A Checklist for a Newborn
by Ivana Stamenkovic
What you'll need once when the baby comes depends on your lifestyle and the way you want to raise your baby. Do you want to breastfeed or to bottle feed? Do you want your baby to sleep in a cradle or in a crib? So you should know that there's no the ultimate newborn list - it's up to you to choose and decide which of the following baby gear you do and you don't need.
For your nursery, you'll need a crib. Maybe a cradle or a bassinet, but you should know that babies usually outgrow them for about six months. Not only you don't need expensive bedding sets, but pillows, bumpers and other unnecessary things that often come in these sets shouldn't even be put in your baby's crib because they increase the risk of SIDS.
For sleeping:
- a crib/a cradle/a bassinet
- a mattress
- waterproof mattress covers
- fitted crib sheets
- sleep sacks
- blankets
- a night light
- a baby monitor
- pacifiers
You'll also need a place for changing diapers. You could do that on a floor or on a bed, with a waterproof changing mat below your baby. Or you could buy a changing pad and place it on a dresser.
For diapering:
- a changing pad/mat
- a baby ointment or any other barrier cream to prevent rash
- disposable wipes or washcloths
- disposable or cloth diapers
If you choose disposable diapers you simply change them and throw the used one in a trash can. Or in a diaper genie, if you find it essential to have. And if you choose cloth diapers you'll need a pail just for storing dirty diapers before you wash them.
If you plan to breastfeed, you might need the following things:
- a breast pump (manual or electric)
- a breast milk storage containers or bags (only if you plan to freeze your milk)
- nursing bras (3 minimum - one in a washer, the other one on you and the third one in a closet)
- breast pads (disposable or washable)
- a nursing pillow
- a lanolin ointment for sore nipples
Even though you intend to breastfeed, there'll be some times when you'll have to leave your baby with somebody else, so you should consider buying at least one bottle and a brush for bottles.
If you're bottle feeding:
- bottles (made of glass, silicone, plastic, stainless steel and even disposable ones)
- nipples (silicone or latex)
- bibs
- burp cloths
- a bottle and nipple brush
- a thermal bottle carrier
- a bottle-drying rack
- a bottle warmer
Ok, you don't really need some of these things, but they could come in handy.
When you start feeding your baby with solid food you'll need a few more things:
- a highchair
- a bowl
- a baby spoon
- a sippy cup
- a baby food maker
For bathing:
- a bathtub
- washcloths (choose different size, color or pattern so you don't confuse them with diaper cloths)
- towels (with a built-in hood)
- a baby soap
- a soft-bristled hair brush
- nail clippers or blunt scissors
When you're going out, you'll need a stroller or a carrier (maybe a wrap or a sling). And if you're going with a car you'll also need a car seat. And for staying in you'll need lots of toys.
- a stroller
- a diaper bag
- a carrier/a sling/a wrap
- a car seat
- a portable crib or a play yard
- a rattle or any other baby toys
- a swing or a bouncy chair
- a play mat or a gym
