What supplies do you need to have at a bris?

Your mohel will probably have his or her own list of required supplies–but the following are typical things that would be appropriate for parents to have at a brit milah ceremony:

Table:  This is the most important item.  The mohel needs a non-moving, waist high table on which to place the baby for performing the circumcision.  Dining or kitchen tables serve admirably for this purpose but a kitchen counter or a sturdy card table can be used as well. 

Lighting:  Good lighting, whether from overhead lights, a lamp set up near where the brit milah will take place, or access to an open window with good light exposure, is essential.

Temperature:  Much of the baby’s body will be exposed to room air during the several minutes it takes to perform the circumcision. Therefore, the temperature of the room should be appropriate for the baby’s uncovered state.  Cooler areas such as near a door, window, fan, or air conditioner vent should be avoided. Ideally the garment that the baby wears will allow his neck, chest, and abdomen to remain clothed even as his genital area is uncovered for the circumcision.  

Wine:  The wine must be a sweet kosher wine such as Manischewitz. In addition to making a blessing over wine (Kiddush) as part of the brit milah ceremony, a pacifier dipped in wine is used to comfort the baby during the circumcision.  Babies do not like high quality Israeli Merlots or Cabernet Sauvignons that sophisticated parents sometimes provide for a bris.  Babies seem to enjoy sweet kosher wine and are relaxed and partially anesthetized by it.  Dry wines, on the other hand, have no appeal for them at all.  Babies like sugar.

Kiddush cup for the blessing over wine. If the parents do not have such a cup and cannot borrow one from a family member, then a simple wineglass can be used instead. 

Saucer with pacifier in which to put wine to comfort the baby during the circumcision. 

Baby blanket to cover the circumcision restraint board. The plastic restraint board in which the baby is placed during the circumcision, while designed to comfortably hold a baby’s body, is still made of hard plastic. Putting a baby blanket or a small towel on the board increases comfort for the baby.

Extra diapers: Because with babies you always have to expect the unexpected.

Gauze pads—often brought by the mohel

Petroleum jelly or A&D ointment—for aftercare. Although there are several ways of caring for a baby post-circumcision, the most frequently recommended technique is to apply a large glob—approximately a teaspoon—of Vaseline, A&D, or some other ointment onto the part of the diaper that will cover the penis at every diaper change for the five days following the circumcision. This will be soothing for the baby and will prevent the diaper from sticking to the penis. 

Wastepaper basket or paper bag for disposing of used supplies. 

Yarmulkes

Optional

Tallit for the father and Sandek:  often worn but not required

Candles:  not a fixed part of the brit milah service but lighting candles always enhances the dignity and beauty of Jewish ceremonies. 

Challah:  For the blessing over bread prior to serving the festive meal that usually follows the brit milah ceremony.