Shopping for new born

ANY ONE CAN RECOMMEND GOOD BRAND SOAP SHAMPOO NAPKIN..

The best feeding bottle for new born baby is Dr.Browns it has a unique mechanism that prevents colic and bloating.

hahahaha :)

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"Buy a newborn" is sort of a hit on the head. I know it happens, I just wouldn't have put it in that phrasing.

She doesn't need to "buy" one elhamdul'Allah.

Salam

Vaccinations are a really personal thing. My baby is due in May and I will only be allowing the vitamin K injection and not the BCG or hep which is standard here for newborns. Its my choice to delay this until the baby is a bout 3 months as I have decided to follow my home country vaccination schedule. Everyone has a right to chose a different options.

ahhh i misunderstood the title I thought you wanted to buy a newborn and I was going to suggest Malawi as it seems to be sucessful for Madonna.....

Dora that is scary telling a mother to do those things...

anyway congratulations...

consciouseffort, my only advice to you is, please dont go too crazy making long list for shoping, u need only few things i mean very few things for your baby in the first 1 or 2 weeks. every other thing will come after. you your self will realize what you need and what you dont. so please do not make a long list and waist money. take it easy. all will come automatically.

you need in my opinion.

1 pack of diapers and baby wipe.( i used cotten and water, never used baby wipe)

few bay sleeping suits,

a carrier or a push chir set with a car seat. you will need the car seat from the day you leave the hospital so this need to be bought ahead od time.

as far as feeding, as long as you are breast feeding you dont need to buy any right now.

after your baby is here, YOU YOUR SELF WILL KNOW WHAT YOU NEED AND WHAT YOU DONT NEED.!!!

SO FOR NOW PLEASE DO NOT GO TOOO CRAZYYYYY!!! I KNOW AS A NEW MOTHER YOU ARE ALWAYS EXCITED AND EVEN MORE IF ITS THE FIRST CHILD.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

action speaks louder than words

Moonbeam, I've practised as a midwife in Abu Dhabi so I would say that I have first hand experience in this part of the world.....

Vaccinations are, however, a different thing entirely than giving unecessary antibiotics to a neonate...this should be a standard, wherever one is in the world! Note, I say 'Should'!!

dear my recommendation is this bathtub which was a best buy for me you can give bath to your baby very comfortabally.

http://www.safety1st.com/product/detail.asp?ID=2753

and cotton receiving blankets to wrap him nicely .

good luck

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. English Proverb

Thanx all advises noted :)

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Come on guys, you are going to scare the "mum to be". :)

But I have to agree with the train of thought. Never just take for granted what a doctor or nurse tells you. You should have them explain why, how, what for etc. Ask questions and get the answers. If you are not satisfied, seek a different opinion via another doctor.

Dora, I know you have a great deal of experience as a midwife (correct?) but I was wondering how long you've lived in The Middle East? The reason I say this is because some practices here are actually geared towards the diseases and conditions more prevalent in this part of the world. In fact, a couple of vaccinations routinely given here are different from the UK set. Ok, now I'm going off topic, but the point is, that maybe there is a reason for things being done differently here.

In my experience here, I've found that the private hospitals will "sell" you as much as possible to make more money, whilst the HMC will treat you for what you need.

Example:

Amoxicillan Antibiotic Price: Private Hospital 52Qrs Approx, whilst in HMC it 3.5 Qrs!

Full set of Newborn Vaccinations (excluding the ones given at birth), cost 1400 Qrs Approx (with Rotarix too I think?) and you will need to do these at 2months, 4 months and 6 months, and then at 12 months..........so that in one year you spend approx: 5,600Qrs just on vaccinations. Guess What??? In HMC...... IT'S FREE!

So you can see where the money goes..... :)

Anyway Concious effort, remember to do the vaccination green booklet for your baby at the same place you do your birth certificate and at the same time, so as to avoid have to go back and forth. :)

Its extremely scary! Most of the doctors over here have trained in lets say, less developed countries and their practices are almost detrimental.......

