Introducing Solids

Start with Moong Dal Water. Later, you can start on a combination of green leafy vegetable soups and dal water. Begin with thin soups such as carrot, pumpkin, bottle gourd etc. Begin with strained soups and dal water initially. As your baby grows older and is about 7 months old, you can start on unstrained soups and dals. Later on, you can add other green vegetables to your baby's diet. These are a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin C.

Begin with one type of vegetable or dal and gradually accustom your baby to a combination of these vegetables and dals. Try vegetable variations like Beet and Carrot Soup. A wide variety of soups and juices will help your baby savour and develop a palate for foods other than milk

Rice is the most common cereal to begin with, as it is nutritious and easiest for babies to digest. Gradually, try a combination of a cereal and pulse, such as rice with moong dal in the form of khichdi. Your baby would best accept a well mashed khichdi thinned down with warm water, which will be easier for her to swallow and digest. Serve Moong Dal Khichdi and see your baby happily gurgle it down.

Other cereals such as wheat, ragi, bulgur wheat etc can be added as baby starts accepting semi-solid foods. Cook and puree these cereals with milk to form a smooth creamy consistency that is balmy for your baby’s tongue. Add a teaspoon or two of butter or ghee to these foods, as these are a rich source of vitamin A. A great start could be made with the Jowar and Ragi Kanji, which is an unusual and yummy combination to initiate your baby to this diet. Begin with one to two teaspoons and gradually increase the quantity to about half a cup. Once your baby accepts these changes, it is time to introduce her to mashed fruits and mashed dals as well. Most babies will love the sweet taste of fruits and welcome this innovation in their regular diet. A mashed banana (diluted with a little milk) makes an excellent meal. Chickoo, papaya and ripe mango can also be great additions. Introduce stewed fruits like apples a week or two later.

Remember to begin with a single fruit or vegetable and gradually accustom your baby to combinations.

By the end of the fifth month, most babies readily accept more variety and can be served boiled and completely mashed vegetables like carrots, potatoes etc. Ensure that these vegetables are properly cooked and blended to a semi-solid consistency so that they are easy to swallow.

Courtesy: Sireesha (M&B)

Baby Food Recipes

After baby turns six months you can actually introduce lot of variety foods..

* Khichdi- Dal& Rice or Suji& Veg
* Suji-Halwa, sweet with milk or salty with veg
* Daliya- Sweet as well as salty
* upma
* Ragi
* Chila-daal,suji, besan
* Poha
* Sweet potato- Kheer or JUst boiled
* Fruits
* Milk Shakes
* Pasta
* Macaroni
* Parantha- Aloo,paneer
* Cheese
* Tikki- Aloo & Paneer
* Roasted Paneer
* Soups- Veg or if r non veg you can start with chicken & potato soup


You can recipes for most of the food in the same thread..

Dal Khichdi

Ingredients

4 tbsps of rice
4 tbsps of moong dal(Green Broken)

Preparation

Properly Wash both rice and Dal and soak them for 10-15 mins. Put both rice and dal in cooker and required water. Add pinch of haldi(Turmeric Powder) and very little salt.

Cook over medium heat till 4-5 whistle comes. After 5 minutes open the cooker and check whether rice is soft, if not add little water and boil .

Add a tbsp of ghee over the it.

We can add mashed vegetables also.

Suji & Mixed vegetable Khichdi

Ingredients

1 tsbp suji
1 tsbp Ghee
2 tsbp Yellow Moong Dal
Vegetables : Carrot, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, White Pumpkin, Cauliflower

Roast Suji in Ghee and add Washed and soaked Moong dal to it. Add all the veggies in the quantity as required. Add water , a pinch of turmeric powder and little salt.

Cook over medium heat till 4-5 whistle comes. After 5 minutes open the cooker and mash all the veggies with a spoon

Add a tbsp of ghee over the it.

Tip: Always put roasted suji otherwise it will comes out of the cooker

Mixed Vegetables
gv in all veggies u like ... carrot,beet( pre boiled nd water discarded),potato,cabbage,cauliflwr( only if baby is nt gassy),peas, beans ,pumpkin
take few pieces of onion nd tomato nd hlf or 1 pod of garlic saute a bt wth oil put in a wee amnt of roasted jeera powder nd hing ..put in rest of veggies and saute wthout putting xtra oil ... put in water add turmeric and let it simmer .. lastly add little salt ...and chk if it soft ( or else u can pressure cook it fr 5 to 10mnts)
now keep this in handy ...and add ur choice of rice..or millet ..or dal ..or chkn or egg ..yellow and a meal wl b ready ..( pls donot forget to mash all properly)
i make this suffiecient fr arnd 3 days and put in small containers ..label n freeze them nxt few days u jst hv to make the accompaniments ...i keep this fr lunch ..

