Here is a list of items you should have in place before bringing home your new baby. I’ve added an additional list of things that aren’t necessary, but that you will wish you had thought of later (if somone should ask. they make great gifts.)
Must Haves:
- A Veterinarian: Have a primate vet lined up BEFORE you bring your baby home. A well-baby trip to the vet should be your very first outing after you bring him home.
- Feeding Syringes: At least 6 of them with nipples so you have enough for a typical daily feeding schedule
- Hand Sanitizer: Use it each and every time youare going to handle your baby. Make sure everyone around him does the same.
- Formula: Similac or Enfamil LOW IRON: Also, you can use Primilac which is a primate milk substitute available at www.bio-serv.com
- A scale: You will need an accurate gram scale to keep daily weight charts. This is vital to properly monitor health and progress.
- Quality baby shampoo (Gerber and Aveeno make excellent products)
- A monkey first aid kit with basics (see list of recommended contents in "first aid" section)
- A weight and progress chart: Keep it by your scale. Make it up in advance with dates and spaces for weight and food consumption. The only way to stay on top of your baby's health. Your vet will really be pleased with this type of information.
- A heating pad (make sure it’s one that stays on ALL the time, and doesn’t shut off on its own. You may need to find one at a pet supply store.
- Diapers: You can’t start your baby on diapers too soon. Even if only worn for brief waking periods at first, its important to get them accustomed to diapering.
- Baby food: Gerber fruits like banana, pear and applesauce, single grain rice and oat cereal
- Small Flannel Squares: To use when feeding to help them go potty and to clean up messes. Simply buy a yard of flannel and cut into 9-inch or so squares to have on hand. They can be easily laundered as needed.
- Baby wipes: Non scented and without alcohol. To keep baby and you clean during diapering.
- A Quality Pet carrier: Small and secure for travel and safe place to be during the day for brief periods if needed.
- Cage: For a marmoset or tamarin you will need a LARGE (at least 3ft x 3 ft x 4 ft. ) and that is just for brief time outs. If you have to cage your baby longer, you will need one larger.
- Blankets: A supply of flannel and thermal blankets. Avoid “fuzzy” blankets as this can get into baby’s nose and mouth.
- Thermometer: One that can test the temperature of their bed space, bath water or formulas until you have a feel for the comfort range.
WISH LIST
- A baby book: a place to keep pictures, write stories and anecdotes about your new arrival.
- Baby announcements: To send to family and friends that will want to hear about your new arrival
- Books about monkeys…I have a few great ones listed under reading material
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