DO NOT give a newborn ANY medication unless, ofcourse, it is hospitalised! Mothers should NOT be administering antibiotics to a newborn under any circumstances!!! Yikes!! I'm getting stressed just typing!!!

Oh by the way.... Have you heard of MRSA? VRE?...thats the result of these cowboy doctors giving random antibiotics to non existent infections.....think on....

One doesn't treat infections before they occur...very bad practice and any future mothers please question any doctor that wants to use ANY medication on your newborn please question it! the practice out here HAS to be questioned!

I am not a doctor but since i had my 2 boys here thats what happened and i did follow the doctors orders.....these medications if u allow me are to PREVENT any infections...i did it and my boys r more than fine.....

OMG! DO NOT put ANYTHING in a newborns' eyes OR alcohol/medicated creams for the cord UNLESS there is proven infection present......I cannot stress this enough, honestly some of these practices make me cringe!!! I really do have to wonder whether these doctors are actually trained in anything??!!

Reply to dora,sorry wasnt so clear,i meant the doctor will give her a list of medications for the baby once she delivers.Antibiotic eyedrops to prevent infections,alcohol wipes and medicated cream for the umbilical cord.This is for all babies.....then if its a boy and he gets the circumcision he will need an extra antibiotic cream.

U Welcome Concisoueffort...

We Qlers r always here for giving great Ideas ...:)

Thanx to all for the wonderful advices :)

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staying alive....'the doctor will give u a list of things for the newborn,including eyes drops and medicated cream if its a boy and u circumsize him right away'

Please can you expand on this? Why are eye drops and medications needed if its a boy

Circumcision is carried out at patients request and by their consent only.....

Oh i forgot to tell u this..at mothercare they have these new sleepsuits that come with extended fabric at the end of the sleeve...so u wont need mittens...they come in a pack of 3...check the label i dont remember exactly whats written but u can ask the sales people...really clever idea...coz sometimes the mittens come off and i always feared the baby choking but these new ones r fantastic in the morning u just roll the sleeve back to a normal length.

Wishing you a very safe delivery and a healthy child.

This site, below, tracks your baby's development and answers your maternity questions.

http://www.babycenter.com/

Salam

First of all congrats on the baby.Yr due date really has a big role on what to buy regarding clothing.

Crib,fitted sheets 3,and mattress protector

Stroller and car seat combo ( Graco are quite safe and affordable)

Changing table

Bath tub,soft sponge and bath products ( i would advice u to stay away from Johnsons since the fragrance causes allergies to the baby skin)

Clothing

This is my personal preference to ease u with the washing

Bottles ( get the starters set )and sterilizer ( Avent )

Pacifiers

Bibs

4 blankets ( 2 heavy ones and 2 light ones that u can use as burp cloths as well)

9 sleepsuits

9 undergarments ( sleeveless or with sleeves depending on due date)dont but the set that comes with 7 pieces wasnt useful to me

1 going out outfit ( dress or trousers and tshirt)

2 hats

pair of mittens

Grooming set ( scissors and nail clipper)

Nursing bras

Nursing pads ( washable and disposable)

Diapers and wipes( lots and lots and lots of them)

cotton wool

If u have a lot of friends ....make a list and let them choose what they want to get u...coz u will end up getting a lot of unwanted or repeated gifts...so if this baby shower idea appeals to u do it.

Dont worry about the alcohol wipes which is for the belly buton,the doctor will give u a list of things for the newborn,including eyes drops and medicated cream if its a boy and u circumsize him right away.

I know how tempting it is for a rookie mom to resist the temptation of buying clothes for yr newborn but they DO grow VERY FAST so dont waste a lot of money on clothes at this point.I do suggest buying good quality since this is yr first born coz it will last for yr next baby though.I am a Mothercare client so i recommend them,if u have time wait for the sale,their stuff is pure cotton,so soft and durable...i didnt buy a thing for my second son,i am using his brother's clothes which r still in perfect condition.Carters in hyatt plaza also have really soft stuff too.Trust me ..the quality really matters with babies.Many places have cute things but the fabric isnt baby friendly so pls have that in mind.

