You really don’t need as much paraphernalia for a new baby as some would make you think. Here are the only things I have found really necessary with four babies: • Four or five dozen 100 percent cotton diapers. Can be found easily at local department stores. Prefolded Curity diapers are my favorite. Disposable diapers are expensive, ecologically unsound, and rough and uncomfortable on baby’s skin; • natural fiber cotton or wool diaper covers (3 or 4 pair). They’re cool and breathable for baby’s skin. Try Happy Baby Bunz; babies love 100 percent cotton, versatile, long-wearing clothing. Check used clothing stores and catalogs, but Hanna Andersson and Biobottoms are a sure bet; • a Snugli. My second child needed a lot of physical contact and he practically lived in his Snugli baby carrier for his first six months.