Apple porridge

Taken from Babies' Recipe book

This Porridge made of oats, Apple and milk can be served as breakfast after the baby is 6 months.

3 tbsp quick cooking oats
half cup milk if baby has started taking cow milk
1tbsp jaggery(gur)grated
1/4 apple grated or finely chopped
1tsp ghee or unsalted butter
heat the butter in a pr cooker and saute the oats for 2 minutes
add milk and 1/2 cup water and pr cook for 2 whistles
add jaggery and apple while the porridge is hot and mix well using whisk.

If the baby hasn't started with cowmilk, porridge can be prepared with water & formula milk can be added later.

Sweet Potato Kheer recipe :-

Firstly clean the sweet potatoes nicely n peel it off. Cut them into small pieces, add water n pressrue cook them. Once they are cooked, mash them a bit. Take a pan and pour around 2 cups of milk (It depends upeon the consistensy required). Now add those masehd sweet potatoes with a little jaggery and cardomom. Let it tboil on medium flame for sometime and stir it at regular intervals.... Done!! Its yummy and I am sure you kids will love it ... Its quite instant recipe.... :)

Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup

Cut pumpkin and sweet potato in equal quantity. Wash properly and put them in a cooker with half a glass of water.Add little turmeric to it.

Let 3-4 whistle comes and open it after 5 minutes.

Boil it on low flame and mash it.

Tip: You can add litle bit of sugar or salt according to your baby taste bud.

baby's fish and vegetables

I got this recipe from one of my baby books.Its seems tasty.iam yet to try it.
Once doctor has okaed fish.a white fleshed fish is the best choice like tilapia,halibut,whitefish etc

1 small fish fillet
1/2 small zucchini
1/2 medium carrot
a few drops of lemon juice(if baby has already eben introduced to it,most of gerber baby foods whould have added it to their banan puree to retain color)
1/2 tablespoon butter
method
oven method is suggested but steaming can also be done.
preheat oven to 375 F.Wash peel carrot and zuccini and slice in thin slices.
wash fish fillet removing any bones(try to get boneless fish fillet)
prepare double layer of aluminium foil and lightly grease inside of foil
place fish and veggies on foil,dot top with butter and lemon juice then seal the packet and place on baking dish.
bake for 45 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily
allow to cool,fork mash before serving.if necessary puree.baking and/or steamign gives good flavor and retains nutrients.

apple pear raisin rice

apple (1/2 slice skin removed)
pear juice 4 ounce(gerber juice can be used)
brown rice 3 tablespoon
black raisins around 1 tablespoon

method
mix above contents together and add little bit more water (around 2 cups)and cook.u can also pressure cook.once cooked, u could strain water if extra and puree.
its a sweet tasting dish.must be good for constipation due to raisins.
u can use 1/2 pear and use apple juice for a taste change.

Makhana Kheer

Makhana Kheer


*100gm Makhana
*1 kg Milk
*1 cup sugar/Jaggery
*1 cup finely chopped(Cashew,almonds & raisins)
*3-4 elaichi

Preparation
Cut makhana into small pieces and then wash them .Boil milk in a pan.Later add makhana and let it simmer on slow flame.Add elaichi to it

Once makhanas are done, add dry fruits and let it simmer till milk thickens.Approx 15-20 mins

When it's almost done add sugar to it.

Sabudana Khichdi

Ingredients
*250gm Sabudana
*100gm roasted and well crushed peanuts(don't add if baby is allergic to it)
*1 tsp crushed black pepper
*1 tsbp sugar
*1 tsbp ghee
* salt

Preparation
Wash & soak sabudana in water for 30-40mins..Once soft & fluffy drain out water in a sieve and cover it.Leave for 15mins

In a bowl take sabudana,peanuts,black pepper,sugar & salt.
Heat ghee in kadai and sabudana mix.Stir well,leave it for 10 mins on low flame.

Makhane ki kheer....

