Mom and baby basics

Your world is about to change in countless, wonderful ways with the arrival of your baby. This new era in your life comes with specialized "to do" and "to buy" lists -- but neither is necessarily long or expensive. In fact, the most important things you can give your child are love, time and patience -- and those are free!

Nevertheless, you'll want to purchase some items to make life a little easier for you and your baby. To get you started, we've assembled this list of useful items and helpful shopping tips.

Maternity Clothes
Comfort should take precedence over fashion, although, fortunately, maternity clothes have come a long way in the style department. Look for attractive, easy-care clothing that can accommodate your expanding figure without feeling restrictive. Plan around a basic color scheme (black, gray or beige, for example), so you can mix and match items to keep your wardrobe fresh and interesting as the months go by.

If you need a psychological pick-me-up during your eighth or ninth month, consider purchasing a new outfit that you can also wear home from the birth center or hospital. (Because you won't lose all your pregnancy weight at the time of birth, you may need to continue wearing maternity clothes for a while.)

Nursing Bras and Pads
Designed with cups that open and close with minimum effort, a nursing bra helps you respond quickly when your baby is hungry. Comfort and support are key, so look for soft fabrics, stretch straps and adjustability. Nursing pads tuck neatly into your nursing bra to minimize leakage that may occur after breastfeeding. The pads come in two varieties -- cloth and disposable. If you use cloth, you'll need at least two pairs on hand so you can launder one set while using the other.

Car Seats
Every state requires infants in automobiles to ride in government-approved car seats. In fact, you'll need a car seat within days of the birth, for that momentous ride home from the birth center or hospital. Your child should always ride in the back seat and, until his or her second birthday, always ride facing backward.

Infant seats have a handle so you can easily carry your baby to and from the car. Some seats snap into bases (which you leave belted in the car), and some can be snapped into a stroller so you don't have to disturb a sleeping baby when you're out and about. Other "convertible" seats can be used (with a supportive insert) for infants in the rear-facing position. After your child turns two, or has reached the maximum height and weight for their seat, you can turn the convertible seat around to face forward and use it until your child weighs 40 pounds. After that, your child will graduate to a booster seat.

Features to look for include: a five-point harness system (the safest, according to several studies), an easy-to-release locking mechanism, straps that are easily adjustable as your child grows and a cover that can easily be removed for washing. Whatever car seat you choose, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it's properly installed to give your baby the best possible protection.

Baby Clothes
Don't be swayed by department-store registries that call for an endless array and supply of infant clothing. Certainly, for starters, you'll want to purchase several pairs of socks or booties, two hats (one for warmth and one for sun protection) and a few body suits, undershirts and sleepers or gowns, preferably in soft fabrics. But some babies, for example, dislike the confinement of blanket sleepers, and some mothers find one style of clothing easier to change than others. So don't fill up the closet until you and your baby have gotten to know each other better.

Blankets
Few sights are as sweet as a sleeping infant cuddled in a soft, warm blanket. Have a good supply on hand -- at least a half dozen - because you'll find many other uses for baby blankets (such as a fun game of peekaboo). Choose several types of blankets so your baby has a variety of fabrics and textures to touch and experience. And don't be surprised if one blanket becomes your child's favorite for years to come.

Diapering
After you've weighed the advantages of each type, decide whether you'll use cloth or disposable diapers (or a combination of the two). Then further define your preferences. For instance, some cloth diapers are paired with plastic pants, while others fit into an easy-to-use Velcro cover. Some disposable diapers have adjustable tabs or feature extra absorbency; others do not. Disposable diapers are sized by weight, so check the package to be sure you're getting the right size for your child.

Diaper Bags
Whenever you're on the go with your baby, you'll need an easy-to-carry bag to tote diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and more. You can choose a tote bag or backpack in a wide variety of styles. Look for a fabric that can be wiped clean and helpful accessories like a changing pad.

Slings or Infant Carriers
Worn over one or both shoulders, a cloth sling cradles your baby close to your body and beating heart. It frees your hands for other activities, and your body's warmth and movements can lull your baby into a contented slumber. Depending on its design, a sling may also offer a convenient and discreet way to breastfeed when you're in public. Infant carriers serve many of the same purposes and provide a comfortable way to go for walks with your baby.

