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Checklist for Newborn

Be sure to have everything ready for when your newborn arrives. Here's the checklist:

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

Blankets

  • 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)

Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

  • Lots of bibs

  • Burp cloths

  • Breast pump

  • Milk storage containers

  • Nursing pillow

  • Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)

  • Breast pads (disposable or washable)

  • Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

  • Lots of bibs

  • Burp cloths

  • 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples

  • 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples

  • Bottle and nipple brush

  • Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)

  • Thermal bottle carrier

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

Bathtime

  • 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)

  • 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom

  • Baby soap or cleanser

  • Baby soft-bristled hair brush

  • 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

  • Approved crib and crib mattress

  • 3 waterproof mattress covers

  • 4 fitted cribsheets

  • 4 light blankets that fit in the crib

  • Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

  • Firm mattress (not a waterbed)

  • 4 fitted cribsheets

  • 3 waterproof pads to place under baby

  • Light comforter (keep away from baby’s head)

  • Sleep sack

Other necessities

  • Approved infant safety seat for car

  • Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat

  • Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)

  • 8 Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous

  • Baby thermometer

  • Eye dropper or medicine spoon

  • Medication in case of fever

Nice-to-have items

  • Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)

  • Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling

  • Playpen

  • Sling or baby carrier

  • Diaper bag

  • 1 or 2 change pads

  • Plastic hangers for closet

  • Sun shade for car windows

  • 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)

  • Rattles and other baby toys

  • Mobiles

  • Night light

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