As you begin to get ready for your baby to come home, there are a few essential items that you'll want to make sure you have. Many of these items can appear on your registry as baby shower gifts. Otherwise, you may want to purchase them at your convenience. The more you plan ahead, the more relaxed and ready you'll be when you bring your baby home.

Here is a list of items that you'll need:

• Crib -- the side should go down quietly and easily
  • Sheets (3-4 sets). Flannel sheets are nice in the wintertime.
  • Mobile or noise machine.
  • There should be NO loose toys that can strangle the baby or pillows/soft bedding that can suffocate the baby. Do NOT install loose or fluffy bumper pads.
• Changing table supplies
  • Diapers -- plenty of them (8-10 per day).
  • Baby wipes -- unscented, alcohol free (don't get too many because some babies are sensitive to them).
  • Diaper rash cream.
  • Rubbing alcohol and Q-tips for umbilical cord care
    
• Rocking chair with a footstool
  • Pillow for resting arm when nursing.
  • Blanket to put around you and baby when it's chilly.
• Clothes for new baby
  • One-piece sleepers (4-6).
    
  • Socks or booties.
  • One-piece daytime outfits that snap (they are easiest and most functional).
• General items
  • Infant stimulation toys
    
  • Burp cloths (a dozen, at least).
  • Receiving blankets (4-6).
  • Hooded bath towel (2).
  • Wash clothes (4-6).
  • Bathtub
  • Baby wash.
  • Shampoo.
  • Nursing pads and nursing bra.
  • Car seat -- properly and securely installed before leaving hospital.
  • Digital rectal thermometer
    
  • Vaseline for use with thermometer
  • Baby file for nails