List of Newborn Necessities

Preparing for a baby's arrival can be stressful, especially if you are not sure what you need to have at home to take care of your newborn baby. A checklist can help ensure that you don't forget the most important things your newborn baby needs. Keeping yourself focused on the essential items will ensure your baby's basic needs are met.

  1. Clothes

    • Stocking up on clothing prevents parents from not having enough items for the baby to wear. Baby Center suggest purchasing hats, mittens, socks, five to seven shirts, five to seven pairs of pajamas, five to seven pairs of pull-on pants, five outer-layers and five to seven one-piece outfits.

    Baby Furniture

    • Parents should have all the necessary furniture in their home before they bring home the new baby. A crib, stroller and car seat are all important for newborn babies. When setting up a crib, parents should avoid using pillows, bumpers or heavy bedding, and use only soft sheets and light blankets. Children under 40 pounds are required by law to use a car seat. A newborn leaving the hospital must be strapped in an infant-only, rear-facing car seat.

    Feeding

    • Breast-feeding mothers might feel more comfortable keeping breast pads and gel packs on hand. Gel packs are small enough to fit inside a bra, and can relieve sore breasts. For bottle-fed babies, it is important to have plenty of bottles along with a bottle-cleaning brush. Purchase about six to 12 bottles as well as burp cloths to prevent messes caused by spit-up. Don't forget to have plenty of formula on hand to limit any late-night trips to the store.

    Diapers

    • Because newborn babies go through a lot of diapers, it is important to stock up. You can choose to buy disposable, cloth, biodegradable or flushable diapers. Also purchase plenty of baby wipes and diaper rash ointment. A diaper bag is also essential when you have to bring your baby to the grocery store or a friend's house.

    Health, Safety and Grooming Supplies

    • Newborn babies need items that keep them safe, healthy and clean. Always keep a thermometer, baby aspirin and a first-aid kit on hand. A monitor can help you keep tabs on the baby while being elsewhere in the house. Grooming and bath supplies include shampoo, soap, nail clippers, baby brush and lotion.

    Other

    • Babies can be entertained by almost anything, especially you. A bouncy seat, activity mat and a swing can all help keep your baby happy when you need your hands free. Many mothers find that a carrier -- such as a infant sling -- is helpful when trying to soothe a baby throughout the day. Also, purchase a pacifier to calm your baby down when she cries.

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