Having a newborn baby is often the happiest and exciting time in a parent’s life. However, coupled with this excitement is often pure fear and stress, especially if it is your first-born. No matter how many baby books you read, nothing can prepare you for those early days when you first bring your newborn baby home.
There is so much to think about once your baby finally arrives, that you want to get as many things ready beforehand as possible so that you can enjoy those first moments with your little one. It therefore helps to double-check a newborn baby checklist filled with all the potential things that you are going to need to get ready before the baby arrives, as well as things that you need for when the baby is here with you.
Baby nursery checklist
Creating the baby's nursery is often a new parent’s favorite part about getting ready for their newborn. You can design it in whatever way you want, and can integrate sentimental and personal pieces and decor throughout the space. However, in addition to the design aspect of the nursery, there are some essential things that you need to buy to make sure you are fully prepared.
Crib
A crib is probably the most obvious thing that you need to ensure you have in your nursery. Whilst in the very early days, you might feel more comfortable having your baby in your room with you in a bassinet, at some point you will likely end up moving them into a crib, so it is important that you have that in place before they arrive.
The most important thing to consider with a crib is the safety aspect. You want to invest in a crib that is sturdy and has high enough and strong enough bars and edges to ensure your baby is not going to fall out, or when they get a bit older and bigger, they do not have the ability to climb out. There should therefore be some forethought when buying your crib.
Crib mattress
The crib mattress is arguably actually more important than the crib itself as it will dictate the comfort of your baby, which will influence how much sleep they get and more importantly, how much sleep you get in those early days. The crib mattress that you choose should be firm, not only for comfort reasons, but also for the safety of your baby.
Speaking of safety, your crib mattress should also have a snug fit in the crib so that there is no chance of your baby falling down the side or getting stuck. There should be no more than two finger spaces between the crib and mattress but there should preferably be no space.
Baby monitor
A baby monitor is a must for checking in on your baby while they are sleeping. It is extremely tempting for new parents to hover over their new baby’s crib every 30 seconds. However, you will exhaust yourself extremely quickly doing this. You therefore need to invest in a baby monitor so that you can have your own time whilst also listening out for any baby cries throughout the day and night when they are in their crib.
Baby diapering checklist
Changing table
This is something that could have been included in the infant essentials checklist for the nursery, as that is usually where the changing table will be. Technically, you do not need a full table if you do not have the space or do not have the money. However, it helps to keep all your diaper essentials in one place and provides an easy surface for changing diapers. Overall it is a piece of furniture for convenience.
Diapers
Obviously on the things new baby needs checklist is diapers! There are actually more options in regards to diapers than many people realize. Whilst the regular disposable diapers are still a popular option, you can also get more sustainable options. You also need to think about how many you want to stock up on, as in those early days your baby is going to be growing fairly quickly.
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Wipes
With diapers comes wipes. The options for wipes are pretty standard, so just make sure you are fully stocked because you will be using them for more than just changing diapers. They are the most convenient clean up tool after feeding too.
Diaper cream
Diaper cream is an essential that many new parents forget. Newborn babies are prone to getting nappy rash, so you will want to make sure you have some diaper cream on hand for changing time to soothe your baby’s skin.
Baby wardrobe checklist
Shopping for baby clothes is another activity that new parents love. The options available for baby clothes are cute, making the shopping experience exciting for not only new parents but also for friends and family. Just remember, you will likely get gifted a lot of clothes, so although it is fun to go shopping for your newborn, prioritize the practical aspect rather than the aesthetic one.
Basic bodysuits
In those early days, once you bring your baby home from the hospital, they will largely be living out of their bodysuits as they are the most convenient pieces of clothing for a newborn. You therefore want to make sure you are fully stocked up. You can get bodysuits in lots of different cute designs, so do not think just because they are basic they can’t be cute. You should also get a mixture of long sleeves and short sleeves so you are prepared for everything.
Zip up footed PJs
Whilst your baby could just sleep in their usual bodysuits, a lot of new parents find that their newborns prefer full-length pajamas to sleep in which cover their feet. So make sure you have a few to hand and you can test out what your baby prefers.
Socks and booties
Socks and booties are good to have in your baby's wardrobe as it makes sure you are fully prepared if you want to take them out. Whilst socks are a safe bet to keep feet warm, some babies do not like the feel of booties so try not to over buy them in case your baby does not like the feel.
Hats
Most parents have a few hats for their baby, especially in their hospital bag as it is common practice to put a hat on your baby when you leave the hospital. This is just to keep them warm and comfy, and, of course, it is useful for those winter months if your baby is born towards the end of the year.
Baby food checklist
Depending on whether you are planning on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, your newborn baby needs checklist will be different.
Bottles
Whether you are breastfeeding or not, bottles are essential. If you are bottle-feeding, you might want to stock up on more as this will be your sole method of feeding your baby. If you are breastfeeding, you could probably get away with a few less, but still will need bottles for when you pump to give you a break and let your partner take over some of the feeding responsibilities.
Bottle sterilizer
Nowadays, when you buy bottles, they come with a sterilizer. Whilst a sterilizer is not compulsory as you can use boiling water to sterilize your bottles, it is often preferred by parents these days as it is simply easier.
Formula
Whether or not you are planning on breastfeeding, it is a good idea to have some formula on hand. There are plenty of different options of formula available, all for different age ranges and for different stages of development, so make sure you get an appropriate batch. It is wise to get a little bit of formula even if you plan on breastfeeding, as things do not always go to plan and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Baby bath checklist
Baby bathtub
A lot of houses today only have showers, and even those that have baths are far too big for a newborn baby. It is therefore important to add a baby bath onto your newborn baby list. Whilst many parents choose to bathe their baby in the sink in those first few weeks, as they grow, you will need a bigger space so it is a good idea to invest in a baby bath early on. Whilst you are at it, make sure you get some bath toys to make bath time even more fun!
Baby shampoo and body wash
On the things a new baby needs checklist, it is important that you add baby shampoo and body wash as you cannot simply use your adult products on babies. Baby skin is far more sensitive than adult skin so your shampoo and body wash for your baby needs to reflect this and be as gentle as possible.
Baby lotion
As highlighted, baby skin is extremely sensitive, so it is a good idea to end your bath time routine with some lotion. This will soothe your baby’s skin and make sure it does not dry out
Hooded towel
Of course, on your bath time newborn list, you need a towel, but more specifically a hooded towel. Most babies hate coming out of the bath due to the change of temperature. You therefore need to make sure you are ready with an all-encompassing hooded towel that will dry them off as quickly as possible. They will love being wrapped up in their towel post bath in order to warm up.
Baby health essentials
In addition to all the practical things your baby needs, there are also some health essentials that you will need to make sure you have ready, which brings us to the final section of our newborn items checklist.
Baby nail clippers
This is an important bit of baby gear you are going to want in your drawers, because baby nails can be ruthless. In a matter of weeks, your baby’s tiny little finger nails will be like razors. This can be quite dangerous for babies as they can easily scratch themselves. You therefore need some particular baby nail clippers that allow you to cut those tiny nails to keep your baby safe. They often hate having their nails cut, so if you can, cut their nails whilst they are asleep.
Sleep sack
A sleep sack is an essential item for your baby’s health and safety whilst sleeping. Sleep sacks are an easier form of swaddling your baby and ensure they stay safe and healthy whilst they are sleeping. Not only does it provide them with the protection they crave, it also helps to regulate the baby’s temperature and avoid overheating, which is essential.
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