Community Healthy Start at Mary's Center
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Eliminating Racial & Ethnic Disparities in perinatal health, encourage healthy pregnancies, improve birth outcomes, reduce the infant mortality rate
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    Mary's Center for Maternal &
    Child Care
    2333 Ontario Road, NW
    Washington, DC 20010

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What you need for your baby

If this is your first baby getting ready for the new member of the family can be fun but at the same time it can be very stressful. There are so many things out there. Do you need them all? The best thing to do is just get the basics. After the baby is born it is easier to figure out what you really need. Here is a basic list that will get you started and covers all the bases. Remember what the baby needs most is you.

  • A hat: lightweight with brim for summer, heavyweight for winter.
  • Two blankets, weight according to season
  • Four sleepers
  • Six pairs of socks
  • Three receiving blankets
  • Six onesies
  • Three lightweight tops
  • Four rompers (snap-crotch outfits)
  • Two washable bibs
You are planning on using disposable diapers.
  • 2 packs of newborn sized diapers
  • Wipes (the ones for newborns are best)
  • Ointment
You are planning on both breast and bottle feeding.
  • 4 bottles
  • Orthodontic nipples
  • Something to sterilize bottles, nipples, etc.
  • Breast pump or equipment for hand expression
  • Formula (the hospital will send some home with you so it is best to wait and see what they give the baby at the hospital)
Bathing Supplies
  • Two soft washcloths
  • Two terry-cloth towels with hoods
  • Mild soap and shampoo
  • Baby bathtub (optional)
  • Baby brush and comb
  • Baby nail scissors or clippers
Traveling
  • Car seat (You must have this to leave the hospital)
  • Stroller
  • Diaper bag (packed)
Handy to have around
  • Mild laundry soap
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Rectal thermometer
  • Antiseptic for cord care (Don't worry, hospital will show you how to care for the cord)
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Cotton Balls
  • Calibrated dropper, syringe, or spoon for administering medicine (many medications already have them)
Pic of Ultrasound
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