Checklist for What Is Needed for a New Baby

Baby Bed

• Even if you plan for your baby to sleep in your room he'll need something to sleep in. Many people put newborns and very young infants in bassinets. These are smaller than cribs and often have wheels so they can be easily moved to different rooms. If you do not want to buy multiple beds for your baby, get him a sturdy crib. Set it up in his room, dress it with a crib mattress, water-proof mattress pad and crib sheet. For rooms with limited space, get a play pen to use as a bed and set it in the corner of the room he'll sleep in. Many of these now fold, so they are good for families that travel, too.

Diapering Needs

• Babies do little more than eat, sleep and dirty their diapers the first few weeks of life. You need to be prepared with a stock of newborn-sized diapers, whether they are cloth or disposable. If you choose to go with cloth, get several protective diaper covers, too. Stock up on baby wipes and diaper rash ointment. Some people use a simple covered garbage can for diaper disposal, while others use specialty bins to hold the soiled diapers. Changing tables and pads are handy, but not necessary. Changing your baby on a blanket on the floor works just as well, and they can't roll off.

Clothing

• Newborns do not need a lot of variety in their closet, though you may prefer to dress them up several times a day. Your newborn will need at least six onesies and sleeper jammies, a sweater or jacket for cool weather and socks for cold feet. She should have at least three soft blankets to snuggle in and a warm soft hat. Wash her laundry in detergent made for baby's sensitive skin.

Feeding

• Breastfed babies do not need much, but they do need at least six burp cloths or cloth diapers. You may want a breast pump and two to four bottles, for the times you are not available or your partner wants to feed the baby. If not exclusively breastfeeding, your little one needs at least five bottles, nipples and caps. She'll need formula and purified drinking water.

Bathing and Hygiene

• Your baby will take sponge baths for the first few weeks, but will feel best in a baby bathtub with a non-skid bottom. Get three baby washcloths and three hooded terry cloth towels. Use a baby formula shampoo/cleanser and lotion specifically made for babies. Have a rectal thermometer and a nasal aspirator, along with a baby nail-clipper.

Other Essentials

• Get a diaper bag big enough to carry items for a daily outing, and get a smaller one for short errands. Your baby also needs a new rear-facing infant car seat. She'll ride in this until she weighs at least 20 lbs. and is one year old.