Getting Ready for Baby: A Checklist for Newborns

Having everything you need for baby ready before you bring your newborn home is a smart thing for a new parent to do. But what to give a newborn baby?

Keep in mind that you never really need as much as you think you’ll need. Be realistic. Do you really need a bottle warmer? If you are a parent who can afford it and want it even if you don’t need it, then go for it. Just know that in a few months you’ll probably be reselling it because you realized some things are more trouble than they’re worth.

I advise having the nursery set up, with supplies in place, clothes washed and ready to wear, three to four weeks before your due date. That way, even if her baby is born early, she’ll be prepared. It’s so much easier to come home from the hospital when you know you have everything you need close at hand.

Below is a list of the must-have items for your baby’s comfort and safety.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

• Moses, co-sleeper/crib or Pack and Play for your bedroom.
For the first 12 weeks, you’ll feed your baby every 2 to 4 hours, so having your baby in your room will help you avoid having to walk from one side of the nursery to the other. It’s also nice to keep your baby snuggled up and close. Your newborn has just arrived from a compact space, so he likes to be comfortable. I recommend using the bassinet instead of the bassinet until your baby can roll over or has no room to stretch out. You will only need it in the first few months, but you will be very happy to have it!

• Crib and Mattress
When your baby outgrows the bassinet, it’s time for a crib. Make sure you buy one that meets current safety standards and make sure the mattress fits snugly against the sides so the baby doesn’t shift or get stuck underneath.

• Baby sling

Every mom I know SWEARS on a sling or some kind of baby carrier. It allows you to be mobile and still keep your baby physically connected to you. Make sure it provides adequate support for your neck and head, and is made of a washable fabric. It should feel comfortable for you and allow you to carry your baby facing in or facing out. At first, you’ll want to have her facing inward. As he grows older, he will want to show his face so he can see the world.

• Changer
This is a plastic pad that you put on to change your baby. You can put a towel on top or use a cover so that your baby does not feel the cold plastic. If you have the budget, you can also buy a changing table, although it is not really a necessity. The amount of time you will use it is very short.

• Infant Carrier/Car Seat/Stroller

I’m a big fan of the ‘system’. It is a baby carrier that connects to car and stroller accessories. They make it so much easier for you and baby to get from the house to the car and stroller. Make sure your car seat is inspected or installed at the hospital where you will deliver. You won’t be able to leave the hospital with your newborn without a proper car seat, so if you can, have one installed 1 week before your due date.

• High chair
You won’t need a high chair until your baby is at least 5 or 6 months old, so you may want to put off this purchase for a while.

• Babysitter Bumbo

Once your baby is around 3 months old and has some neck control, this is great! They can sit on it for everything.

• Baby bath
It’s important to start with a small bathtub because in a small space with just a little bit of water, you gain confidence in how to hold and handle your baby. I love the ones with the sling because until they are 3 or 4 months old they don’t have any control over their neck. The sling helps you keep them in place.

• Inflatable/vibrating seat and/or swing

Having a safe place to lay your baby down while cooking or dressing is vital and babies love the movement they provide.

OTHER EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER

• Large and comfortable rocking chair

• Sound machine: These are great to help calm your baby. They play womb sounds, water sounds, nature sounds, etc. They even come inside soft stuffed animals.

• Baby monitoring system – There are many options now, including video monitoring systems so you can see your baby in his crib. Dual or multiple monitors are a must if you have multiple levels in your home or if your master bedroom is on a completely different level. There are also remote pager systems so you can hook it up and listen as she moves from room to room.

• Breast pump and accessories

• Nursing Pillows – I like the Boppy. It can also be used by the baby, so it serves multiple purposes. The Brest Friend, however, provides good support and leverage and has a strap that you can tie around yourself if you need to move. It also has a zippered bag for storage.

• CD player with headphones and audio books: for you when you wake up at night with the baby

• Baby Car Mirror – From when kids are rear facing until they are about a year old and/or over 20lbs, I love it. It allows you to see your baby through your rear view mirror. Some of them will even entertain your baby with lights and songs.