MOST IMPORTANT though is establishing a routine ...giving him a bath early evening ( between 4.30 and 6 pm) starting at 2 weeks will have u settled by the time he or she is 6 weeks...hopefully sleeping longer and longer thru the night.

Get as much sleep as u can now,relax,watch movies,meet with yr friends and enjoy yr pregnancy coz once baby is there ...everything will change.

good luck and inshallah u have a quick and peaceful delivery.

Nice website doody. Thanx

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Moonbeam...that was said out just right...

i also have one more thing to add...

check out the American Pregnancy Association website

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/

it really rocks.... very informative about every single thing. i also love there ONLY ladies forum, you can speak to ladies who are due the same month you are, and after birth u can share the developments of your babies all together.... i just adore it.

Not confused :) just double checked these items with my list if I forgot to put :)

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hhhmmmmmn? what are you confused about? :)

hmmmn :)

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* baby scissor

* A changing table (not esseintial)

* Breast pads for you

* a baby bag

* baby thermometer

nq

All the advices coming from this thread are very very useful for me. I liked ur point # 5 Moonbeam & I am sure I am going to get lots of interference too :) but hope to take care of it at the time being.

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I couldn't agree more with Doody...........you have to do what feels right. But it does help to do your research with (and I stress) UP TO DATE METHODS with your own mothers intuition.

All summed up if I had to pass on any wisdom at all after having 2 kids it would be this:

1. You WILL forget the pain of childbirth, I promise. So don't chicken out and have a C-section electively. Trust me if you can give birth naturally, do so.

2. Love them and cuddle them all you want when they cry...........No, you will not spoil them by picking them up constantly (at least not for the first 6 months :)

3. Place them Back side down to Sleep and don't overdress them when out. I see mothers putting on layers and layers of synthetic clothing here! (again read up to date stuff, don't just rely on mum.....) and no honey before 1 yr of age, due to botulism spores which a babies digestive system cannot kill.

4. Breastfeeding is best (which I'm sure you have heard) and remember that during your first 40 days post pardum your body is super delicate and very up and down hormonally. Sweats, mood swings are common and breastfeeding will help normalize everything and helps your uterus contract too, so brings down the bulge :)

The first three weeks of suckling hurt for me, but hang in there, it does get better and it's the most beautiful thing in the world.

5. Relax and trust what you feel..........you are genetically wired to understand your child. You will know what to do, and stand firm if people interfere too much. Listen to advice if you like and ignore what you don't agree with.

i had bought my belt from mothercare

I'll buy belt beforehand ... this is a nice tip :) Btw which brand u were using maybe I should go for the same

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since i've had my baby i found that there are never stopping conflicting schools regarding every single thing related to babies. so i figured that i'll just do what feels right for me and my baby.

those belts are actually awesome... i wore mine to sleep after 14 days of my delivery (natural one), and when i woke up half of my belly was actually gone!!! it was super.

and for the calming herbs, though many pedies may not favor, babies when introduced to all that milk once born their stomach gets disturbed baaaaadly...it 's a nightmare when they don't stop screaming all night. calming herbs will do no harm but will release their pain… that's what’s worked with us

One thing that has not been mentioned that I really loved for my newborn was a baby carrier. You can carry the baby on you and your hands are free to do other things. And the babies love it because they can look around. Baby Bjorn (you can find it online) has the best carriers, but I'm not sure if they are available in Doha. I've seen other brands at Baby shop and mothercare.

Another really fun and useful thing was a play mat. These are designed so the baby can lay down and play with things that hang down. It's great for getting a newborn to reach for things and develop their fingers and hands. Our baby would lay for hours staring at the toys and listening to the music on his play mat. :)

Best wishes for your baby!

Not using honey till the child reaches a year is something I wanted to know about, thanx for the advise dear.

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tallg, midwives/health visitors in the UK give that advice all the time, I dread to think what they advise here though, probably cut your babys' nails with a rusty blunt knife, I shouldn't wonder!

Doody btw those belts don't work and DO NOT wear one if you have had a caesarian...just good ole abdo excercises will get you back in shape!

