Must Have’s – Newborn Checklist

It’s Baby Registry month! Here’s our grand newborn checklist for what you really need for Baby’s first weeks…

Wear

• 5 short-sleeved onesies or undershirts
• 3 long-sleeved onesies or undershirts
• 7 one piece sleepers – zip or snap
• 2 pairs soft cotton pants
• 6 pairs socks or booties
• 1 light cardigan or hoodie
• 1 snowsuit or bunting bag for a winter baby
• 3 pairs scratch mittens

Swaddle and Cuddle

• 2 thick cotton blankets
• 8 thin muslin receiving blankets
• 3 “swaddlers” with straps

Feeding

• 1 Boppy pillow, or similar
• 15 burp cloths (to also use as bibs)
• 2 Lansinoh cream/ointment (for breastfeeding)
• 1 breast pump (optional if not returning to work shortly after birth)
• 6 pairs of nursing pads
• 2 – 3 nursing bras
• 6 four-oz. bottles (if formula feeding…1 – 2 or buy as needed if exclusively breastfeeding)
• 6 eight-oz. bottles (if formula feeding…buy as needed if breastfeeding)
• 1 bottle and nipple brush
• bottle drying rack
• Formula (if planning to exclusively bottle feed – check the expiration date and don’t buy too early!)

Diapering

• If cloth diapering:  4 dozen reusable diapers, 8 water proof covers, 6 snap closures OR about 3 dozen all-in-ones
• If disposable:  1 box Newborn size, 1 box size one
• diaper pail
• changing pad
• 2 boxes disposable wipes OR 12 washcloths designated as diaper wipes
• 1 diaper rash cream, paste or spray

Bathing

• 1 plastic bath or sink bath insert (optional)
• 12 washcloths NOT used for diaper station
• baby soap or wash
• 2 hooded towels (optional…you can always use the family towels)

Sleeping

• 1 approved crib, bassinet or Co-sleeper with appropriate mattress
• 3 waterproof pads
• 4 fitted crib sheets
• 2 sleep sacks
• white noise machine (optional, but often useful)

(If bed-sharing follow the Safe Sleep 7 Guidelines, available at www.llli.org.)

Health and Hygiene

• infant nail clippers
• 1 baby-specific or rental, near-natural free and clear laundry detergent
• 1 soft bristle infant hair brush
• 1 baby comb
• 1 infant thermometer
• 1 bulb syringe

Travel

• approved stroller
• car seat (have it installed BEFORE you leave the hospital)
• pack and play (optional)
• 1 – 2 slings or soft baby carriers

Extras (all optional)

• changing table
• rocking chair
• diaper bag
• sun shade for car
• 2 – 4 pacifiers
• rattle
• toys
• mobile
• floor gym

Don’t Forget

• Food plan for parents!
• Support and help!