This is what I learnt this time during my India's trip. No idea as what is "Makhana" called in other languages...
- Fry some makhana in ghee for few minutes on simmer.
- Take a pan and add milk, add makhana, sugar/jaggery and let it boil for sometime till the makhana gets soft.
- Add some crushed almonds to make it more nutritious.
- Its a very healthy breakfast.

Chivda

1 tsp mustard seeds
1 cup poha/chivda
1 onion sliced
1 tbsp oil
1 potatoes-diced small
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Peanuts (optional)

Method: Put Chivda in a colander and wash, not letting it soak too long in the water. Leave in the colander to drain out completely.

Heat the oil and add mustard seeds , onion.

When seeds begin to splutter, add potatoes, and turn around till they look a bit glossy. Add the turmeric and saute over low heat till the potatoes are cooked through.

Increase the heat, add salt and poha and mix well. Saute till mixed

Garnish with coriander leavs

You can add other veggies also for kids...

CHeese Pizza

1. Take Either it is Pizza base or bread.
2. Apply Tomato sauce or Pizza sauce.
3. Spread some cheese (Mozilla would be better- grate it)
4. Sprinkle chopped onion, chooped tomato
5. Sprinkle cheese as much you want.
6. Sprinke small cut pieces of Panneer/Boiled chicken/Green leaf (if u want to try different)
7. Again take a spoon of sauce and drop in a circular motion.
8. Take a sppon of olive oil and drop in a circular motion.
9. If u r using Pizza base, then apply olive oil on the corners (circumference) this gives crispy sides after cooking.
10. Sprinkle salt, pepper powder as per taste.
11. If you want more spicy then can even crush the red chilli and sprinke over.
12. Add cheese if u want more cheeesy pizza.

Keep the base or bread directly on the Mirco wave (that glass circular tray) as i dont have the pizza wodden saptula.
Keep the oven in high (90H) and time for 3-4 min.
Just monitor for the first time, whether the cheese gets melted and the base is not becoming hard too because of over heat.
If u feel that cheese has to melt..then increase the time from 1 -2 more min.

Happy Pizza making at home.

Signal Chilas (Tikkis)

For the batter:-

*2 tbsp yellow moong dal (split yellow gram)
*2 tbsp uran dal (split black gram)
*1 tbsp green moong dal (split green gram)
*1tbsp chana dal (split gram)
*Salt to taste

Other ingredients:-
*2 tbsp tomato ketchup
*1 tbsp finely crated carrots
*1 tbsp finely grated bottle gourd (doodhi)
*a pinch of haldi
*1 tbsp spinach (palak) puree
*Oil for cooking

Method:-
*Wash and soak all the dals in enough water for 4- 5 hrs, drain and blend in a mixed till smooth. Add little water while blending

*Add the salt and divide the batter into 3 equal portions.

*To make the 6 red colored chilas add tomato ketchup and carrots to one portion, mix well and keep aside.

*To make 6 yellow colored chilas,add doodhi and haldi to the second portion ,mix well and keep aside.

*To make the green colored chilas, add palak puree to the remaining portion, mix well and keep aside.

*Heat a non-stick pan ,pour a spoonful of each red, yellow and green colored batter and spread to make small thin rounds of approx 50mm (2") diameter.

*Cook using oil till they turn golden brown and crisp on both the sides.

*Repeat the same with the remaining batter to make more colored chilas .

*Arrange the red, yellow and green chilas in a row on a plate to make signals or fix them on a small stick to look like signals and serve.

SPIRAL SANDWICHES

u need;

brown bread/white bread
cheese spread
cheese slices
ham/bacon/salami(optional)
tomato slices
spinach leaves(optional)
little milk

method;
1 take two slices of bread ,cut d edges.
2 take d slices..wet one edge with little milk
place d wet edges together so that we get a long slice..press d bread so that d slices join together..
3 now apply cheese spread..
4 put tomato slices,spinach and cheese slice..
5 now tightly roll d sandwitch like a log..use milk to stick d end.
6. cut it into 3-4 slices...
spiral sandwiches r ready

Rice Balls..

Ingredients:-
1 cup cooked rice (left over or freshly made)
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup rice flour(chawal ka atta)
1tsp ginger-green chili paste
1tsp sugar
salt to taste

Method:-
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl with 1/4 cup of water and mix well.
Divide the mixture into 20 balls
Heat oil in a kadhai and deep fry till golden brown in color
Drain on a absorbent paper and serve ho.

Oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal cookies for cookie lover kids. Its very yummy, healthy and easy to make.

160 gm plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
120 gm butter
120 gm ghee
150 gm castor sugar
2 tablespoons of ginger juice
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon golden syrup (Golden syrup is kind of sugar syrup with thick texture. You can get it in NTUC, optional ingredient. )
220 gm quick cooking oats
80 gm mini choc chips
40 gm sesame seeds

Method:

- Sieve the first 3 ingredients together.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy.
- Mix ginger juice, bicarbonate of soda and golden syrup in a very small bowl, add it to beaten butter and sugar and then combine it well.
- Add in the rest of ingredients and combine well to form a soft dough.
- Now preheat oven to 180 degrees.
- Shape into cherry sized balls and place on greased baking tray.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool it before storing in a container

Courtesy: Mums & Babies

Walkers

An interesting article

Whats your opinion on Jumpers and EXERSAUCERS.

/http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/745582.html.

For those confused moms like me who are torn whether or not to use a walker for the baby.. check it out.

Courtesy: Prathyu

Bibs -- The Best Ever Invention

Types of bibs, buttoned, lace to be knotted, velcro...

When feeding started, my problems started...

**like if it is one thing to make her eat something, it is another task altogether to clean up the clothes after eating.
**stains like apple/banana just wont go away.
**If i feed her nude and clean her up and put clothes, okay, it is fine but then whatif she gets used to it :((((... so, it is with full clothing on that I feed the kiddo. I dont run around, but it does take some effort and she grows up there is a need to self-feed, so the problems are intensified.

Bibs are of good use when a kid is drooling. Believe me the drool although just water stinks :(, so it is better to use a bib.

Then comes a stage where the kids start pulling it out, then come the buttoned ones, once they get the hang of pulling them out, then come the laced one to tie the knot.

But once they start attempts at self feeding nothing stops.. i was kind of dreading those cleaning up sessions after feeding.. Yes, I have a maid, but it is tough to clean up for her as well.. so, if the kiddo is learning yanking fast.. momma has the last laugh.. I got plastic, shirt type ones which are sooooooooooooooo very useful and God sent :)... i am like hehahehaaaaa now yank it off :).

The God-send bib with table soft plastic outer lining, spoon holder, etc.

Just put this on like a shirt, clean the face and mouth, wipe the mouth with the cloth napkin behind and once done wipe it up and keep it for next feed and wash it at the end of the day, easy to clean, easy to dry.. if you keep about 3 to 4 such bibs your life will be a lot more easier :). It covers the whole body and so no matter even if the kid drops the entire contents on the body, we have the last laugh :).

the inside of the bib, soft on the skin and kids cant pull it off as it has sleeves and covers the whole body.

It is easy on baby's skin too because of the very soft napkin material on the inside.. absolutely love this invention and yeah the price is affordable too, just 50/- each.

I got them from Besant Road, Vijayawada, in a shop called MONALISA, a fancy shop with a variety of bibs..

If any of you happen to know any other localities, do update in the comments column please.

Dummies/Pacifiers

Playtex Ortho-Pro BPA free pacifiers -- twin pack.

Doctors in India do not usually recommend a pacifier because of hygiene issues and I personally was against it for a while as well but as the kid completed 3 months of age and was reasonably kind of used to the outside belly environment, I went ahead with giving pacifier once in a while, this way she did not get used to it but chews on it for a while out of curiosity and sucks it for a moment. Just a momentary distraction but of good use to quieten her when extremely fussy.

Coming to an argument if pacifier is a better alternative than thumb sucking.. I am not aware. All I need is a moment's distraction to soothe her which serves the purpose.

The pros of pacifier I got to gather
**Soothing/comforting
**Distracting
**Satisfies the non-nutritional urge to suck and thereby avoid overfeeding in bottle-fed kids.

The Cons..
**Germ harbors.
**addictive.
**speech delays.
**Teeth issues.
**excess use might cause ear infections.
etc..

So, I have it handy with me, but I hardly use it.. I just like it to give me a moment's peace between the chaos. She eventually spits it out or just picks it up in hand and starts playing with it but serves the purpose, to divert her attention.