Also, what are these 'herbs' you are talking about?

There are soooo many myths and downright dangerous practices that go on here its really quite scary!

I would google anything that someone tells you just to be safe!

Also DO NOT give baby any honey till they are one year old, thats another favourite!

Source, please :-P

nfh - I'm just repeating what 4 or 5 books advise. Don't shoot the messenger! I've never seen advice saying don't bite baby's nails (apart from in this thread).

i'm saying baby shop is the best with the most reasonable prices among all... and when u'r there u'll just know what u want to buy.

couple of tips:

1. even if u r not planning to use formula milk for your baby...buy a bottle… for calming herbs or so... Avent bottles are the best.

2. and this is for you... don't forget to buy a belly belt to get you tummy back in place. it has the best results if worn in the first 40 days. i didn't know that and wasted two weeks before i was able to go out shopping for one.

I am still at the receiving end of advices. My plan to start shopping is from April. I'll check babyshop too.

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I don't have much exp in this area but just to give a small tip, what's your exp about BABY SHOP; my wife bought and rely more on babyshop during those days.

Yuck tallg, biting your baby's nails? How unhygienic. All those germs going from your mouth to your baby's hands, which go into their mouth.

Just use a pair of baby nail scissors or clippers. Do it while they're asleep, because when they're awake their hands are moving all over the place.

exactly why it shouldn't be done!

Don't be in a hurry for shopping. You will receive many gifts also for new born babies containing dresses too.

Thanx busy bee & bleu for your replies, would keep them in mind. Lets see what more our friends have to offer in suggestions :)

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Everybody except for one, gave great recommendations, I only have 2 to add:

1- Don't buy everything now, there are something you will only need a week, 2, a month or more from the delivery date.

2- Don't buy too many clothes, they grow FAST, much FASTER than you can imagine.

p.s. Don't worry about anything, a mother always knows what to do, buying for the first child may be confusing, but by the third it's just like buying groceries when you know what you need without a list. (We're buying for #5)

Similar to alanisse, I bought my stroller at Chicco and received a 50 percent discount. My friend delivered last year and got the same stroller. It is a combined stroller (for up to 3 yrs of age) and car seat (for 1 and half yrs of age). The price was very good QR 1500, and I was very happy that it was so compact when folded together, since my car is quite smaller. the strollers are also quite light. Moonbeam, I can assure that there are better things than shoes in Chicco, the strollers and toys are very affordable and some of the sleepsuits are not bad either. Yes some things are expensive, but most european brands are expensive, ie mamas and papas, prenatal, premaman, etc.

Conciouseffort: the sale for Chicco is in both city center and villagio, but villagio has a larger range of items.. Good Luck!!!

hahahah thanx Dora for your lovely reply, I'll keep your advise with me :)

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oopp forgot car seat and pushchair, I got a pushchair from Mamas and Papas that lasted through birth to 18 months! ( She refused the pushchair after that otherwise it would have done till she was 16! )

All babies need is

Food -( Bottles/Boob/Steriliser/teats)

Sleep -( cotton blankets/babygros.....NO cot bumpers! Yikes!

To be kept clean -( Sink(!), baby washing stuff.cotton wool, towel

Love- You can't put a price on that!

Nappies -( Pampers are good!)

don't go overboard buying too much, theres no need!

Good luck!

That's a nice tip Moonbeam, I'll definitely keep this in mind while I start shopping :)

I'm Italian, but honestly..........other than the shoes........there isn't much that I would buy from Chicco. They are over priced and not "up to date" when it comes to certain things. For example, since the "Back to Sleep" program was launched over 10 years ago (where baby needs to sleep on his back and not belly down) SIDS has dramatically decreased. Now, mothercare and most other baby cloths brands improved with the new changes by putting buttons on the front of garment and not on the back (buttons on the back can be very uncomfortable when baby sleeps on his back....)

Well Chicco still places buttons on the back. That is one example, but there are lots like that.

Your first baby is always a little overwhelming with many choices to make. When you have your second baby you notice that many choices you made the first time around were not the best ones. That was particularly true for me.

