Congratulations on your bundle of joy on the way! Becoming a parent is such a wonderful time, but there’s so much to prepare for ahead of time.
Whether you’re a first-time mother or you just haven’t had a baby in few years, we know that getting prepared for a new baby can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made this first baby checklist to help you remember all of the essentials that you’ll need in the next few months.
Nursery Items
Many new parents fret over having the perfect nursery by the time their baby arrives. While having a nursery is convenient, it isn’t essential for the first few months of your baby’s life. We’ve listed some important nursery items that you’ll need, whether in a nursery or in your bedroom:
- Crib or Bassinet
- Firm mattress for crib/bassinet
- Fitted mattress sheets
- Diaper changing station
- Rocking chair or glider
- Baby monitor
- White noise machine
There are plenty of other things that you can include in your nursery, but we felt like these were the most important. Since your baby will likely be spending their first few months in your bedroom, there isn’t too much that you need in the actual nursery.
It’s also worth mentioning that when you’re looking for a baby monitor, try to avoid one that connects to your WiFi. Some parents have found that people have hacked into their Wifi connected baby monitor to see into their house.
Baby Wardrobe
Shopping for baby clothes is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a baby. From onesies to sleepers, there’s a lot of accessories that a new baby actually needs. We’ve made a list of the most important items for your baby’s wardrobe.
- 5-10 onesies
- 5-10 bodysuits
- A couple of dress-up outfits
- 5-10 Footie pajamas
- 5-10 pairs of socks
- A few shirts
- A few pants or footies
- A couple of sets of mittens (to prevent scratching)
- 2-3 light-weight hats
- Jackets, coats, or wearable blankets (if you’re in a cool or cold climate)
If you’re looking for good quality baby clothing that’s cute and comfortable, our personal favorite is Hanna Andersson baby clothes. Hanna Andersson baby clothes are made with love from the softest 100% organic cotton and free of any harsh chemicals for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Babies go through a lot of clothes fast, so it’s important to stock up on sizes from newborn up to six months. Most newborn outfits won’t fit your baby past 8lbs, so try to remember that when you’re buying baby clothes.
Feeding Essentials
Everyone parents differently, so depending on how you plan to feed your baby, you may not need all of this stuff. We’ve made a list of what feeding items are essential, and included if they’re important for breastfed babies or formula-fed babies.
- Bottles, 4oz and 8oz
- Nipples
- Bottle brush
- Lots of burp cloths
- Breast pump (breastfeeding)
- Milk storage bags (breastfeeding)
- Nipple cream (breastfeeding)
- Formula (formula feeding)
While bottle warmers, sterilizers, and boppy pillows are all helpful, they aren’t always essential for everyone. If you’ve got the extra money and space, we think they’re worth getting!
Diapering Essentials
Even though we mentioned a diaper changing station above, there are still a lot of things you’ll need to fill that station and keep your baby clean. Here is a list of the things you’ll need for diaper changes:
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Diaper covers (if you’re using cloth diapers)
- Wipes (unscented is best)
- Diaper cream
- Wipe warmer
- Diaper pail
You may believe that a wipe warmer and a diaper pail are not necessary for changing your baby’s diaper, and that’s true, but they will make your life a lot easier.
Many newborns hate diaper changes because of the cold wipes, and a wipe warmer will solve that problem. As for the diaper pail, it keeps your house free from the smell of dirty diapers.
Bath time Items
Babies have sensitive skin, so they need special soaps and products to keep their skin healthy and soft. We’ve made a list of the essential bath time items you should get to prepare for your bathing your baby:
- Hooded towels
- Soft baby washcloths
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo and body soap (tear-free)
- Baby oils and lotions
- Baby laundry detergent
- Baby nail clippers or a file
- Cradle cap brush
Most bath products and lotions for babies have natural ingredients, but it’s always good to do research and pick products that don’t contain harsh chemicals or scents.
Baby Health Essentials
Once you bring your baby home from the hospital, you may experience anxiety over your baby’s health and well-being. While it may seem intimidating at first, there are things that you should have at home to help take care of your baby should they get sick:
- Baby thermometer
- First aid kit
- Petroleum jelly (for circumcision care)
- Infant’s Tylenol and Motrin
- Gripe water
- Infant’s gas drops
- Vitamin D drops
If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s health, always reach out to your pediatrician first! It’s good to have infant’s Tylenol and Motrin on hand, but you should get a proper dosage from your pediatrician before giving any medication.
First Baby Checklist for Travel
Babies are small, but they come with a lot of stuff. There are even things that you should have ready before you leave the hospital with your baby. We’ve made a list of the essential gear you’ll need for leaving the house with your new baby.
- Infant car seat/ convertible car seat
- Headrest mirror for car seat
- Diaper bag
- Stroller
- Babywearing carrier
It’s important to remember to stock your diaper bag and have it ready before you go anywhere. There’s nothing more inconvenient than getting halfway through a diaper change and discovering you’re missing clean diapers.
Keeping Up With Your Family
Preparing your home before your baby arrives can be stressful, but hopefully, we’ve made it easier for you with this first baby checklist.
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