| There are certain pieces of equipment that every | | | | above the top of the mattress, slats that are no |
| new baby needs. Actually some of these things need | | | | more than 2.375” apart, and a bumper to keep |
| to be ready before the new baby arrives, such as a | | | | the baby’s legs and arms out of the slats. |
| crib and a car seat. Others can be purchased after | | | | A baby monitor is nice so you can hear the baby |
| your baby comes home. | | | | from anywhere in the house, but it’s not a |
| What are these six things that your new baby will | | | | necessity. It can give you peace of mind knowing |
| need? The first and perhaps most important is a car | | | | you will hear the baby if you take the speaker with |
| seat. In many places this is the law and a hospital will | | | | you outside while you are doing yard work or |
| not even let the baby go home unless the parents | | | | something outdoors. |
| have a car seat that meets safety standards. | | | | Another item that is really nice to have is a bouncy |
| This is one item that you baby will need at least two | | | | seat. They seem to really enjoy sitting up a little |
| of before they are old enough to ride in a car | | | | when they are really small. Eventually they are old |
| without it. The first car seat will be one that faces | | | | enough to play with the various toys that are |
| backwards. Eventually, probably sometime before | | | | attached to the bar. This is one thing that is highly |
| your baby is one year old, he or she will graduate to | | | | recommended by experienced moms. |
| a forward facing car seat. | | | | The last piece of equipment that many moms and |
| In some areas it is required that they sit in a car seat | | | | dads find very valuable for a baby is a sling or baby |
| until they are six years old and a certain weight and | | | | backpack. A sling is a great way for mom to be able |
| height. In that case, they might need a third car seat | | | | to carry her baby with her while keeping her hands |
| made especially for older children. | | | | free for working around the house. Be careful, |
| Another piece of baby equipment you are going to | | | | though, that you don’t use it too much or it |
| need is a crib. Even if the baby sleeps with you at | | | | could cause back or neck problems. Also be sure that |
| night, a crib is a nice, safe place to let the baby sleep | | | | the backpack or sling fits the adult really well. |
| for naps during the day. There are some required crib | | | | These are six pieces of baby equipment that moms |
| safety features such as a mattress that fits the crib | | | | and dads agree are either necessary or at least really |
| snugly on all four sides, guardrails that are 26 inches | | | | nice to have available for a baby. |