Newborn Baby Checklist

Find Out the Basics You'll Need to
Prepare for Your New Baby

Using a newborn baby checklist can help you prepare and get organized for your new bundle of joy. You'll need supplies from the following categories:

• Feeding
• Diapering
• Clothing
• Personal care and hygiene
• Comfort items

If you're expecting a baby, you're probably experiencing a whole array of emotions from excitement and anticipation, to perhaps even a bit of apprehension about how you'll be able to handle the new responsibility. Fortunately, a little advance preparation can help you make the most of your experience with your newborn baby. Having the necessary supplies on hand will make things for easier for you, especially in the newborn period.

To make things as hassle free as possible, use a newborn baby checklist to organize the supplies you'll need for your new arrival. Here is a breakdown of the essentials:

Feeding

If you plan to breastfeed your newborn, you should have supplies to keep you and your baby clean and comfortable. If you plan to work outside the home and continue breastfeeding, you'll also want to purchase a quality breast pump to express your milk. Even if you don't plan to be separated from your baby, it's a good idea to have at least a manual pump on hand. This can help you relieve engorgement and provide an emergency supply of frozen breast milk in case you must unexpectedly leave your baby.

Here are some important breastfeeding supplies to have on hand:

• Four or five nursing bras
• Natural fiber washable breast pads, or disposables
• Lanolin ointment for sore, cracked nipples
• Nursing cover, if you're uncomfortable breastfeeding in public without one
• Four small bottles with wide-base newborn nipples
• Milk storage bags or containers
• Bottle brush
• Burp cloths

If you plan to bottle feed your baby, you'll want to have on hand at least six 4 to 6 ounce bottles, with nipples and rings. You should also purchase a bottle brush, and a dishwasher basket is helpful if you will be using your dishwasher to wash the bottles.

Diapering

Next on the newborn baby checklist are diapering supplies. First, consider whether you want to use cloth diapers or disposables. Cloth diapers are making a comeback as more parents want to save money and go green. If you choose cloth, it's easy to wash them at home, or you can use a diaper service that will take away your dirty diapers each week and bring you a fresh batch of clean ones. Here's what you'll need to have on hand for diapering supplies:

If using cloth diapers, you'll need -

• Two to three dozen diapers
• Diaper wraps/covers (if not using one-piece diapers)
• Diaper fasteners (optional – diapers can be laid inside a wrap cover with no fasteners)
• Diaper pail and waterproof liner
• Two dozen cloth wipes
• Additive free laundry detergent
• Cloth diaper safe diaper rash ointment (not zinc-oxide based)
• Diaper bag
• Wet bag (for storing wet/soiled diapers when out and about)

If using disposables, you should have on hand -

• Diaper bag
• Diaper pail
• Wet wipes
• Zinc-oxide based diaper rash cream
• 40-count package of diapers
• Changing pad or table

You may need to skip newborn size diapers if you are expecting a large baby (over 8 pounds). Avoid buying multiple boxes of newborn size diapers, since your baby may outgrow them before you get to use them all.

Clothing

When buying clothes for your baby, make sure to take into account the season. Your basic layette should consist of a dozen one-piece bodysuits, a couple of soft cotton caps, six or more pairs of socks, and four to six soft, comfy outfits for daytime.

For cold weather, also have on hand four one-piece sleeper pajamas, a bunting or snowsuit, a warm stroller blanket, and a thick knit hat. For summertime, have on hand a bonnet or wide brimmed hat to protect baby from the sun.

Bath and Hygiene

Your newborn baby checklist should also include the following items:

• Baby bathtub
• Two or three soft, hooded towels
• A dozen baby washcloths
• Blunt tip scissors or baby nail clippers
• Soft brush
• Mild laundry soap

Other Supplies

• Approved crib and mattress, or bassinet, with linens. If baby will sleep with you, observe all co-sleeping safety precautions.
• Car seat
• Stroller
• Several receiving blankets
• Two waterproof pads
• Bulb syringe
• Thermometer
• Dropper or medicine spoon

Optional supplies:

• Baby carrier
• Swing
• Bouncy seat
• Mobile
• Toys
• Pacifier

Before you rush off and buy all of these items, you may want to wait until after your baby shower. Chances are you'll receive gifts from family, friends, and co-workers that include some of these essential items. After your baby shower and as your due date approaches, refer to your newborn baby checklist and purchase any items that you don't already have on hand.

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