Baby in a box? Yes!

Charlotte Doulas is excited to bring this Finnish tradition to NC! 

Baby Box University has partnered with Charlotte Doulas, LLC to bring FREE baby boxes to the Charlotte area. Stay tuned for more details about pick up locations as we prepare for our first shipment. For more information about joining the wait list, please email Samantha at samantha@cltdoula. 

Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for updates. 

We look forward to getting these boxes into the hands of every new parent in the Charlotte region. 

Need to have vs. Nice to have items

Bringing home your baby is a stressful event in most parent's lives. Preparing for this can also be stressful. We've done a bit of the leg work for you and created two lists to help.

Need to Have and Nice to Have

Need to Have

Clothes
Buy a couple of side-tie or side-snap T-shirts to put on the baby until the umbilical cord separates. After that, dress your little one in his "working" outfit, the onesie. Buy at least 6 -- more if you don't want to launder as often -- because your baby will likely wear two or more every day. Have a half-dozen pairs of socks on hand, too, to keep his little feet warm.

Sleepers and Nightgowns
About 6 stretchy sleepers that will cover your baby from neck to feet, with snaps in the leg area for changings. 
Nightgowns with cotton mittens are also good pajamas. The little mittens will help prevent Baby from scratching herself. Sleep sacks are good for cold nights -- one will see you through the first few weeks.

Diapers and Wipes
You should have two packages of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for two days on hand at all times. Make sure to purchase the right size, to avoid leakage. Use a natural diaper cream when necessary, avoiding those made from petroleum products. 
Disposable wipes are handy for diaper changes and for messes away from home. Keep a good-size pack near your changing area and a travel pack in the diaper bag. 

Grooming Gear
Baby wash/shampoo is formulated for a newborn's delicate skin.
Keeping baby's nails short will prevent him from scratching himself and you. Use blunt nail clippers made especially for baby's soft little nails.
If your newborn has hair, purchase a fine-toothed baby comb to gently style his hair after bathing.

The Medicine Cabinet
Keep a bottle of infant acetaminophen drops for treating fevers with a doctor's recommendation.
Make sure you have a nasal aspirator for stuffy noses since newborns can't breathe easily through their mouths.
To help track temperatures for the doctor, have a digital baby thermometer on hand.

Rest Your Head
Have a safe place for baby to sleep. The BabyBox University has great videos discussing safe sleep. Contact us for more information on a FREE Baby Box.

Diaper Bag
You do not need a fancy bag, but a bag with lots of sections or pockets will help you organize your life while out and about with your baby. You will always need diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and food. (If you aren't breastfeeding.) 

Car Seat
Most hospitals will not let you leave without this crucial item. Contact us if you need help locating a car seat check. 

Nice to Have

This list could go on for eternity, but we've narrowed it down to the things we really love the most. 

Baby Carrier
There are many available on the market and tons to choose from. We love the Moby style wrap for newborns. Be sure to follow all recommendations for safe carrying practices. You can always visit a local Baby Wearing group to try on all types of carriers and even borrow them for the month. The local Charlotte Chapter can be found

Stroller
Sometimes it is easier to go for walks while you are recovering with a stroller. We love baby carriers but also love the convenience of the stroller. 

Diaper Pail
Diapers stink. These are made to lock in the scent and keep your house fresh. We love the Diaper Genie because of its ease of use and durability. Any one will do the trick.

Changing Station
A dedicated changing table or pack and play with changing area is a great place to keep everything you need at your fingertips. Keeping this area stocked with diapers, wipes and diaper cream will make changing baby a breeze.

Microwave Steamer Bags
These are great for quick sterilization of bottles, pacifiers, small teethers, and pumping supplies. We've used these and they are durable and convenient.

Swaddle Blankets
We would probably put this in the Need to Have section, too. We love these Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. They have the right amount of stretch and can be used for a play space on the floor, a nursing cover up, a sun shade, or a swaddle blanket. 

This list is by no means comprehensive, but we hope it gives you a great starting place. We offer private and group Newborn Preparation Classes that will prepare you to feel confident when you bring home your little one. Contact us at info@cltdoula.com for class schedules.