (National Safety Council, accessed January 2008)