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 !!
- 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
- Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
- Baby thermometer
- 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
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
- 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
