Checklist for new baby
People always come to my website looking for a checklist for new baby, so here we go. In terms of “stuff” you need for your new baby, the following checklist for new baby outlines what I consider essential supplies for your newborn baby, including infant bedding, bravado nursing bras, and information about a baby gift registry.
Ok, here’s your checklist for new baby:
· Diaper rash ointment – I do not use diaper cream after every change. I find that good old Vaseline works just as well as anything.
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Gentle baby soap – You really don’t have to use soap on your newborn baby because they can’t even get dirty. I just used plain old water for the first few weeks. Sometimes I would use a tiny bit of soap (like Dove) on the “Extra dirty” bits.
· Baby shampoo – You don’t really need to use shampoo for the first while either, but I do like the smell. Note: If your baby gets cradle cap (scaly, yellow flakes on her scalp), don’t agonize over it. It is painless and usually goes away by itself. You can help it disappear by rubbing all natural oil on it (like olive oil) and carefully remove the flakes with your fingernail. Then shampoo all the oil out, and rinse well.
Checklist for new baby continued…
Supplies
· 2-4 pacifiers – you should sterilize them beforehand so they are ready to go in the middle of the night. (See “Pacifier Debate” in my EBook) If you never need them, that’s great. But if you do really need a pacifier to calm your little one in the middle of the night, you will be deliriously happy that you had the foresight to get them ready in advance.
· Blunt baby nail scissors or clippers – those nails get so long and so sharp at an amazing speed. You think, “How did she get that scratch on her face? Wasn’t she just born?” Of course, the scratch always shows up the day you have pictures scheduled. (grrr…)
· 4-6 bottles (4 and 8 ounce size). Even if you are planning on strict breastfeeding, there may be times when you pump and if you have a bottle on hand, your partner can feed the baby.
Checklist for new baby continued…
For You!
· 2 nursing bras (if nursing). I highly recommend Bravado nursing bras. They are extremely comfortable and they have great fabrics and colors. Also, Motherhood has nice sleeping bras. It’s important to avoid underwire because they can compress the milk ducts and cause blocked ducts. See the article on Blocked Ducts in the Breastfeeding Section of this website for more information.
· Breast pads (if nursing). Buy soft cotton ones (several layers thick) that you can throw in the washer and dryer. When you breastfeed, milk comes out of both breasts at first and then the breast that the baby is not feeding from stops, so you need pads tucked into your bra to soak up any leaks. You also leak milk until your milk gets established. They make plastic backed breast pads that are waterproof, but only wear them occasionally, because if you wear them all the time your breasts won’t breathe and you can develop thrush.
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Checklist for new baby: Feeding
· Bottles – There are two kinds, regular ones that are either plastic or glass, or those with disposable, pre-sterilized liners. You may have to try several nipples to see which ones your baby prefers. Avoid bottles in weird shapes because they are difficult to clean.
· 6 bibs – the ones that fasten with velcro around the baby’s neck are better than the ones that tie. And bigger is better. The small ones hardly cover any of the baby’s shirt.
· 10+ wash cloths – the more the better. Use these to wipe little hands, faces, etc. Baby washcloths are softer, thinner and smaller than “adult” washcloths.
Checklist for new baby: Sleeping
· Infant Bedding: As far as infant bedding goes, I think you can never have too much!
· 4 bassinet sheets – only if you have a bassinet! Make sure they are the right fit, then wash them and put them away.
· 3-4 crib sheets – if you have a crib. These are bigger than bassinet sheets.
· 2 crib blankets – I like the knitted ones that are “holey” because then I don’t have to worry if my baby puts it over her face. Put it up to your face and see if you can breathe through it before you let your baby sleep with it.
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Checklist for new baby: Clothing
· 6-8 snap t-shirts or onesies
· 4-6 lightweight sleepers
· 6-8 receiving blankets
· 4 pairs of socks
· 2 sweaters
· Booties – checklist for new baby and have fun shopping for your new baby!
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