Preparing for the Newborn

Here are some ideas for parents to do during pregnancy to be ready to parent and care for their newborn.

Recommended Newborn Supplies:

1. Burp cloths

2. Diapers & wipes

3. Breast pump/bottles (if choosing to bottle feed)

   1. Check for local classes on newborn care and infant feeding.

4. Bassinet/co-sleeper bed/Moses basket

5. Baby clothing- sleepers, onesies, hats, mittens

6. Car seat

7. Muslin swaddle blankets

8. Nose Frida/suction bulb

9. Olive/coconut oil- for diaper changes and skincare

10. Thermometer

11. Tylenol/Ibuprofen

12. Baby Carrier- learn about babywearing options

Decisions to Consider: 

1. How would you like to diaper?- cloth, disposable, or mix of both.

   1. Consider diaper laundry services in your area. 

2. What are your infant feeding preferences?- Breast/Chest feeding, formula, or mix of both.

3. Where the baby will sleep initially?- With you, by themselves, mix of both.

   1. Consider co-sleeping safety.

4. Who will be your baby’s pediatric provider?- find a care provider in the prenatal period.

5. Consider childcare/daycare in the prenatal period if planning to return to work.

Optional but Recommended: 

• Infant CPR/BLS class

• Meal planning/meal train

• Postpartum doula care

Resources:

• Books

  • La Leche League- Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

  • La Leche League- Sweet Sleep

  • Dr. William Sears- The Baby Book (book)

• Websites

  • La Leche League- https://lalecheleagueoregon.webs.com/ 

  • Hand Expression of Milk- https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html

  • General Newborn Care- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/guide-parents.html 

• Videos

  • Paced Bottle Feeding- https://youtu.be/UH4T70OSzGs 

  • How Breastfeeding Works- https://youtu.be/v8ug9_0kjyo

  •  5 S’s (calming a newborn)- https://youtu.be/crdQy8zliZw 

  • Newborn Behavior- https://youtu.be/a4WGVOzTR4A 

• Local Resources: 

  • Local WIC- https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthypeoplefamilies/wic/Pages/index.aspx 

  • Postpartum Doulas- http://www.midvalleydoulas.net/ 

  • Baby Babywearing- https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.babywearing.network/ 

References 

Jordan, R., Farley, C., & Grace, K. (2019). Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Woman-Centered Approach (2nd ed). Wiley Blackwell. 

Whalley, J., Simkin, P., Keppler, A., & Durham, J., (2011). The Simple Guide to Having a Baby. Meadowbrook Press.