Bringing Baby Home in Memphis, TN

Bringing your baby home for the first time is an exciting milestone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. As you prepare for this big transition, it’s important to consider both the practical and emotional aspects of welcoming your newborn.

Safe Sleep and Essentials
Before your baby arrives, make sure you have a safe sleep space such as a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. The pediatricians recommend using a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and keeping the sleep area free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Stock Up on Supplies
Have essentials ready, including diapers, gentle wipes, and diaper rash cream. Newborns grow quickly, so keep a few outfits in different sizes. Soft blankets for swaddling, burp cloths for feeding, and feeding supplies—such as nursing bras, breast pumps, or sterilized bottles and formula—are also key items to prepare. Our team can answer any questions you have about feeding and newborn care during your first visits.

Car Safety
Before your due date, install a rear-facing car seat and consider having it inspected for proper installation. All Better Pediatrics can provide resources and guidance on car seat safety to help keep your baby secure during travel.

Bathing and Health Supplies
Gentle baby soap, a soft washcloth, baby nail clippers, a digital thermometer, and a bulb syringe for congestion are helpful to have on hand. If you’re unsure about which products to use, our pediatricians are happy to provide recommendations based on your baby’s needs.

At All Better Pediatrics, your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. One of the most important steps you can take as a parent or caregiver is to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Doing so significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.

Our Pediatricians Recommend:
• Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for both naps and nighttime. This is the safest position and greatly lowers the risk of SIDS.
• Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard. Be sure the fitted sheet is snug and secure.
• Keep the crib free of soft items such as pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals, as these can increase the risk of suffocation.

Room Sharing, Not Bed Sharing
For at least the first six months, we recommend that your baby sleep in the same room with you, but not in the same bed. Keep the crib or bassinet close by so you can easily check on your baby, but avoid bed sharing to keep your baby safe during sleep.

Temperature and Clothing
Make sure your baby’s room is comfortable—not too hot or too cold. Dress your baby in a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of using loose blankets. This helps keep your baby warm and safe.

At All Better Pediatrics, we know that welcoming a new baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. To help you feel confident and supported, our team is here to guide you through every step, including preparing your home with the essentials your newborn will need.

Clothing and Diapering Essentials
Stock up on soft, comfortable baby clothes—such as onesies, sleepers, socks, and seasonal layers like hats. For diaper changes, have plenty of newborn-sized disposable or cloth diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream on hand. A changing table or a designated pad can make changes easier and more organized. We’re happy to offer advice on diapering and skin care during your baby’s first visits to our office.

Feeding Supplies
Whether you plan to breastfeed or use formula, preparation is key. Nursing moms may need nursing bras, breast pads, and a breast pump. If using a formula, make sure you have bottles, nipples, formula, and cleaning supplies. Burp cloths and bibs are helpful for both feeding methods. At All Better Pediatrics, we support your feeding choices and can answer any questions about breastfeeding, formula selection, or feeding schedules.

Travel and Outings
An approved car seat—properly installed—is required for your baby’s first ride home and all future outings. Additional items like receiving blankets, pacifiers, and a baby carrier or stroller can make trips more comfortable for you and your baby. If you need guidance on car seat safety, our team can provide tips and resources.

During the first days and weeks, most newborns need to be fed frequently, usually every two to three hours. That means you can expect to feed your baby about eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period. Newborns have very small stomachs and digest breast milk or formula quickly, so they become hungry often.

Recognizing Hunger Cues
It’s important to watch for early signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips, instead of waiting for your baby to cry, which is often a late sign of hunger. These cues help you respond to your baby’s needs promptly.

Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
If you’re breastfeeding, frequent feeding helps establish and maintain your milk supply. For families who are formula feeding, similar feeding intervals are recommended, though the amount your baby consumes at each feeding may vary.

If you have any concerns or need additional support — whether it’s with breastfeeding techniques, formula choices, or understanding your baby’s feeding cues — our team at All Better Pediatrics, including our experienced pediatricians and lactation consultants, is here to guide you every step of the way. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Germantown TN, Bartlett TN, Cordova TN, Collierville TN, Oakville TN, and Lenow TN.