Preparing for parenthood involves both emotional changes as well as changes to your environment and lifestyle. As you stagger dazedly around the baby superstore examining the plethora of baby products available, you might come to the conclusion that the emotional preparation is a much easier process.

But choosing safe and useful baby products to prepare for your little one’s arrival doesn’t have to be an ordeal if you plan ahead, keep it simple, and keep safety considerations in mind.

The Baby's Room

The baby’s room is one of the first areas new parents are eager to prepare.  Keep it simple with just the basics. 

CRIB: In the case of cribs, beauty isn’t the most important consideration -- safety is. Choose a crib that has slats that are no more than 2 3/8" apart so that your baby won’t fall out or get her head stuck between the slats. If the crib has corner posts, they should be level with the top of the headboard and footboard or over 16 inches. Otherwise, something caught on the crib posts could pose a strangulation hazard to your baby. If you have a family heirloom or are considering a used crib, make sure that the crib meets these safety standards, and keep in mind that cribs manufactured before 1978 could contain lead paint.

You should also take care when selecting a mattress for your baby’s crib. Make sure it’s firm. In addition, make sure the mattress fits the crib and there’s no space in between the slats of the crib and the mattress that your baby could slip into.

BATH TUB

Bath time is fun with a baby -- if you have a convenient, safe bathtub in which to get your little one clean. Look for tubs that are sturdy and have slip-resistant bottoms. Many versions are sized to fit snugly in a standard-size kitchen sink, which may be more comfortable than leaning into your full-size tub. Bath rings and flotation devices may be easily flipped over, so your best bet is to avoid them to keep your baby safe from drowning. Never leave a baby unsupervised in or near tubs or buckets for even one moment -- 78% of all infant drownings take place in water in the home.

keep a large, very soft towel for your baby's use only. Some towels have a corner piece that makes a hood.

Once your baby’s clean, he or she will need some clothes to wear. For the first few weeks while your infant’s umbilical cord area is healing, choose loose and convenient dress. Always keep in mind the climate and the temperature of the room while dressing the baby.

Soft baby washcloths and towels are also a good bed for baby’s delicate skin.

When you are ready to take your baby on the road or to the mall, a stroller can ensure a smooth ride. Look for a sturdy version that won’t tip easily and doesn’t have pieces that will pinch your baby’s fingers. When you’re out and about, refrain from hanging diaper or shopping bags from the stroller’s handle -- the weight could cause the stroller to tip. To avoid injury, never leave your child unattended in a stroller, even with the brake activated.

The gentle motion of an infant swing is useful for soothing a fussy baby and for freeing up your hands, and both manual and motorized versions are available.  When you’re purchasing a swing, make sure that there aren’t any pieces that could trap your baby’s fingers and that there’s a safety belt (a T-strap that goes across the waist and under the bottom is best) to keep your baby secure.

Playpens are also great for keeping a curious baby contained for short periods of time, if you choose a type that has safety in mind. A well-padded version will protect your baby from painful bumps and bruises, and the sides should be at least 20 inches tall so your little one can’t escape. Many models are portable, which means you don’t have to rely on scrounging up a potentially dangerous hotel or cast-off crib when you travel. 

If you’re considering a walker for your baby who can’t isn’t yet walking, think again. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages the use of walkers because of the risk of severe injuries from falling down stairs. The AAP estimates nearly 29,000 injuries are caused by walkers every year, so leave walkers off your registry list.

Stocking Up on Essentials

Before you pack your bag for the hospital, stock up on these essentials so when you arrive home with your baby, you won’t have to run to your local superstore for supplies.

• Diapers: Have at least 50 newborn or size 1 disposable diapers on hand to get you through the first week. If your diaper of choice is cloth, 40 to 50 diapers on hand will prevent daily trips to the washing machine.

• Diaper rash medication: A small tube of diaper rash cream or ointment will help clear up any rash your baby may have in the first few weeks; An experienced mother recommends Johnson Nappy Rash Cream.

• Baby wipes: Check with your baby’s pediatrician about whether he or she recommends diaper wipes. If you get the OK, choose several boxes of an unscented variety -- scented versions may irritate your baby’s tender skin.

• Baby bath and shampoo: Choose baby toiletries from any of the renowned companies as they have been used from ages. Allergies to baby products also may occur, Never neglect visit your doctor for advice.

• Formula: Although breast is best, if you decide to feed your baby formula, a 32-ounce can be more than enough for the first week of your baby’s life.

• Baby detergent: Life with baby is all about laundry. A gentle detergent will do, or plain pure soap flakes won’t be likely to irritate your baby’s skin. Stay away from scented detergents.