Newborn Checklists
Get Our Newsletter! 
Print
Diapers? Check.
Breast pump? Check.
Dirty diaper bin? Uh-oh.
Be sure to have everything ready for when your newborn arrives with this handy checklist.
When you’re ready to go shopping, CLICK HERE. Our Organically Grown store features pure and green baby clothes and nursery essentials.
DIAPERING
- Diaper changing pads
- Diaper rash ointment
- 4 waterproof pads for
- changing table
- Rattles and small toys
- Dirty diaper receptacle
- Wipes or cotton cloths
- Small thermos to hold warm water (for cleaning babies
younger than 6 weeks) - Plastic wipes holder (for the
diaper bag) - 2 packages newborn diapers
CLOTHING
- 1 pack T-shirts
- 6 one-piece outfits that snap
at the crotch (long- and shortsleeved) - 4 pajama sets
- 6 pairs socks
- 2 pairs soft booties
- 2 pairs stretch cotton pants
- 3 bibs
- Cotton sweater
- Knit cap
- Sun hat
- Zip-up sweatshirt
- 15 baby hangers
FEEDING
- Nursing pillow
- 6 burp cloths
- 6 bottles equipped with newborn nipples
- Bottle brush
- Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads for bras
- Breast pump
CLEANING
- 3 hooded towels
- 2 packs of washcloths
- Cotton swabs
- Baby shampoo
- Baby body wash
- Infant bathing tub
- Baby nail clipper
- Soft brush and comb
- Rubbing alcohol
- Petroleum jelly
- Digital thermometer
- Bulb nasal aspirator
- Mild soap for laundry
LINENS
- 4 receiving blankets
- 2 cotton blankets
- Cradle or bassinet with cotton sheets
- 2 crib mattress pads
- 2 waterproof liners (one for the bassinet and one for the crib)
NURSERY
- Crib and mattress
- Glider/rocking chair and footrest
- Dresser
- Hamper
- Baby monitor with 2 receivers
- Changing table
- Cool mist humidifier or vaporizer
- Lullaby CDs or audiotapes
ON THE GO
- Rear-facing infant car seat with head support padding
- Stroller
- Sun shields for car windows
- Portable playpen
- Diaper bag
- Sling or soft front carrier
PLAY
- Bouncy seat
- Baby books
- Digital camera or camcorder
- Baby music CDs or audiotapes
- Playmat with toys attached
- Squishy baby ball
Comment by Sandra on Aug 21 2009 02:11:42:
While I think the list has some good ideas, there are many that I feel are optional or completely unnecessary as well.
A changing table is often a very expensive piece of furniture, and can take up a lot of room. The couch, bed, counter, floor, or any surface you’re near works just as well and is free! I would never have walked upstairs to babe’s room every time a diaper needed changed, so this piece is, to me, completely unnecessary. A crib is optional too – we’ve had four babies and enjoy a much safer family bed, and none have slept in a crib. We’ve never had use for a playpen either with any of them.
We’ve never found a use for baby monitors, not even in a two story home with four bedrooms. Believe me, I can hear them make the slightest peep! This is a personal choice, and is optional too. And I’ve never understood the need for a humidifier. Again, four babies, never missed it.
Dirty diaper receptacle? Grocery store plastic bags in the regular trash can. Buying a can marketing towards diapers is really a waste of money. They often have an odor anyways, you often have to purchase special liners, the expense is unnecessary. Put the diaper in a plastic bag, twist, toss in the regular trash. Viola! Free!
An infant baby tub may sometimes be convenient, but there is the issue of cleaning and storage and sometimes sheer bulkiness. The kitchen sink is at arm’s level, ready any time, and you don’t have to store it anywhere. When baby is old enough to sit on his own, he can go right to the big bathtub. Or better yet – bathing with mama and daddy is the best!
If the alcohol and petrolium jelly is for the umbilical cord, the recommendations have long changed. It’s now best to simply leave it alone. So much easier, too! And for the VAST majority of babies, a “special” (read: more expensive) laundry detergent simply isn’t necessary. Baby will be held close to many people too, none of which will use this “special” detergent, and babies handle it just fine. Baby’s clothes can just be washed with mama’s delicates or another gentle load, in the same detergent the rest of the family uses. Only a very very small percentage of babies have skin that may be too sensitive.
This is just an old experienced mom’s opinions, take them for what they’re worth. I just hate to see a new mom, possibly struggling with finances as it is, feeling things like changing tables and portable playpens must be a priority on her list for new baby!
Congratulations to all who are expecting, and I envy your journey – it’s a beautiful one, of that there is no doubt.
Pingback by Newborn Checklists « I LOVE MY KIDS!!! Blog on May 21 2010 01:51:01:
[...] http://www.newparent.com/pregnancy/baby-checklists/ [...]