• Activity mat or baby gym/crib mobile: If you get a mobile for the crib or pack and play, make sure it’s colorful and musical. The same goes for activity mats. Make sure the toys include mirrors and sounds.

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

I highly recommend all cotton. It is soft and can be washed in hot water to sterilize. Everything should be washed with a mild detergent, like Dreft, before coming into contact with your baby. During the first six months, wash babies’ clothes separately from the rest of the laundry. Baby bedding should keep your newborn comfortable and secure. Use only quality, breathable materials and avoid fluffy things until your baby can get items like blankets off their face.

• 3 elastic cotton bottom sheets for the bassinet and later for the crib
• 4 cotton blankets that can be used for swaddling
• 3 thermal blankets
• 2 mattress toppers
• Lots of burp cloths (cloth diapers) that can be used to wipe up saliva and all kinds of messes
• 2 hooded towels and washcloths

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

When it comes to baby clothes, it’s all about layering. One key thing to know is that babies can’t regulate their temperature very well until they are around six months old. It is very easy for them to overheat or get too cold. It’s up to you to maintain the correct temperature by layering clothing and using blankets.

Think practicality and ease of dressing. Make sure the crotch opens easily for diaper changes. Soft, easy-to-change clothes are recommended, as you will likely be changing your baby several times a day.

• 4-6 sleepers
• 5-7 garments in one piece
• 3-4 robes/kimonos
• 5-7 comfortable outfits for the day
• 8-10 undershirts
• 3-4 bibs
• 4-5 pairs of socks or booties
• 3 cotton caps/hats
• 2 sweaters if it is winter
• 1 snowsuit or fleece if it is winter

Optional – A sleeping bag. These are arriving from Europe – they are a brilliant way to keep baby warm at night without blankets, which the baby can remove. It’s like a sleeping bag, but it has open arms for ventilation and a zipper at the bottom for easy diaper changes.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

• Diapers – Your baby will go through approximately five thousand diapers before being potty trained! And in the first few days you can be changing your baby up to 12 times a day. Whether you plan to use disposable, recycled, cloth, or a diaper service, make sure you have enough on hand.
• Diaper wipes – I like unscented ones for the first few months
• Diaper Bag – Get a nice durable bag with large pockets and make sure it always has:
• 4-5 diapers
• Diaper wipes
• Cloth diaper/burp cloths to clean up saliva and spills
• Diaper bags for dirty diapers
• Cream against rashes
• Antibacterial gel to clean your hands
• Changer
• A change of clothes from head to toe
• Spare pacifier
• 1 bib
• A couple of stuffed animals and rattles
• 1 bottle of water that can be used to make a bottle
• 1 -2 bottles
• Formula

ESSENTIALS FOR BREASTFEEDING

• 2-4 nursing arms
• A box of disposable breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Either an electric or manual breast pump
• Breast milk storage containers
• A kit or bag to place bottles of milk and ice packs
• At least 2 bottles
• A good support book: I like La Leche League’s ‘The Feminine Art of Breastfeeding’.

BASICS OF BOTTLE AND PUMP FEEDING

• 6-8 slow-flow or bent-neck bottles with soft nipples
• Bottle brush and optional disinfection system: it is important to wash the bottles well after each use and then disinfect them at least every 2 or 3 months. You’ll also want to sterilize your breast pump parts if you’re pumping.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

• Baby thermometer
• Baby soaps and lotions
• Shampoo without tears
• Bath toys
• Baby oil
• Ointment for diaper rash
• Vaseline
• Sterile cotton balls
• Baby scissors/nail clippers
• Baby brush/comb
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Q tips
• 3-4 pacifiers
• Nasal Suction Bulb Syringe – Usually supplied by the hospital, so be sure to bring it with you.
• Hypoallergenic (dye-free) laundry detergent that is gentle.
• Night light
• Several good parenting books: I like ‘Secrets Of The Baby Whisperer’ by Tami Hoag and ‘The Happiest Baby On The Block’ by Harvey Karp

Being prepared for your newborn will help take away any worries you may have about being a parent so you can enjoy the process. It’s so much easier to feel confident coming home from the hospital when you know you have everything you need close at hand. Enjoy your new baby!