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Newborn Checklist: Everything You Need Before the Baby Arrives

by Andrew Lemieux Creative writer & content strategist

Now that your due date is fast approaching, it’s time to make sure that all things are in order一you included一before the stork drops. Whether it’s your first or third child, this newborn checklist will help you prepare everything you need before your little one arrives!

✔ Baby Clothes

Your baby is coming out in their birthday suit, so you need a lot of clothes to keep them warm and cover them up. Here are the garments you need to stock in their cabinet:  


  • Onesies

  • Shirts and pants 

  • Nightgowns

  • Sleepers

  • Hats

  • Mittens

  • Socks or booties

  • Jackets, cardigans, or snowsuits (if you’re in a colder area)


When shopping for clothes, go for cotton, muslin, or bamboo garments. They’re soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. For best results, wash your infant’s outfits with baby-safe, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. 


Tip: Buy baby hangers to keep your child’s clothes organized and crease-free. 


✔ Feeding Kit

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’ll need some good milk storage containers. That way, your baby has a stockpile of milk whenever you’re at work.


Other materials that’ll come in handy during breastfeeding include:


  • Breast pump

  • Breast pads

  • Nursing bra

  • Lactation aids

  • Nipple ointment


Meanwhile, if you’re going for formula feeding, you’ll need these items:


  • Pediatrician-approved baby formula

  • Baby bottles

  • Bottle and nipple cleaner brush

  • Bottle sterilizer

  • Bottle drying rack

  • Bottle warmer


Whatever feeding format you choose, note that your baby will probably make a mess after feeding. So be sure to stock up on bibs and/or burp cloths and washcloths!

✔ Hygiene Kit

You need to be prepared once your infant flushes out everything they ate! Arm yourself with a complete hygiene kit, which should include the following: 


  • Newborn-size diapers, disposable or reusable (the general rule is you need at least ten pieces per day)

  • Snaps or pins for reusable diapers

  • Changing pads (one for the home and another portable one to bring on trips)

  • Disposable wipes or hygiene washcloths 


If you can afford a diaper-changing table, buy one as well. It’s at the right height, so you don’t have to worry about back aches. They also often come with drawers where you can place all the hygiene essentials mentioned above.

✔ Bathing Kit

There are many recommendations on bathing, with a report putting the range anywhere from 1 to 24 hours after birth. No matter what rule you wish to follow, you need to be ready with these bathing materials:


  • Infant bathing tub

  • Gentle baby cleanser

  • Soft towels

  • Soft-bristle hair brush 

  • More washcloths

✔ Sleeping Essentials

As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s best to sleep in the same area一but, not the same bed一during baby’s first six months. To follow this, you’re going to need the following:


  • Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved Crib

  • Crib mattress

  • Waterproof pads/ mattress covers 

  • Fitted crib sheets

  • Light blankets


But if you’re geared towards co-sleeping, you can keep your baby safe by buying a firm mattress.


✔ Health and Safety Kit

Your newborn’s health and safety are of utmost priority; that’s why you need to have the following materials: 


  • Eye dropper or a special spoon for administering medications

  • Baby thermometer to check for fever

  • Fever medications as needed

  • Bulb syringe to remove mucus

  • Ointment to soothe your baby’s rashes

  • Nail clippers/scissors to keep your baby safe from injury


✔ Baby Toys

Entertain your newborn with safe and approved toys, such as mobiles, rattles, squeeze toys, pacifiers, and teething toys. 


And, when they’re all fussy, be sure to use baby warmies to soothe them. Scented with fresh, dried lavender, this microwaveable plushie can keep you and your baby calm. You may even put this warm cuddly toy on your bosom to reduce breast engorgement and stimulate milk flow. 


Tip: Freeze the warmie for a few hours if you want some quick cooling relief!


✔ Parenting Essentials

Your baby is not the only person who needs a lot of things in your house! If you’re a new parent, you’ll benefit from these essentials as well:


  • Baby monitor

  • White noise machine

  • Blackout shades

  • Nursing pillow

  • Night light

  • Parent’s rocking chair

✔ Transport Essentials

Your family and friends would surely love to see your bundle of joy! So, before your baby out to meet them, make sure you have the following:


  • Baby carrier or sling

  • Diaper bag

  • Thermal bottle tote

  • Reclining stroller 

  • Infant car seat


Start Shopping

This list is quite extensive, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! So, start shopping (if you haven’t started yet) to get all the stuff on this checklist. That way, everything’s set once your bundle of joy gets home. Congratulations on your soon-to-be new little addition!

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About Andrew Lemieux Junior   Creative writer & content strategist

4 connections, 0 recommendations, 19 honor points.
Joined APSense since, July 11th, 2023, From Ashburnham, MA, United States.

Created on Oct 12th 2023 11:10. Viewed 227 times.

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