New Baby Checklist

Newborn Checklist

Those first days and weeks at home with a newborn are an exciting, yet exhausting time. Prepare ahead of time by stocking the items you will need, rather than having to worry about it when you will have other important things on your mind! The following is a list of suggested ideas for items you will want available, based on the practical experience of veteran Mommies. And remember, any of the following items that we carry are Made in the USA, so you can rest (well, you may not really be resting that much with a newborn!) assured of their safety and quality.

Diapering

· Newborn Diapers - There are a lot of options for diapering available, whether you choose to use disposable diapers or cloth diapers. The hospital will provide you with a few disposable diapers to start, but you will want to have some packs at home. You can try out different brands to find the one that best fits your baby’s needs.

· Baby wipes – Again, there are many brands of disposable baby wipes available, and the ones you choose are based on personal preference. Fragrance free, sensitive, or newborn wipes will help during those first sensitive days.

· Diaper Pail – Find a way that works for you to dispose of your baby diapers, whether you use a diaper pail in the baby’s room, the bathroom or somewhere else.

Linens

· Burp Cloths – These will protect your clothes (and maybe baby’s clothes) from spit up, and will protect baby’s tender skin from your own clothing. You will need lots of these! (See our burp cloth section for practical yet stylish ideas!)

· Bibs – Soft, washable bibs initially, for feedings and spit ups. Later you will be able to use wipeable bibs. (See our Burps N’ Bibs section for a variety of bibs.)

· Fitted sheets – Choose the right size sheets for your crib, cradle or bassinet. Don’t try to make something “do” that is not the right size. This could become a suffocation hazard.

· Waterproof Pads – for protecting the crib, laps, furniture, etc.

· Receiving Blankets / Swaddling blankets (4-6) – For swaddling, holding, changing, playing and anything else you can think of! You will be glad to have lots. They will be washed (and sometimes lost) often! (For receiving and swaddling blanket ideas, see our Blankets section).

· Soft Blanket or Quilt – Avoid blankets in your baby’s sleeping area, but you will want to have heavier blankets for covering baby in the infant carrier, carseat, stroller, for tummy time, or for when your baby gets older. A blanket may even become your baby’s lovie later on. Even summer babies will need a lightweight soft blanket. (For soft blanket ideas see our Blankets section).



Layette

· Gowns, Kimonos or Newborn Sleepers (4-6) – When you are home, a baby gown is wonderful for comfort and easy diaper changes. One-piece sleepers with well-placed snaps are also great choices. Keep in mind the season and the temperature of your home when making your selections. For example, remember that even in summer, babies are sensitive to cooler temperatures inside from air-conditioning. When choosing newborn clothing, keep it simple and comfortable. You will want to minimize the effort of buttons and other time-consuming dressing options. (See our Infant Clothing section for comfortable, yet cute ideas!).

· Newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair) – Find socks that baby can’t kick off during the night to keep his or her tootsies warm. Footed sleepers and outfits also work well for keeping feet warm.

· Newborn Cap (1-2) – New babies don’t maintain body temperature well, so a light cap can help to keep temperature stable.

· Hooded Bath Towels (2) and washcloths (6-12). You will use these for many reasons in addition to bath time! (See our Burps N’ Bibs section for towels).

· Hats – For outdoor wear, you will want a lightweight hat with a brim for sun protection for a summer baby, or a heavier, more snug hat that covers the ears for winter. (See our Clothing section for hat choices)

· T-shirts or Onesies (4-6) – You will go through a lot of these in a day, so stock up (depending on how often you want to do laundry!). (See our Clothing section for darling onesise and comfy, fun shirts)

· Sweaters or Outerwear (1-2) – depending on the season. Again, remember even in summer, babies can get chilled from air conditioning, so plan ahead for outings!

Baby Care Products

· Natural baby shampoo/body wash – Water is fine for cleaning little babies, but for times when you want to suds up, use a product without harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances

· Diaper Cream – The best diaper cream products are natural and don’t contain petroleum derivataives. Natural ingredients work together to heal diaper rashes and prevent new rashes from occurring by creating a chemical-free moisture barrier.

· Baby nail clippers or safety scissors – Keeping your baby’s nails short will keep him from scratching himself (or you!). At the beginning, baby’s nails are so paper thin, you may be able to peel or gently buff the nails, but you will need the clippers for later on.