I had chosen an orthodontic pacifier, BPO-free from Playtex, which has this unique design which is easy to clean, easy to store, comes in good eye-soothing colors, which is also supposed to be dentists recommended due to its shape thereby putting less pressure on the gums and not interfere with teething or in crooked teething. It has a thin and unique shaped nipple which

I personally decided against a pacifier in the initial stages because of hygiene issues more than anything. Also, the doctor said something about relation to earaches which I am not really sure of now.

The best thing about it is the cover in which it comes for a germophobe mom like me.

It is a purely personal choice to go or not with it.. I personally, rarely use it but more than LO, it is my pacifier ;).

There have been some models which have been recalled from Playtex, so check out before buying.

Getting Rid of Pacifier Habit
Pacifiers are something which are not advisable for children, because of increased risk of infections many folds, esp. in hot weather. They don’t have anything to do with teeth eruption, infect they are known to deform the teeth if used persistently after a particular age.
I feel u need to be smart enough to stop that in one go, as early as possible. No option. We should be careful in starting new habits to our children, cos, many times it’s really difficult to get rid of them.

Gold/Silver Items For Infants/Kids

Other than the vital things mentioned in the other post... there are quite a few things which can be bought/kept ready for the kids for use in the first year of life.

This is exclusively my viewpoint and my collection for the kid which I bought way before the kid was born once I knew it was a girl.


Gold/Silver Items
***************************
Uggu Ginne -- this is available in both Gold and Silver but the use is debatable, like if the kid is being fussy the sharp edge might injure the soft flesh in the mouth, so the use is very limited to say use of gripe water or some medicine or something, so no point wasting the gold unless there is one already in the family from generations.
Kakkula Ungaram -- A ring which looks like a coil, usually made of silver, supposedly to reduce vomitings in an infant.. just a belief. We can go for a gold one in this since this is expandable and can use for a long time than normal baby rings.
Silver Powder Box and Puff -- There are a wide variety of them available in the market in silver, I took one as I wanted that to be keepsakes for the kiddo throughout her life :)...
Silver Soap Box -- Same logic as above, keepsake for the kiddo.

powder box, puff, and soapbox

Once they start with foods
***************************
Silver bowl small size for biscuits/cookies/fruit pulp etc.
Silver bowl a little bigger size for rice.
Silver glass -- again 2 different sizes a very small one for water and a normal size one for milk when they start off with the glass.
Silver spoon -- baby size or 0 size available in stores.
Silver fork (be careful with its use, do not ever let the kids use it, only for you to feed) -- baby size or 0 size available.
Silver plate -- when they start off with table foods.

uggu ginne for gripewater and complete feeding set for about a year

Actually, the whole set is available in one theme like mickey or pooh in silver design, so we can pick it up which will be useful for a really long time.

If we can afford, it is better we go with them rather than plastic since I am a strict green parenting supporter and also eating in silver bowls has some medicinal traditional value.

Ornaments
******************
Common for both boys and girls
*************************************
Gold Chain -- This can be used for a really long time, so the design can be chosen with care but if we want to put that always on the kid, then go for a very lightweight short length one for daily use.
Anjaneya Swamy Locket -- This is supposed to be good for kids, bhayam lekunda undataaniki antaaru.. I got a silver one and tied it to her swing.. after 6 months I tied it to her neck with a black thread.
Finger Rings -- Just one or two at the max because they easily outgrow them, so it is better to rotate them among the kids in the family rather than buying them all the time.. waste of money is what i personally feel because they tend to scratch all over with them.
Gold/Silver Molataadu -- Gold one can be used as a chain later on, but considering the danger of letting the kid roam around with so much of gold, I personally preferred a silver one or black molataadu instead.
Bangles/Murugulu -- Murugulu are thin bangle like ornaments which are usually left on the kid's body and they are usually cut once the kid outgrows rather than removing, so it is kind of daily-wear item. Again, I would say the lighter the better. We get expandable bangles again which are good rather than going for changing frequently.

expandable bangle, ring, and black-bead bracelet/anklet

Girl Baby Specific
*******************
Patteelu/Anklets -- we get soft anklets or round anklets for infants, 0 size.. but ideally use them only after 4 to 5 months of age. But we get black beads chains which can be used as anklets which are soft on the skin. (nalla poosala patteelu/bracelets) I actually got them for bracelets but they looked really good as anklets, so kept them as is.

Vanki and Vaddanam -- This is totally hi-fi and depends on whether you want to invest in it so early as a newborn or wait till the kid walks at least.
Lightweight Earrings -- For the time of ear piercing.

