The Complete Newborn Checklist:
Everything Your Baby Will Need
The Complete Newborn Checklist includes everything that a normal baby will need, unless you have some special or very fancy needs. Use this list of newborn needs to distinguish between essential items, almost-essentials and the nice-to-have things.
BREASTFEEDING
The essential list:
- Breast Pads
- Nipple cream
- Feeding bra's (no underwire)
- Burp cloths
If you can, also get:
- Access to a breast pump (just in case)
- Formula milk and a bottle (just in case)
- A feeding shawl or similar
- A watch/clock with alarm
- A note pad and pen
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Ring cushion (for post-normal-birth discomfort)
- Clothing designed for discreet breastfeeding
- Your own breast pump (especially for working moms)
BOTTLE FEEDING
The essential list:
- Formula/Breast milk
- 3 or more newborn bottles
- A bottle brush
- Sterilization equipment
- A Burping cloth
- Some baby bibs
If you can, also get:
- Extra bottles
- Formula powder containers
- A steam sterilization unit (microwave or seperate unit)
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- Bottles with anti-colic system
- Drying rack for bottles, dummies and teats
SLEEP
The essential list:
- A comfortable and safe bed/cot
- A receiving blanket
- Comfortable clothing
- An extra warm blanket
- Mosquito net (if insects are a concern)
If you can, also get:
- A wedged sponge pillow
- A travel/camping cot (if baby normally sleeps in a wooden cot)
- A safety (anti-suffocation) mattress
- A dark, silent sleeping environment
- Soft, calming music
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- A good quality breathing/sound monitor like Angel Care
- Side-wedge pillows
- A very dim night light
NAPPY CARE
The essential list:
- A comfortable, safe surface for changing nappies
- Disposable or cloth nappies
- Accessories for cloth nappies as applicable
- Wet wipes and/or wet wash cloth
- Petroleum jelly for removing meconium (first few days)
- Bum barrier cream
- Nappy rash cream
- Facility for disposing of wet/soiled nappy
If you can, also get:
- Linen savers or changing mat for hygienic purposes
- Nappy disposal bags
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- Air-tight nappy disposal system
- A dedicated baby changing station/basinette
COMFORT
The essential list:
- Some means to maintain a comfortable temperature
- Comfortable clothing and nappies (no scrathing etc)
- 3 or more receiving blankets for swaddling baby
If you can, also get:
- A carry cot or similar to help baby feel safe, warm and cosy
- A baby carrier for mom to carry baby close to her body
- Several soft, warm blankets
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- A comfortable pram/travelling system
GROOMING
The essential list:
- A baby bath or some other suitable bath for your baby
- Hair and/or body wash suitable for a newborn
- Cotton wool balls
- A soft clean towel (preferable hooded)
- Aqueous cream
- A baby hair brush
- Baby nail clippers
- Special baby ear buds
- Surgical spirits for umbilical cord care
If you can, also get:
- A bath thermometer
- A bath seat for small babies
BABY'S HEALTH
The essential list:
- Infant colic relief drops and/or gripe water
- Thermometer
- Panado infant drops
- Saline nose drops
- An infant medicine dispenser/syringe
If you can, also get:
- A quality probiotic for infants
- Resque Remedy
- Tissue salts for various ailments
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- A room humidifier
MOTHER'S HEALTH
The essential list:
- Suitable vitamin and mineral supplements
- Wound care necessities in case of tearing/cutting or c-section
If you can, also get:
- Schlehen Blackthorn Berry Elixir
- Rehydration Aid
- Resque Remedy
- Arnica oil for massaging engorged breasts
Not essential, but still money well spent:
- A ring cushion for sitting after a normal birth
Before you start shopping, first go to the printable version of the Newborn Checklist at
Step 2: Planning and Preparing for Baby
and print out what you need. Now use your newborn checklist as a shopping list to make sure that you spend your money in a prioritized way, first getting the basics and then spoiling yourself with the more luxurious items if your budget allows you to. Otherwise, you can always save a little and get those nice-to-have's on the Newborn Checklist later when you know you've covered the most important items on the list newborn baby needs.
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