Thanx will check today dear :)

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i think there is a chicco shop at the villaggio... :)

Where is this chicco in cc or centerpoint

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did you try checking some baby items at Chicco? they are on sale right now 70% on all baby clothes. Maybe you could find stuff for your new born at reasonable price. `been there 2 days ago and i got a baby stroller 40% off...

hahahha that was funny on ur part rizks :)

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Jamille.....

I would have explained tat, but i dont wanna change the topic to diff direction....lol

By the way the gun is for Shooting and the Punching gloves is for Punching.... hope it is clear now ...:)

agree with tallg, newborn babies cannot play with teddies yet so it's not practical to get one,.. there's also a possibility that some babies move around too much and the teddy might end up on the baby's face which may cause suffocation...

Rizks, a water gun and a punching gloves?

Not all teddies are suitable for new borns. Those that are usually say on the label.

Jamille

Newborn baby can also be kept in the Pram - Right ?

Teddy Beer, tatz the fav for all the babies - Right ?

Rizks, she is seriously asking for stuff for a newborn baby, not a toddler.. :/

Get a sunglasses as well so tat when u go out the UV raise doesnt effect the kid...

A Pram to move around

A small water gun to play with....

A Tiny Stuffed teddy beer or Gorilla....

A pair of punching gloves....

hmmmm hope i did not missed anything here !!

how to clean umbilicus:

http://kids.emedtv.com/newborn-care/umbilical-cord-care.html

I never bit my daughters finger nails. I always used teeny tiny scissors :)

As for the stump, I ended up needing beneocin (antibiotic) powder. Being summertime, she sweat, so it was hard to keep the stump really dry.

I'm not denying your knowledgeable on the subject Dora - I'm well aware you are! That's why I'm asking you questions, because what your saying goes against the advice and reading I've done to date and it's good to get your point of view as well.

If the cost factor is an issue, just remember that you get what you pay for. Always buy cloths bigger, they will grow into it. And buy few but good quality during sale time.

If you keep everything clean, you can always sell certain items second hand :)

Good Luck. ;)

Dora, everything I've read and been told says to clean the umbilical stump until it falls off. Recent advice says water is better than alcohol.

Please dont put pillows or duvet into a newborns cot, they can be suffocated by them. They should only be used after 1 year

Best of luck with the new arrival

Keep Smiling :-) you never know who is looking

errm...many years of being a midwife sorta makes me slightly knowledgable in this subject....explaining about cuticle infections you mean?...

The scratch mitts are best for night time when they can really scratch themselves, and during the day let them explore and keep their nails short like tallg says :)

I only use natural products the first few months, so no baby oil for me. I used almond oil BP with a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. Ratio 2 tsps to 2 drops. If you don't want to use that I recommend Avene Trixera Cream. Expensive but very good.

Alcohol to swap the umbilical cord stump and keep it dry and clean.

Car Shades, especially with summer approaching!

Oh, and I ended up trying every diaper brand in the market before I settled for the one I liked. My advice is, try a small packet of each.........AND remember that as baby grows you should try different brands again, because the diaper companies lure you by giving you a really nice diaper a the very beginning, only to let you down with the next size up!

You may be needing a receiving blanket for the baby when you check out of the hospital. Feeding bottles if your wife will not breastfeed. Sterilizer, feeding bottle brush for cleaning. Mittens, but if you decide not to use just make sure u check the baby's nails from time to time. Some hand towels made of soft cotton for wiping. Cottons, baby oil, mild baby soap, soft sponge, towel for bathing needs. Congratulations in advance!

you are thoughful than we ladies... are you a stay at home Dad?

I've never heard that Dora, and I have researched it a bit. Do you have a source explaining about the infections?

aha! No need, actually best practice is not to clean the umbilical area, just to leave it until it falls off. There is some thought that it actually stings the baby when used! Eeek!

Dora, the alcohol i used before to clean my baby's umbilicus... but it's up to her if she doesn't want to include it in her list..