WHERE DO WE GET THEM
****************************
The jewelry items can be bought from any gold showroom or can get them done by order by a goldsmith. I personally prefer very lightweight stuff for daily wear because they outgrow them soon and a lot of money lost in exchanging. So, unless you have someone to pass it on to, just stick to bare basics initially is my funda.

Silver items can be found in any silver store, these should be a little heavy and strong because we tend to use them more and if they are delicate they would dent easily, so press it hard with 2 fingers and if not denting then go for it is my rule of thumb.

I got the soap box, powder box, etc. from KalaNiketan, Vijayawada and puff from CMR Vijayawada.

The black beads is actually a bracelet which again, I got from KalaNiketan, Vja.

Pricing does vary with fluctuating gold/silver prices.

Newborn Day 1 List..

Items For Newborn
********************

First time parents have this instinct of wanting to buy everything for the kiddo and doing a lot.. well that is the excitement :).. but spending wisely and spending on what is actually needing and eliminating the wastage is the key.

Every cloth item bought from the shop should be washed and kept aside for use way before. In India, there is a belief that we should not buy anything before the kid is born and it is not good and all that.. but Thanks to people staying in US and parents leaving before the kid is born, the gender known prior and all that there has been quite a big change in the attitude. I wasnt allowed to buy anything until I entered 9th month and then too I had to fight it out because I wanted to everything for the kiddo...

Again, when buying for an infant we need to keep in mind the season in which the kid is born... my kid was a mid-summer baby born in Coastal AP, so we had to rule out a few things and just stick to cottons and that too very see through types... All the dresses, onesies and others sent by friends and brought by her father from US went waste because the climate just did not suit it..

So, rather than wasting just spend wisely...

Essentials For Summer Kids To Keep Ready on Day #1.
********************************************************
Pure Coconut oil -- this is to clean the kid immediately after the birth.. my baby was not given a bath immediately, they applied coconut oil and wiped the body very clean.. the first bath was given the second day of her life. (depends from doctor to doctor).
Sleeveless Cotton Jubbas -- plain white cotton dresses which are available in the market which come in pairs or dozens... the more the better.. 0 size.. say about a dozen., if they have front open it is all the more better for the first few days until the cord drops off..
Soft baby Towels/very old used cotton sarees/used and clean old towels -- the softer the better for the delicate skin.
Cloth Diapers -- The more the better, the softer the better or home-stitched used cotton cloth langotis.
Holding sheets -- very essential when passing on the baby to others so that the heat transfer from the bodies is minimized.. see to it that they are not made of smelly plastic, there are cloth feel water-proof ones available in market, ask for those.
Rubber Sheets -- To be put on the bed.. again check the material.
Baby Blankets -- Plush/fleece blankets would be good because we need to keep the kid warm.. make sure that they are not heavy.
Cotton balls/Cotton Bundle or Unscented Baby Wipes-- To wipe the bottom clean.. the first few days babies pass dark stools and we cannot wash the bum, just use some lukewarm water and clean the bum up.
Socks and Mittens -- just a couple of pairs of socks and mittens which are not made of wool are available in the market, they would be ideal.
Hooded Towels -- to cover the babies held, used mostly to wrap the baby around and carry in the initial phases.
Caps -- Cotton caps are available so as not to let a lot of air in the ears.. some doctors advise against using them, mine did.. so find out before you go for them.. Elderly people say kid's head would grow out of shape if the cap is not worn and all that.. believe me, it does not... if the baby is summer-born, then no point suffocating the kid.. I was always terrified that the kid would pull it down and suffocate herself if left unattended and almost never used anything until winter.
Burp Cloths -- we need to burp the baby and when we do, the kid will throw up or spit up something, so to protect our clothes keep some cotton, soft clothes handy to put on the shoulder.. a half a dozen should do.
Feeding Bottle -- Just in case your milk does not kick in and in case of emergency it is better to keep a couple of bottles ready rather than rushing... cleaned and sterilized before each use.
Bath soap, bath sponge, powder and puff box, baby medicine spoons

We need to keep lots of clothes, blankets, wipes, etc. handy with the new arrival, so ensure that you have ample of supply so that if you miss one washing also they are plenty to cover it.