· Natural Baby Oil or Lotion – Choose natural products containing food-grade oil, not mineral oil (which is a petroleum derivative). Calendula is great for sensitive baby skin, and for skin prone to rashes or eczema.

· Baby brush and comb – Your baby might not need them for a while, but a fine-toothed comb comes in handy for cradle cap.

· Pacifiers – Babies have the need to suck! Keeping pacifiers handy can help with a fussy baby that is not necessarily hungry. If you are nursing, try not to use it too much while you're establishing breastfeeding, because a different nipple can confuse the baby and make breastfeeding more difficult. If your baby is fussy at the breast, avoid using a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established.

· Baby bath tub or Insert to bath baby in a sink or tub - In the beginning, a spongebath on a warm towel is fine, but you will appreciate having a spot to give baby a real bath.

Baby Gear

· Baby Carrier (Sling, Wrap or Pack carrier)- Choose a carrier appropriate to your planned use and the baby’s age.

· Infant Car Safety Seat – Remember to bring it to the hospital! Check safety ratings for the best seats.

· Stroller or Carriage – For getting out of the house!

· Infant Rocker, Bouncer Seat and/or Swing, or Moses Basket – A safe, comfortable spot to lay baby down to rest when not in your arms. (See our Furniture section for fun, soothing baby rockers.)

· Diaper Bag – Many sizes and styles to choose from! Consider your lifestyle as well as your sense of style. (Check out our diaper bag collection in our Diaper Bag section.)

Furniture and Accessories

· Bassinet/Cradle/Crib or Co-Sleeper – Your choice will depend on your plans for where baby will be sleeping. Even if you don’t plan to co-sleep, you may want to start out with baby in your room before moving him to his own room, for easy access throughout the night. Once your baby is sleeping longer, you may not mind (so much) the trek to his room for night awakenings.

· A Rocking Chair or Glider – Can be used to quiet and calm baby (and parent!), and for nursing.

· Changing Table - You may choose to change baby in another safe area, but a changing table can be a helpful storage solution, plus prevent painful backaches! One option for changing babies when you have a multi-level home is to have a pack-and-play with a changing station downstairs. These can serve as safe napping places if you want baby closer to you while you are downstairs, and most have attached changing stations. They are useful for overnight trips, as well. Be sure to read instructions, these playards require you to remove the changing station before putting baby in the playard.

· Mobile for crib and/or changing area

· Changing pad and at least 2 covers



Nursing/Feeding Necessities

· Feeding bottles, nipples, and bottle brush - Even if you are planning to breastfeed, it is a good idea to have bottles on hand. 4 oz bottles are a good size to start with.

· Nursing Pillow – Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, these pillows are perfect for holding baby for bottles as well.

· Washable or disposable nursing pads - even if you are not nursing, you may still need these in the beginning as your milk dries up.

· Modified Lanolin or other products to soothe soreness

· Nursing bras - 1-2 comfy bras, plus a sleep bra to start, you can get more if your size changes when your milk comes in.

· Breast Pump (rental, electric or manual), storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump

· Nursing cover - This will help you feel more comfortable if you have to nurse when you have visitors or later if you are out.

Health and Safety

· Nasal Aspirator – To keep little noses from getting plugged. New babies don’t breathe easily from their mouth.

· Infant acetaminophen drops – For treating fever or for immunizations – with your doctor’s instructions

· Baby monitor – This will allow you to do things around the house during naptime, and check on baby during the night without disturbing him or her. Audio and Video models to choose from.

· Night light – Having a low light near the baby sleeps allows you to check on baby during the night, and having one near the changing area allows for un-stimulating nighttime changes.

· Cold Mist Vaporizer/Humidifier – For soothing stuffy or dry noses. The hot steam humidifiers are not recommended because they can lead to serious burns.

· Thermometer – for checking temperature if baby isn’t feeling well.

These are just some suggestions…many of these accessories are not a Need, but are meant to make things a little easier. The best advice I ever received was to take what the hospital has to offer! There will be things available to you for the baby that you didn't even realize you would need!

If you have suggestions to add to our list, let us know!

Find many of these items in our Especially for Infants section or click the link below.