Co-Sleepers
Studies suggest that an infant who shares a bed with his or her mother is more likely to have an easier time sleeping. Placed next to (and at the same level as) your bed, a co-sleeper puts your child within arms' reach for feedings in the wee hours of the morning. Your baby will benefit from your warmth and nearness while sleeping a safe distance from your pillows and fluffy bedding.

Rocking Chairs
Whether you prefer a glider or a traditional rocker, choose a chair that gives you ample arm room to nurse, burp and comfort your baby. Look for a style and design that complement the other furnishings in your home, because you're sure to keep this item around after you've packed away other baby equipment. Long after 2am feedings become a memory, a rocking chair and a mother's arms retain their power to soothe a feverish toddler or comfort a frightened preschooler.

Breast Pumps
The Ghana Health Service recommends breastfeeding for at least six months. If you need to be away from your baby for a period of time, a breast pump enables you to still give your child the benefits of natural nourishment.

Electric pumps work faster than their manual counterparts but require access to a power source. If you plan to use the pump frequently, consider a model with an adjustable control and the capability to pump from both breasts at the same time. You might also want a lightweight model that can be easily carried to the office or packed into a carry-on suitcase. You'll also need bottles or jars to hold the expressed milk so it can be frozen or refrigerated until your baby needs it.

Books
Invest in one comprehensive book in each of these three areas: pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting. Too much information can be daunting, especially for a new parent, so choose titles that offer an easy-to-use format (such as question-and-answer chapters, a detailed index or numerous illustrations).

For your baby, also purchase a few colorful board books that present basic concepts (such as mommy, happy and bye-bye). The pages should be sturdy and laminated, to withstand repeated cleanings and a baby's teething. Read to your child often; as simple as a baby's first books are, they form the foundation for a good vocabulary and an earlier mastery of language skills. Reading also offers a wonderful way to cuddle up together.

Developmental Toys
A few well-chosen toys will stimulate your baby's development of motor skills and cognitive functions. For a newborn, choose a mobile to reach for, perhaps with black-and-white pictures. As your baby's color vision develops, introduce more colorful items, including soft and squeaky toys, rattles and rings. And don't forget an unbreakable mirror.

Bath Supplies
The smaller scale of an infant-sized plastic tub, or a contoured sponge that fits in an adult-sized tub, will enable you to bathe your baby without worry. Other supplies to have close at hand: gentle shampoo or body wash; a soft washcloth; and a hooded, terrycloth towel to dry off your little one.

Bouncer Seats
Infants love to see what's going on but don't yet have the strength to sit up on their own. A bouncer seat not only gives your baby an upright view of the world but also enables him to move arms and legs in safety. Look for a model you can easily pick up and move with you to another room. Another desirable feature: a firm-fitting restraint strap that will keep an active baby safe and secure.

Strollers
A walk around the block is just what a new mom often needs to feel re-energized. Plus, it gives your baby a chance to feel, see and smell the wider world. You'll have a wide variety of strollers to choose from, including models designed for jogging and convertible designs that can be transformed into car seats or even backpacks.

In general, look for a stroller with these features: a reclining seat for sleepy infants, a canopy for shielding your baby from the sun and rain, a bag or basket to hold baby paraphernalia and a seat cover that's easily removable for washing. Also consider the stroller's maneuverability, weight and ease of folding, especially if you plan to travel with your child. Note that umbrella strollers should only be used once your baby can sit up well. This type of stroller is lightweight and folds easily but doesn't provide enough back and neck support for a young infant.

High Chairs
You don't need this piece of equipment until your baby begins to eat solid foods, usually around six months of age. Still, you might want to start evaluating the many options. For instance, do you prefer wood or plastic? Some models can be folded for easy storage or adjusted to accommodate a growing child. Some have wheels, while others are stationary.

In general, look for a sturdy, easy-to-clean high chair that features a strong safety belt. Also check out the locking and release mechanism for the food tray -- it should be easy for an adult to operate, preferably with one hand, yet hold secure while your baby is eating.