Parents spend nine months preparing to bring their newborn home. They consider everything from names to the color of the nursery walls. They make to-do and to-buy lists and then they shop, set up gift registries at local department stores and attend baby showers. Parents can still worry, however, that they have forgotten some important item that their newborn will need. The crib and changing table are in the nursery, but a checklist can help you remember everything else.
Feeding Needs
Your formula-fed newborn needs six to eight 4-oz. bottles, nipples and bottle-cleaning utensils. There is a wide variety of baby bottles. Your doctor can help you choose the right bottle and nipple for your baby. If you plan to breastfeed, you will need nursing bras, but your hospital lactation specialist can help you identify other breastfeeding items you will need, based on your plans.
Car Seat
You will need a federally approved infant car seat appropriate for newborns and made for rear-facing placement in the back seat of your car. If you are new to car seats, state police will show you how to strap the seat and your newborn in safely.
Bassinet
Even if you have a crib, bassinets are helpful for keeping your newborn near you for a few weeks. There are different designs to choose from--including bassinets with handles or wheels--and you will need sheets that fit the bassinet mattress.
Diapers and Accessories
Whether you decide on cloth diapers or disposables, you will need lots of them. You will need about 90 cloth for the first week and 350 disposables for the first month. If using cloth diapers, even if you intend to use a diaper service, you will still need diaper pins and a diaper pail. You also will need baby wipes and a doctor-approved skin ointment to prevent or treat diaper rash.
Diaper Bag
A diaper or tote bag is needed to hold the baby items when you leave home. It should have enough room, pocket and sections to hold all the baby items you need to take with you, like bottles, diapers, a change of clothes and baby wipes.
Clothing
Your newborn needs about five to 10 T-shirts or "onesies," three to five pairs of socks or booties, a few soft hats or head covers, about seven sleepers or gowns and a few heavier sleepers. Depending on the weather, your newborn might need a warm one-piece outerwear. Your newborn might need one or two cute outfits to dress up for company, outings or photographs.
Linens
You will need five to six receiving blankets, two thermal blankets, five fitted crib sheets, five baby washcloths, a few baby bath towels and a few cotton diapers to use as burp cloths. Wash all your newborn's clothing, towels and linens before use.
Infant Seat
A lightweight, but sturdy, infant seat is good for portability and safety around the house. Make sure the seat is adjustable for different positions and has straps for securing your baby.
Baby Care Items
Have a rectal thermometer ready and check with your doctor to see if you need other health care items for your baby. You will need a baby hair brush, mild soap, baby nail clippers or scissors, and mild laundry detergent for washing your newborn's clothing and linens.
