By Michelle Bailey, M.D.

NEED:

1. Onesies. Resist the urge to register for dozens of cute outfits. While adorable, they are not practical on a day-to-day basis. So pick a few especially cute ones for pictures, and opt for dozens of easy to change onesies in a variety of sizes.
2. Diapers. Ask for hundreds, no, thousands, of them. You can always exchange unopened boxes for other sizes.
3. Snot sucker. At some point, your precious infant will be full of snot and boogers. Have nasal saline and a good snot sucking device (sounds gross, but it’s so effective) ready.
4. Rectal thermometer. If baby is not acting right or has sick symptoms, checking their temperature accurately is a must.
5. Bottle sterilizer. Not just for bottles, this magic device will steam away all germs from the small crevices of baby bottles, breast pump parts, pacifiers and more.
6. Burp cloths and bibs. The amount of spit up and drool an infant can produce is really impressive. Have lots of extras on hand.
7. Cool mist humidifier. To ease those congested little noses. Get cool mist, not warm mist.
8. White noise machine. It’s best to let baby fall asleep on her own and not depend on you holding and rocking for every nap and bedtime.
9. Swaddlers/ sleep sacks. A great way to help baby drift comfortably to sleep in a safe environment.
10. Feeding and infant support pillow. (such as the Boppy) Multiuse including breastfeeding, observed tummy time, and learning to sit propped up (under strict supervision of course).

BONUS ITEMS:

1. Butt spatula. There is an awesome mini-silicone spatula specially made for applying diaper cream on baby butts. No more digging thick butt cream out from under your fingernails!
2. Water filled teething rings. Babies can start teething as early as 4-6 months old. Do not use those teething necklaces, as they are a strangulation and choking risk.
3. Play mat. To start tummy time and have something fun and interactive to do.

DON’T NEED:

1. Co-sleeper/ “baby pod”. The soft padded sides of these styles of bassinettes are a suffocation risk. The only safe sleeping position for baby is flat on the back on a firm mattress, with no loose covers, no bumper in the crib, no plush siding, and no co-sleeping.
2. Wipe warmer. Nothing wrong with it, just unnecessary.
3. Expensive swing. Having a swing to comfort baby while your arms are free is great, but you don’t need to invest in the most expensive version with all the bells and whistles. Your baby will use a swing for a few months at most, so you might opt for a less expensive bouncer.
4. Plush bath insert. Again, plush is a suffocation risk. Plus, the cloth bath inserts can grow mold. Stick with the plastic version that can be easily cleaned.
5. Walker. This is a head injury risk and can delay walking by keeping the hips in the wrong position. Use a jumper or activity center instead that allows standing, but doesn’t allow the walking motion.

Get to know Michelle Bailey, M.D.

I’m a board-certified pediatrician, passionate about ensuring the well-being of patients ranging from newborn through late teens.

I attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!), and completed my pediatric residency in Houston.

Since the completion of residency, I’ve worked in outpatient clinics and enjoy not only caring for my young patients, but becoming a part of every family by building long-lasting, trusting relationships. While I treat common and not-so-common childhood infections and diseases, I especially have a passion for asthma and allergies, nutrition, and ADHD along with other learning disorders.

I’m married and we have a rescue dog named Jack. When not at work, I enjoy attending cultural events and traveling. To make an appointment with Dr. Bailey, click here or call 682-303-1000.