Checklist for Bringing Home a New Baby

Anxiety and excitement are high as you prepare to go on the labor and delivery ride of your life. You might have many things on your mind, so creating a checklist before bringing your child home from the hospital will ensure that you are prepared to care for your new bundle. Many hospitals will not allow you to check out unless your baby has a car seat. You will also need other items such as receiving blankets, clothing and diapers to have on hand during the drive home.

  1. Car Seat

    • A car seat is the most essential item needed for bringing home a new baby. Buy a car seat that is up to date and designed to meet current safety standards. Follow the directions in the manual to ensure that you properly secure your baby in the seat and properly install the seat in the car. You won't need this item until it's time to take your baby home, but you should buy it ahead of time so that your partner isn't running to the store while you wait to check out of the hospital with your little one.

    Receiving Blankets

    • Include receiving blankets in your checklist. These blankets are needed for covering when breastfeeding and bundling up your baby so she feels secure. Have at least three receiving blankets on hand so fresh blankets are available in case your child spits up. These blankets are for the trip home, but you will also need to keep at least 10 clean blankets in the house as well.

    Diaper Bag

    • Include a diaper bag on your checklist for bringing baby home. A diaper bag holds all of your child's essential items. Any durable diaper bag is suitable. Select a large bag with plenty of room to hold all of the things you need.

    Diapers

    • Stock your diaper bag with 10 or more newborn-sized diapers. You never know how many diapers you will need to change on the way home from the hospital. Some newborn babies need several diaper changes within an hour. Newborns are also more susceptible to getting rashes than older babies because they are going to the bathroom a lot in their first 72 hours of life. They have dark sticky bowel movements called meconium for the first day or two.

    Wipes

    • Baby wipes are also essential items that you need to include on your checklist. Buy fragrance-free wipes because you never know how your newborn baby is going to react to fragrance. You can avoid rashes and general irritation by taking extra precautions.

    Clothing

    • Stock your diaper bag with clothing such as socks, onesies, T-shirts and extra outfits. They need not be the newest or most fashionable items -- your baby doesn't care -- but they should definitely be comfortable and easy to put on and take off.

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