Newborn Baby Checklist
From LoveToKnow Baby
A newborn baby checklist will help you prepare for your precious bundle.
Customizing a Newborn Baby Checklist
A newborn baby checklist should contain all of the essentials that you'll need for baby's arrival. Since family members and friends may help you stock your baby's nursery, it helps to have a checklist handy so that you can see at a glance what purchases you still need to make. Standard checklists will include baby necessities, such as diapers, bottles, wipes, etc. Sometimes it helps to customize your checklist, however.
After you've listed the most common items, browse through a local baby store such as Babies R Us or the baby section of a large department store like Target and check out the latest baby items. You may be surprised at some of the items you didn't know existed but that could make your life easier as a new parent! Many of these stores have computer registries that you can access in the store, or you can go to the store's site online and generate your very own customized wish list that can also serve as a checklist. Not only will this help friends and relatives as they search for gifts for you and your newborn, but it will also let you narrow down the must-haves on your list as you prepare for the arrival of your infant.
Customized baby checklists typically include some of the basic necessities, but they also list items that are very specific, such as nursery accessories to match your chosen theme, baby toys and books, and color-coordinated items, like Boppy pillows and convertible strollers.
Basic Checklist Items
The following is a newborn baby checklist. Feel free to print this list out, and place it on your fridge or any other conspicuous place. Make a copy to keep in your purse, and update it regularly, marking off items that you purchase yourself or receive from others. Revise it as needed.
Essentials
- Disposable diapers-For now, newborn sizes will be best. You'll have plenty of time to buy larger sizes later.
- Diaper bag
- Wipes
- Ointment-Used to prevent diaper rash.
- Cloth diapers-Even if you don't plan on using them, they are great to use as burp rags, etc. If you do plan on using them, you'll need two or three dozen, and you'll want the following supplies: diaper pail, waterproof diaper covers, and diaper pins or Velcro.
- Lotion
- Baby wash
- Baby shampoo
- Soft brush
- Pacifiers-Purchase two or three different kinds. You'll baby will let you know what kind he prefers.
- Bulb syringe-For suctioning out stuffy noses.
- Alcohol-Used to clean around the umbilical cord. Ask your pediatrician what he or she recommends, however.
- Vaseline-Used on a little boy's circumcision to help provide a barrier against moisture.
- Nail clippers
- Hooded baby towels-Two or three
- Washcloths-Five or six
- Receiving blankets-Great for swaddling baby.
Baby Clothes
Don't get carried away purchasing those adorable, dressy outfits. Purchase the essentials in multiple amounts, then buy a few special outfits. Your baby will soon outgrow the newborn sizes, and you'll quickly need to buy larger items.
- Onesies-Six to eight will get you started. Buy long and/or short sleeved onesies depending upon the climate and the season.
- Gowns-Six to eight gowns, and look for elastic hems.
- Sleepers-Six to eight terry cloth sleepers will work for almost any season.
- Socks-Six to eight pairs should do it.
- Bibs-Purchase four to six of these.
- Sweater/jacket/coat-Depending upon the weather, you may only need one or two.
- Outfits-Just a few should do.
Feeding Supplies
These may vary depending upon whether your baby is formula-fed or breastfed.
- Bottles-Eight to ten
- Nipples-Eight to ten
- Thermal bottle carrier
- Bottle brush
- Formula
- Nursing bras-Two or three
- Lanolin-Used on mom's tender nipples if breastfeeding.
- Breast pump
- Breast pads
Other Necessities
Other necessities could include a variety of baby items, like the following:
- Car seat
- Car seat head support
- Large stroller
- Umbrella stroller
- Baby crib and mattress
- Portable tub
- Bassinet
- Changing table
- Rocker
- Thermometer
- Nursery Accessories
- Portable crib
Obviously, this list could go on and on, depending upon how specific you need to make it. If you have any particular items you'd like to see added, however, please let us know in the comments section of this article.
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