Checklist for Your New Born Baby
It has always amazed me how much stuff such a small person needs, but babies require a lot of items so it is important to make sure you can have as many of them on hand when your baby is born so you can spend quality time with them and not running out to stores to purchase the items they need. While there is no way to have absolutely everything your bundle of joy will need, below is a list of the most common items that parents should have on hand before their baby is born.
Leaving The Hospital With Your Baby
It is important to make sure you have the proper size car seat installed in your car. Newborn babies will require a car seat and it will need to be installed rear facing in the back seat of your car if possible. Newborn babies spines are not able to absorb the impact of a car accident so it is important to make sure their car seat is rear facing for their safety, if you are worried about not being able to see your infant many companies make baby safe mirrors that can be attached to your infants car seat so you can see them while you are driving.
- Car Seat
- Stroller
- Diaper Bag
- Sunshade
Nursery
You will want to make sure you have a room for your baby to sleep as well as a place to store all the items for your new baby:
- Bassinet (optional)
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Crib mattress pad
- Crib Sheets
- Blankets
- Dresser
- Changing Table
- Changing pad with washable cover
- Rocking Chair or recliner for late night feedings
- Baby Monitor
- Crib Mobile
- Night Light
- Humidifier
- Hamper for dirty clothes
Clothing
You will want to make sure you have the proper clothing for the time of year that your baby is born, if it is warm you can choose lighter clothing options, but if it is cold make sure they have mittens, hats, blankets, and warm clothing as the body temperature of babies can change more quickly than an adults.
- Mittens (to make sure they do not scratch themselves)
- At least 6 onesies
- At least 6 one-piece pajamas
- At least 8 pairs of socks
- 3 newborn hats
- 2 sweaters or jackets (light or heavy depending on the weather where you live)
- 5 pairs of pants
- 2 dress outfits
- Sunglasses
Diapering
Whether you choose to use disposable or reusable cloth diapers you will need to make sure you have the proper items on hand for your baby:
Re-Usable Cloth Diapers:
- At least 4-5 dozen diapers
- Changing pad with washable cover
- Diaper Pail (for used diapers)
- 10 waterproof diaper covers
- Safety pins or straps for diapers
- At least 2 dozen washcloths for cleaning your baby's bottom
- Ointment to prevent diaper rash
Disposable Diapers:
- At least 2 boxes of newborn diapers (do not purchase too many newborn diapers as babies can quickly outgrow them, you can purchase other sizes if you want to be prepared)
- Diaper Pail (for used diapers)
- At least 2 dozen disposable wipes for cleaning your baby's bottom
- Ointment to prevent diaper rash
- Changing pad with washable cover
Feeding
Whether you choose to formula or breastfeed your baby will need some essential items:
Breastfeeding:
- Breast pump
- Nursing bra
- Breast pads
- Nursing Pillow
- Nipple lotion
- Bibs
- Burp Cloths
- Breast milk storage containers
Bottle Feeding (Breast or Formula):
- Formula (such as Holle Baby Formula)
- At least 10 4-oz bottles with nipples
- At least 10 8-oz bottles with nipples
- Bottle Brush
- Nipple Brush
- Bibs
- Burp Cloths
- Thermal bottle carrier
- Dishwasher basket to clean small items
- Highchair
- Spoons
Bathing
- Baby bathtub
- Baby Shampoo
- Baby Soap
- Baby Lotion
- Washcloths (if you are using washcloths instead of disposable wipes make sure you use different colors or patterns so you do not mix up the two)
- Hooded baby towels
- Hairbrush
- Nail clippers
- Bulb syringe
- First Aid Kit
- Infant toothbrush and infant toothpaste
Play Time
- Playpen
- Baby swing
- Bouncie seat
- Teether
- Rattle
- Playmat
Conclusion
While the number of items your newborn needs may seem a bit overwhelming, it is important to relax do your research and most importantly have fun. Welcoming your newborn baby into the world should be a time of joy and excitement, so try to bring this enthusiasm with you when you are shopping for all the items you will need for your baby. You can research lists online, consult parenting books or magazines, or ask family and friends who have children to find out what items you will need to properly care for your baby. While it is extremely difficult to prepare for all the items your baby will need, by having most of the most important items on hand will make caring for your baby easier. Once again it is important to relax, have fun, and enjoy your baby.