A baby is born with a need to be loved, and never outgrows it.
- Frank A Clark
A Licensed Florida Adoption Agency & Home Study Provider
As a prospective adoptive family, your situation is unique when it comes to making preparations for a baby. You've done your paperwork and now you wait! You might have an unexpected delay in your adoption plans or you could get word of a "stork drop", where the baby is born and ready to go home today! It's hard to prepare a nursery when the time frames for adoption are not set in stone. When the word comes that you're receiving a placement, you find yourselves running to the store before going to the hospital.
Following is a list of items we hope will get you through the first 24 – 72 hours with your new baby, without breaking the bank or staring at an empty nursery for months on end. A reasonable expenditure will get you the things you need and they can be stored in a small corner of the closet in your spare room until needed. Then you are ready when the call comes. Remember to keep your receipts.
Car Seat: A must have!!! It must be suitable for a newborn and may be suitable for a child up to six months or so. There are many types, but one where the seat portion is also a removable carrier can be a good choice. You can go fancy or simple, but be sure it meets motor vehicle requirements. It is also a good idea to practice putting this in your car. If you need help, your local fire station can be a great resource.
Bed/Bassinet/Cradle: If you don't have a bed or bassinet, Pack N Play type units are great! Once assembled, these units can be used as a playpen, bassinet insert and may even have a changing area. They are very sturdy, take up very little space and can be moved easily. They even fold up for toting to grandma's house.
Bottles: One set (4-6) of 4-ounce bottles will start you off. The hospital usually provides enough bottles and formula to get you through the first day. Their bottles are reusable, but the extra set helps you get through Day 2.
Formula: This cannot be bought ahead because you won't know which formula the baby has been started on. The hospital will give you enough formula at the hospital to usually get you through a day or more. Once you know what formula, you can buy a couple of pre-mixed cans at the drugstore on your way home from the hospital.
Diapers: You will get a small supply of diapers from the hospital. Having a package of 24-36 "newborn" diapers will get you started. It might also be a good idea to get one small package (12) of "preemie" size diapers, just in case. Cloth diapers make great "burp cloths".
Blankets: A 3-pack of light cotton blankets for wrapping baby will be sufficient to start with. One larger, thicker blanket is good for extra warmth while sleeping or going outdoors, or for use when laying baby on harder surfaces (for changing).
Clothing: No doubt you'll have picked a special outfit for baby to come home in. In addition, 3-4 one-piece footed outfits or gowns are a good start. Many colors are suitable for either boys or girls. If the weather is cooler in your area, one or two small undershirts may be handy. A hat is important to have for keeping baby's head warm even in the house.
Book: A good reference book on "baby's first year" is also a must have. You will want one that provides good tips on general care, but also has a medical reference section.
Other Stuff:
- Baby wipes: These may dry out if bought too far ahead. Soft new washcloths for cleaning baby will do fine at first.
- Rubbing Alcohol & Cotton pads (not cotton balls), to care for baby's umbilical cord if the hospital advises you to use them.
- Pacifier: For newborn
- Diaper rash cream: You can start with a small tube until you know how baby will react to it.
- Rubber pads: One or two small ones for changing baby.
- Dreft Laundry Soap: Or other laundry soap specified for washing baby clothes.
- Diaper bag: A tote bag or a small diaper bag for when you do need to eventually go out.
P.S. Don't forget fresh batteries or to charge your camera!!!!
BABIES
NEED.....
