With the delivery date fast approaching, expecting parents may begin thinking and purchasing useful things for newborn baby. A baby’s arrival is a life-changing event, and parents have to be prepared for it. For first-time parents, it may be more confusing as they might not be aware of the things they would need for the baby. Making a checklist can help parents be ready with all necessary things, and also prevent unnecessary shopping and expenditure. Having all the necessary things can also make it easier for the parents to care for the baby. Read through this post as we bring a well-curated and well-researched list of newborn essentials.
The Checklist Things for Newborn Baby
We have created a basic checklist of supplies for your little one that is crucial during the early months starting from day one.
1. Feeding Essentials
It is ideal to breastfeed your baby. But due to the busy lifestyle now a days, if you plan to formula feed your baby then in you would need the following feeding supplies:
- Formula powder for preparing milk.
- 6 milk bottles.
- Bottle sterilizer and storage bag.
- Bottle warmer, bottle drying rack, brush for cleaning bottles.
- Nursing cover.
- Feeding pillow.
- Burp clothes.
If you plan to feed breast milk from bottle, then you will need a breast pump and other accessories such as bottle sterilizer and a storage bag. Sterilizing is very important when it comes to used baby bottles. You have to constantly clean these bottles as they may carry germs and other infections if kept dirty for long.
2. Clothing Basics
Your baby in his early days will require a lot of clothing, so ensure that you purchase enough. There are points that need to be kept in mind while buying the clothing essentials.
- Only newborn size clothing should be bought as babies grow fast.
- 4 to 6 rompers, both short-sleeved and long-sleeved that are buttoned at the center.
- 6 one-piece stretchy sleepers are the best, in case you happen to get them with zippers.
- Two pairs of scratch mittens as babies move their hands a lot and may cause scratch themselves.
- 6 pairs of booties or socks to wear with sleep dress and other outfits.
- 6 comfortable outfits each for the daily-wear when you want to take the baby out to meet family and friends.
- 2 baby caps in cotton to protect their head and ears.
- Depending on the weather, buy at least 2 heavy sweaters or jackets.
Basic clothing should be washed with a baby detergent solution only and kept safely in covered area to protect from dust.
3. Beds and Bedding
Once you arrive from the hospital, your new born will need some space to sleep. You can choose a baby crib, a cradle or a baby bassinet for your baby to sleep beside your bed. Make sure you get the bed arrangements done before your newborn arrives home. Care should be taken before buying cribs or bassinet. Ensure that they meet the certified safety standards. Checklist for choosing right bedding:
- Good quality crib mattress.
- 2 to 3 fitted sheets.
- 3 to 4 waterproof sheets.
- 3 cotton receiving blankets.
If you are going to borrow or buy a secondhand, make sure to check the brands to be sure of the reliability.
4. Bathing Basics
Bathing supplies will help make bath time comfortable as newborns will need to be bathed nice and easy. You must include the following items for bathing:
- To create a safe place for bathing, you must buy a plastic infant bathing tub.
- 2 to 3 hooded towels and packets of soft baby washcloths to assist with bathing.
- Buy only baby shampoo, body wash, baby soap, etc., for bathing your little darling.
- A pack of baby lotion and baby oil is must after bath.
- To groom your little one, you must buy a soft hair brush, comb and set of infant nail clippers.
- Do not use perfume on your baby, as the skin is delicate.
5. Diapering Needs
Well this is one of the important requirements for all parents now a days! There are various diapers brands available in the market these days, you just need to choose the right one for your baby. If you are using disposable diapers, then you must maintain stock of two big packs of newborn size disposable diapers as several diapers are needed during the first few weeks. A checklist for your baby’s diaper needs:
- Cloth-diapers, if you want to use the re-usable cloth diapers for a few days.
- Changing diapers, if you are comfortable.
- Diaper rash cream or other baby ointment to prevent rashes from diapers.
- One changing pad and one diaper pail would be needed.
- Some Velcro and snaps to secure re-usable diapers.
Do not forget to keep a stock of disposable wipes and dozens of washcloths to clean your baby’s bottom.
6. Travelling With Your Newborn
A car seat is vital when you are carrying your newborn along with you for the outings. An approved car seat is a must.To choose a car seat for your baby, there are a few points to be remembered. Pay utmost attention to every detailing.
- Choose a car seat that is easy to install. As proper installation is very important for the safety and security of your little one.
- Since safety restraints are important, make sure ample straps are provided to secure your baby safely to the seat.
- Watch out for the comfort factors while selecting an infant car seat. There should be enough padding, neck and head support. The neck and head support can be purchased separately which can be removed from the seat and kept aside as your baby grows.
- You can buy a baby pram or a stroller in which you can safely take your little bundle of joy for a walk to a park or supermarket.
Look out for a recliner pram or stroller as these help while your baby falls asleep while travelling.
The above are a few must have things before your bundle of joy arrives home. The list can be unending, but the newborn baby things discussed above are the basic and the most important ones that you as expectant parents must arrange for. Shopping for oncoming new member in the family is definitely a wonderful feeling. Be stress free while you do the same.
Do not forget to share about your first shopping experience for your little one with us.
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