Newborn Needs: Your Baby's Checklist Awaits

Finally, after months of waiting and preparing for what your newborn needs, you arrive home. Bottles, blankets, sleepers, baby monitors, diapers, wipes, soothers, the list goes on and on but here you will find a newborn baby checklist to help you sort through all those items your newborn needs and give you a better understanding of what your first few weeks at home with baby will be all about.

Your newborn baby checklist will be something you will want to have filled and have ready for you to use when you arrive home with your new baby. In the same way you looked after yourself during the nine months of pregnancy, you will want to be prepared and ready to care for your newborn's needs. Our checklist is just a guideline for you, and we encourage you add anything you feel was not included and would benefit what your newborn baby needs.

Here are the basic needs for any first time parent:

Clothing 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve) 3 nightgowns (fit loose around waist, until the cord falls off) 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers ( make sure snaps or zipper goes all the way down the leg) 5 pairs of pants 2 newborn hats 8 pairs of socks or booties ( can wear with nightgowns or outfits) 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face (can use socks too) 2 cardigans or jackets Bunting bag or snowsuit (winter baby) Laundry detergent for infant Because your newborn baby will grow rapidly in the first few weeks, sometimes less is more when it comes to clothing. It is better to have several items of different sizes on hand. Read more....	Diapering If you are using re-usable cloth diapers: 4 to 5 dozen cloth or re-usable diapers 8 waterproof covers Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash Safety pins to secure re-usable diapers (snaps or velcro work too) Disposable wipes or washcloths (12 -24) for cleaning baby’s bottom   If you are using disposable diapers: One package of newborn diapers (some hospitals give you the first diapers, then you will be able to gauge if you will need more newborn size or the next size up) Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash 1 diaper pail Changing pad
Feeding Breastfeeding will not require any additional equipment but you may choose to add these items to your newborn baby checklist Lots of bibs Burp cloths Breast pump Milk storage containers Nursing bras (buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size, preferably before the baby is born) Breast pads (disposable or washable) Lotion for sore nipples   Formula feeding: Lots of bibs Burp cloths 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples (don't choose odd shaped bottles, too hard to clean) 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples or Disposable bottles and liners (either choice is really personal preference) Bottle and nipple brush Formula (ask your pediatrician for recommendations and always check expiry date) Thermal bottle carrier (optional) Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding a nursing pillow will really be a benefit	Bedtime Approved crib and crib mattress 2 waterproof mattress covers 4 fitted crib sheets 4 light blankets (receiving blankets are fine) 2 light blankets (heavier cotton, waffle cotton) not too fluffy Crib Bumpers Sleeping wedge (use when baby sleeps on his side to keep him from rolling forward or backward)   Bassinet 2 Bassinet sheets 1 Bassinet mattress pad 2 receiving blankets 2 light blankets
Bathtime 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you) 12 washcloths (these are for bathtime only) Baby soap or cleanser Baby shampoo Baby hair brush ( soft bristle) 3 hooded baby towels	Small carrying tote (to hold diapering supplies) Q-tips or cotton swabs Rubbing Alcohol ( for cleaning imbilical cord area) Travel pack baby wipes Vaseline or other diaper rash cremes Small Baby oil (if babies skin should get dry) Nail clippers or scissors vBulb syringe for suctioning mucous Baby thermometer Eye dropper or medicine spoon Medication in case of fever Gripe Water (helps soothe gas or teething pains) Small carrying tote 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
Other Necessities for you Newborn Baby Checklist Sling or baby carrier  Read more about slings... Approved infant safety seat for car Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat pains) Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed) Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling Playpen 1 or 2 change pads Plastic hangers for closet Sun shade for car windows Rattles and other baby toys MobilesNight light (or table lamp with night light attached) CD Player for soothing music