Essentials For Winter Kids To Keep Ready on Day #1.
*******************************************************
Pure Coconut oil -- this is to clean the kid immediately after the birth.. my baby was not given a bath immediately, they applied coconut oil and wiped the body very clean.. the first bath was given the second day of her life. (depends from doctor to doctor).
Long sleeve non-cotton thick material Jubbas -- 0 size front open shirts which are a little thick and can retain warmth would be ideal than jubbas.
Sweater and cap -- Sweater made of fleece or some soft material would be ideal so as not to irritate the skin.. cap which is not too loose is important because there is a danger that they might pull it on to their face when sleeping.. if using a cap, ensure that the ends are tied properly and tightly.
Soft baby Towels/very old used cotton sarees/used and clean old towels -- the softer the better for the delicate skin.
Cloth Diapers -- The more the better, the softer the better or home-stitched used cotton cloth langotis.. we need them a lot more than summer babies as they tend to pee more often.
Holding sheets -- very essential when passing on the baby to others so that the heat transfer from the bodies is minimized.. see to it that they are not made of smelly plastic, there are cloth feel water-proof ones available in market, ask for those.
Rubber Sheets -- To be put on the bed.. again check the material.
Baby Blankets -- Plush/fleece blankets would be good because we need to keep the kid really warm.. make sure that they are not heavy but are of nice material to retain the warmth.
Cotton balls/Cotton Bundle or Unscented Baby Wipes-- To wipe the bottom clean.. the first few days babies pass dark stools and we cannot wash the bum, just use some lukewarm water and clean the bum up.
Socks and Mittens -- We need lots of socks and mittens to keep them warm which are made of both fleece and wool which would be really helpful.
Hooded Towels -- to cover the babies held, used mostly to wrap the baby around and carry in the initial phases.
Burp Cloths -- we need to burp the baby and when we do, the kid will throw up or spit up something, so to protect our clothes keep some cotton, soft clothes handy to put on the shoulder.. a half a dozen should do.
Feeding Bottle -- Just in case your milk does not kick in and in case of emergency it is better to keep a couple of bottles ready rather than rushing... cleaned and sterilized before each use.
Bath soap, bath sponge, powder and puff box, baby medicine spoons

For kids in US
**************
For the kid
Cap- 4 (nenu 4 konna...kaani okati use cheyaldu )
Bibs - 9 (not of use initially...solids start chesaka 9 saripodu...)
Burp cloths - 2- 4pack ( If ur baby is a spiter like mine...these r soooo handy)
Wash cloth- 4 - 6pack (Boy babyki ekuva kavali ..reason..diaper chnge chesappudu tapaka fountain vadulutaaru)
Blanket - Cotton -2, Fleece-2, Thick (plush)-2
Hooded Towel- 2
Receiving Blankets -10
Socks- coupla pairs (make sure u buy wiggleproof socks..lekapothey tani toosesthaaru...)
Mittens - coupla pairs (nenu maali ivi konukuna...winter baby ani)
Side Snap shirts (0-3 months)- 2 - 5 pack(This is an important one. We need to use this as an undershirt tilll the cord falls off..maa vaadu 3 months ai kuda ivi use chestuna...)
New Born sleeper- 2
0-3 sleeper - 10
Lap Pad-6 (i think 3 shd do...initalga diaper leaks avtaadi..appudu idi ideal )
Crib pad- 1
Baby Sleeping Bag -1
Swaddle me-2 (only for winter babies)
Stroller n Car seat - Memu Graco Quattro deluxe konamu..
Crib, Crib set,mattress and mobile- Babies r uslo jardine madison konamu...
Chest cum changing table - I bought an armoire instead...just changing pad konamu)
Bath tub
Feeding bottle - Playtex drop ins konanu....just use and throw...sterlizing gola vundadu)
Diapers - Hospitallo they use a brand....buy the same brand..
Wipes - nenu new born appudu cotton balls use chesedaani..
Diaper dispenser- Nenu Diaper Champ kona
Mylicon
Desitin or vaseline
Boppy Pillow (might consider)- vundi kaani use cheyatledhu...
Swing/bouncer- 3 in 1 graco kona
gym-baby einstein kona
First aid kit-thermometer,nailcutter,scissors, aspiraor ani vuntaadi.
Bottle Sterlizer
Breast pump- THE BEST EVER INVENTION!!!!!! Medela Advanced backpack konnamu...

Courtesy: Sudha/Visa