Oh thankyou so much moonbeam & tallg. My list is getting bigger n bigger :) I hope husband doesnt fall unconcious after seeing all this hehehehe

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it's up to you conscious if you want to buy them.. but i suggest dont buy too expensive stuff coz the baby's only gonna be using it for few months... yeah, if you're going to buy feeding bottles, use Nuk they got anti-colic ones...

No!NO!Tallg! You should NOT bite newborns' nails! They can become infected very quickly and infections in newborns spread like wildfire.....use baby scissors but ONLY if they are scratching themselves!

mjamille...whats the alcohol for??:0

You'll also need a car seat (brand new) if you're planning to take the baby in a car.

Oops forgot those mjamille, now would add up to list :)

Thanx to both of you. I saw baby stuff in Sana in CC yesterday & was almost about to fall, blanket was 37 :P then two dresses I liked each of them 40 & 55. Dont you think this is too expensive for infants. I think I should buy clothing kind of stuff from some small shop & personal hygiene stuff from well known place / brand.

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the first 6 months go by in lightning speed, so don't buy too much. Plus don't forget that you are bound to get presents :)

1. 20 dresses - mothercare , full bodysuits/ sleepsuits are the best for the first months. Easy to change and they button up at the front so they are comfortable for baby. plus they come with incorporated scratch mitts, which you will need! Don't bother with the scratch mitts that you put on, they always fall off!

2. 5 pair of socks - you'll only need them if you use 'onesies'. (The bodysuit that has 3 buttons in the groin area)

3. 2 feeders (you mean bibs?) you will only need these if you are not breastfeeding, otherwise get burping cloths instead.

4. 2 Blankets - Cellular blankets are great. They are cotton, don't lose 'fluff' and are warm and cool at the same time

5. 5 boxes of Diapers (which brand would be good for a child) Only get diapers when you are just about to have baby. That way you know what size to get by kg's. In the hospital you will have diapers given to you for the first few days, so do not stress. :)

6. Stroller - Better yet buy a CAR SEAT or a set! Before you buy a stroller do ALOT of research. Weight?, does it recline fully so baby can sleep? Travel system or lightweight stroller? Pram or one that will 'grow' with your family? This is not something you should buy quickly. Trust me, you need to look around in Doha, to find the stroller / pram that is best for you.

7. Cot - Mothercare has the best cots.

8. 2 pillows - Infants generally do not need a pillow.....

9. Kids bedsheet - 2 Nos - fitted sheet and sleeping bag is best for baby and safety.

OK, now a few other things you WILL need

1.Good Baby Monitor - I recommend ANGELCARE

2. Good Breast Pump - If you decide to breastfeed you will need it too. I recommend MEDELA SWING

3. Baby Bath and very very soft sponge. Bath from Mothercare or Baby Shop and sponge from Boots or Mothercare.

4. Steam Sterilizer- I use Philips Avent

5. Baby bottles if you don't breast feed - I recommend NUK wide necked bottles (no nipple confusion from breast)

6. Huggies Fragrance free baby wipes and Sudocreme diaper cream

I think that is it for now..........I'll try and think of more............. :)

i used baby mittens but only during the first few months...

have you also included stuffs like baby oil, alcohol, baby wipes, etc?

The downside of mittens is that it stops the baby using it's hands to explore itself and it's surroundings - something that's very important for it to do. A lot of people do recommend mittens though. The alternative is to keep the nails short yourself by biting them (they're very soft and it's easy to do).

btw - there are lots of places to buy stuff in the various shopping malls. Baby Center seems to be cheapest, but it's worth checking the others as they often have sales on.

Thanx for the nice inputs, I'll make a note of them :)

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yep tallg is right... and some mittens too to protect them from scratching the face.

You'll need a hat for when it's first born, as new born babies can't regulate their temperature properly.

20 dresses sounds excessive. Better to get a few baby-gros, a few t-shirt things, etc, etc.

You also need to consider stuff for changing and washing - changing mat, sponges, towels, etc.

You might want to consider a baby monitor too.

should be ok... i too did not buy too many baby dresses that time as they grow up very quick... i used to buy Prokids newborn diaper, but i also used some cloth diapers then... :)

grown = grow :)