List of things you need for your baby and things you don't but have to have anyway

Well this is my list - some things you need, some you don't but want anyway !

  - its still a work in progress - Let me know if I've forgotten something !!

Blankets/ Bedding

•  receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths)

• Mattress protectors (one for your bed as well!)
• Sleeping bag - I like the grow bag for cold weather and a thick fleecy sleeved bag for colder weather 
•  cotton blankets
• Cradle or bassinet with cotton sheets
•  crib mattress pads
•  waterproof liners (one for the bassinet and one for the crib)
•  bassinette sheets

Clothing

 

•  undershirts or onesies

• 1 pack T-shirts

• 6 one-piece outfits that snap
• at the crotch (long- and shortsleeved)
• 4 pajama sets
• pairs stretch cotton pants
•  sweater Knit cap
• Sun hat
• Zip-up sweatshirt
•  baby hangers
•  nightgowns
• one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
• pants
• newborn hats
• pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• cardigans or jackets, more in winter

• outfits for dressing up (optional)

 

Feeding

If you're breastfeeding, you don't really need any equipment.

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

• Lots of bibs

• Burp cloths

• Breast pump

• Milk storage containers

• Nursing pillow

• Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)

• Breast pads (disposable or washable)

• Lotion for sore nipples

 

If you are formula feeding:

• Nursing pillow

• 6 bottles equipped with newborn nipples
• Bottle brush
• Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag
• Nursing bras
• Nursing pads for bras
• Breast pump
• Lots of bibs

• Burp cloths

• 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples

• 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples

• Bottle and nipple brush

• Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)

• Thermal bottle carrier

• Milton, or sterilising equipment

Diapering

If you are using re-usable cloth diapers:

• Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers

•  waterproof covers

• 1 diaper pail

• Changing pad

• Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash

• Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers

• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby's bottom
• Rattles and small toys - great distraction for a restless baby

 

• changing table

 

If you are using disposable diapers:

• Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it's better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)

• Diaper changing pads

• Diaper rash ointment

• 4 waterproof pads for

• changing table

• Rattles and small toys

• Dirty diaper receptacle

• Wipes or cotton cloths

• Small thermos to hold warm water (for cleaning babies younger than 6 weeks)

• Plastic wipes holder (for the diaper bag)

• 2 packages newborn diapers

• 1 diaper pail

• Changing pad

• Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash

• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby's bottom

 

Bathtime

• 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)

• 12 washcloths, not used on baby's bottom

• Baby soap or cleanser

• Baby soft-bristled hair brush

• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

• Approved crib and crib mattress

•  waterproof mattress covers

•  fitted crib sheets

• light blankets that fit in the crib

• Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

• Firm mattress (not a waterbed)

•  waterproof pads to place under baby

• Light comforter (keep away from baby's head)

• Sleep sack

Other necessities

• Approved infant safety seat for car

Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat

Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby's nails as needed

• Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous

• Baby thermometer

Eye dropper or medicine cup

• Medication in case of fever

Nice-to-have items

• Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)

• Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling

• Playpen

• Laundry detergent for infants

• Sling or baby carrier

• Diaper bag

• 1 or 2 change pads

• Plastic hangers for closet

• Sun shade for car windows

• 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)

• Rattles and other baby toys

• Mobiles

• Night light

Digital ear thermometer

Baby monitor

Nail scissors/clippers 

Nappy bag with a change mat

Sunshades for car windows

Portable cot

Beanies, mittens (if you're having a winter bub)

Playmat for tummy time

Dummies 

Baby powder/baby soap/baby sorbolene 

CLEANING

• 3 hooded towels
• 2 packs of washcloths
• Cotton swabs
• Baby shampoo
• Baby body washInfant bathing tub
• Baby nail clipper
• Soft brush and comb
• Rubbing alcohol
• Petroleum jelly
• Digital thermometer
• Bulb nasal aspirator
• Mild soap for laundry

NURSERY

• Crib and mattress
• Glider/rocking chair and footrest
• Dresser
• Hamper
• Baby monitor with 2 receivers
• Changing table
• Cool mist humidifier or vaporizer
• Lullaby CDs or audiotapes

ON THE GO

• Rear-facing infant car seat with head support padding
• Stroller
• Sun shields for car windows
• Portable playpen
• Diaper bag
• Sling or soft front carrier

PLAY

• Bouncy seat
• Baby books
• Digital camera or camcorder
• Baby music CDs or audiotapes
• Playmat with toys attached
• Squishy baby ball