This post was last updated on October 17th, 2022 at 09:57 am
With all the baby products and supplies available today, it can be overwhelming to tell what you need for your newborn. Plus, there are many things you’ll need to prepare before your new baby comes home — like setting up the nursery and baby-proofing.
With all these necessities, ensure you feel more prepared by using a newborn checklist. This list will give you all the essentials and the nice-to-haves to consider.
A newborn checklist will change as your baby grows. Therefore, this article will focus on the items you need immediately and within the first few months.
1. Feeding Checklist
Depending on your baby’s health at birth, feeding can come with a few difficulties. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to keep you and your newborn feeling well.
- Baby bottles: A baby bottle set is a must-have whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed your baby. Consider purchasing Dr. Brown’s baby bottles, starting at $28.99 per feeding set. They’re great for colic-ey babies and support the natural flow of breastfeeding.
- Bottlebrush: This will help with thoroughly cleaning your baby’s bottles.
- Bottle drying rack: This item isn’t essential, but having a designated space for drying your baby’s bottles will be helpful.
- Bottle warmer: You won’t be able to microwave your baby’s milk bottle since it can cause burns. A bottle warmer will provide quicker convenience for feeding time.
- Bibs and burp cloths: These items are valuable if your baby is a messy eater or spits up.
- Nursing pillow and cover: A nursing pillow makes it much easier and more comfortable to prop your baby and feed. You may also consider a nursing cover that ties around your neck to shelter your baby during feedings.
- Breast pump: If you plan to breastfeed, various models of pumps help you release your breast milk when necessary. This item helps when you return to work or are away from your newborn for extended periods.
- Milk storage bags: These bags help store your breast milk in the fridge.
2. Health and Safety Checklist
As far as health goes, parents must keep their mental and physical wellness in check, too. With this in mind, endodontists recommend pregnant women get root canal therapy in their second trimester to avoid tooth decay and infections.
As part of this checklist, ensure you leave a sticky note somewhere you can see it with a list of doctors and dentists for you and your child.
Other items you’ll need for health and safety include:
- Infant first-aid kit: Create your own kit by stocking up on the basics like bandages, alcohol wipes and tweezers.
- Thermometer: A rectal or forehead thermometer works well to check if your baby has a fever.
- Nail clippers: Your baby is prone to scratching themselves with their sharp nails, so nail clippers are a must.
- Gas drops and fever medications: Babies can get fussy when gassy. Plus, there may be instances where your child gets a fever. Always check with your pediatrician first before administering medications first, though. Saline spray and bulb syringe: Congestion may occur, so these items are good to have on hand to help remove mucus.
- Petroleum jelly: A gentle moisturizer like this can help soothe diaper rash or dry skin.
3. Clothing Checklist
While your family and friends may have given you plenty of cute outfits before you gave birth, there are a few items you should make sure you have.
- Onesies, pants and hats: Be sure to grab these clothing items in newborn sizes — 0-3 months and 3-6 months. Hats will also keep your baby warm in the winter.
- Socks and booties: These items will keep your baby’s feet cozy and comfortable.
- Mittens: Mittens help keep your baby from scratching their face.
4. Diaper Checklist
Diapers can be another fussy subject for newborns. However, here are a few basics you should have stocked.
- Diapers: Some babies don’t fit newborn-size diapers when born. However, it’s always good to have these in case. You’ll certainly want to stock up on size one diapers, though.
- Baby wipes: You’ll need baby wipes for many years to come.
- Diaper rash cream: Soothe your baby’s bum with diaper rash cream when they need it.
- Changing pad and covers: A secure changing pad and covers will make changing diapers easy and keep the pad clean.
- Diaper pail: You might need this for throwing away smelly diapers.
- Diaper bag: A diaper bag or backpack works for keeping baby essentials on the go.
5. Bath Time Checklist
Make bath time a breeze with these items in your baby tool kit.
- Infant tub: This is a must-have as it keeps your baby safe in the tub during bath time.
- Washcloths: Grab a pack of these for cleaning your baby.
- Hooded towels: Dry off your baby with hooded towels to keep them warm.
- Baby soap, shampoo, and lotion: You only need to wash your baby every few days to prevent dry skin. The lotion will keep your baby’s skin moisturized, especially during winter.
6. Sleeping Checklist
Newborns can sleep around 16 hours daily, so make sure you have all the essentials to keep your baby safe and warm.
- Swaddles: In the first few weeks, you may use a swaddling blanket or clothing to keep your baby feeling comfortable.
- Sleep sacks and pajamas: Since newborns sleep a lot, sleepwear is an essential newborn item.
- Baby monitor: You’ll want to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep and to know when they are awake from their nap.
- Crib mattress and sheets: All crib mattresses come in a standard size, so consider purchasing a breathable mattress for your baby. Ensure you buy a sheet cover to keep your newborn comfortable.
- Sound machine: Sound machines are great for muffling household noises and helping babies sleep soundly.
- Pacifiers: Not every baby is going to want a pacifier. However, sometimes babies need something to suck on to keep them from crying.
Feel Prepared With Your Newborn Checklist
You have many tasks to check off before your baby arrives. While it can seem overwhelming, having a newborn checklist helps you feel more prepared. Keep this checklist with you when you go shopping and feel free to add to it whenever you need to.
