Check List for Adoptive Parents

As prospective parents, my husband and I had never before prepared a nursery. In fact, the first time I shopped the baby superstore in our town, I wandered around feeling completely out of place and overwhelmed. I left without buying a single item.

Fortunately, in our adoption packet of information our agency provided a helpful Check List for Prospective Parents. The list contained many must have items and few nice to have items. The list is divided into sections and was very helpful when I began shopping for the items we needed for our new baby. I'd like to share this helpful list with you. Of course, after bringing home two babies, I've added a few items, a few notes, and changed a couple of things around. I hope you find this list helpful...
Furniture

• Crib- We chose a convertible crib to grow with baby
• Crib Mattress
• Portable Crib/Pack and Play- We used this crib in our room until the baby was ready to move into the nursery. Also great for hotel rooms if you have to wait on paperwork before heading home with your baby.
• Changing Table

Safety

• Health Care Kit- Packets usually include nail care kit, aspirator, thermometer, etc.
• Baby Monitors- You will feel more comfortable being in another room while baby is sleeping if you have one with you.
• Night Light- To keep you from stumbling in the middle of the night.

Bedding

• Receiving Blankets
• Waterproof Mattress Pad
• Crib Sheets and Portable Crib Sheets
• Boppy Pillow- Boppy pillows are advertised for breastfeeding, but are helpful for bottle feeding too. Baby will use the Boppy for play and sitting too. Make sure to have extra Boppy Pillow Covers!

Clothing

• Onesies- You can never have enough.
• Sleepers- The Sleeper Sacks are best for changing diapers in the middle of the night. I'd always recommend zippers over snaps; they are much easier to use in the middle of the night.
• An outfit to come home from the hospital in...this is something you'll keep forever, pick out something cute.

Diaper Needs

• Diapers- Disposable or Cloth whatever you chose. When buying disposable, do not buy too many size newborn diapers...they grow out of these very quickly. Size 1 is usually a better option.
• Diaper Bag- The hospital will probably give you one, but it will be very basic.
• Diaper Pail- Totally optional, but we loved the Diaper Genie and think you will too!
• Diaper Pail Refills- You never want to run out.
• Diaper Rash Ointment- Our favorite is Triple Paste. It's a little more expensive but works every time.

Feeding

• 4 oz bottles- For newborns
• 8 oz bottles
• Nipples- Slow flow for newborns
• Cloth Diapers- Use as burp cloths. They are cheap, come in large packets, wash easily and make great dust rags when you no longer need them.
• Pacifiers- These come in different sizes too, make sure to buy size 0-3 months
• Bottle Brush, Dishwasher Basket, Bottle Drying Rack- You will wash a lot of bottles.

Equipment

• Carrier/Sling- We liked the Baby Bjorn. I tried the cheaper versions, but they were not the same and caused backaches.
• Infant Care Seat Carrier- I liked the car seat/stroller combos. It is cheaper to buy the set. You may want to purchase an extra base to use in a second car.
• Stroller- Again, you may want to buy the set that includes the infant car seat carrier.

Bath

• Baby Bath Tub- Not necessary, but so much easier.
• Baby Wash Cloths and Hooded Towels- So much softer on baby's skin.
• Baby Shampoo

Notes
You will always find a lot more items that you may or may not need, the items listed are the bare essentials. As your baby grows, you will find you always need something. Save some of the want items for your baby registry!
Formula- You will want to wait and see what the hospital is feeding your baby. Your baby may have special formula needs. The hospital will probably send you home with formula to get you through a day or two, if not, do not be afraid to ask for some.
Car Seats- Safety requirements are always changing. I would check the American Academy of Pediatrics website for the latest information and standards. www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
Cribs- Safety is always a concern when choosing a crib. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website for a complete safety checklist. www.aap.org/family/inffurn.htm
Recalls- Recalls are always happening and are impossible to keep up with; I like to refer to www.parents.com or www.aap.org for the latest information and news.