*this is a collaborative post with some ideas for a newborn checklist to help you get organized for your baby’s arrival, which we hope you find helpful*
Image sourced from Pixaby
Nine months may feel like a long time, but there’s a lot to do when prepping for your baby’s arrival. Some expectant mothers buy their newborn essentials early on to avoid shopping when they’re heavily pregnant, while others wait until the last minute. Some are even caught out by early delivery. Whether you’re super organized or doing a last-minute dash, this list will help you find everything you need to welcome your newborn
Nappies
Whether you choose the disposables or the reusable cloth kind, nappies are must-haves for the first 2-3 years of a baby’s life. Remember to pack some in your hospital bag and have a few different sizes waiting at home – you never know how big your baby will be. You can buy disposable nappies from most supermarkets and cloth nappies can be found online at The Green Nursery.
Baby clothes
You’ll need lots of baby clothes that are comfy and practical. Essential items include onesies with wide head openings, undersuits, pajamas, a baby sleeping bag, jumpers or cardigans, socks and booties, hats, no-scratch mittens, and a fleece suit for colder weather.
Sleeping
Your baby will need somewhere to sleep, such as a cot, cradle or Moses basket. This should have a flat, firm mattress but no pillow. Washable mattress pads and multiple fitted sheets are a must for dealing with vomit and spit-up – both of which are common in the early days. You should avoid using loose blankets, as these can pose a suffocation risk.
Feeding
Whether you breast or bottle-feed your infant, there are some essentials you can’t get by without. One is a breast pump to help manage your supply, another is nipple cream to soothe your breasts in the early days. You will also need plenty of burp cloths or muslins. If you’re nursing, it’s a good idea to keep milk storage bags for the fridge and freezer and invest in a nursing pillow. If you plan to bottle feed, you will need 10+ bottles, a bottle brush, formula, and sterilizing equipment. When your baby begins weaning at around 6 months old, you will also need a high chair, spoons, bowls, and plates.
Furniture
You don’t need much in the way of nursery furniture and it’s not the most important thing on a newborn checklist – as long as there’s somewhere comfortable for the baby to sleep and a mat for playing on. However, you may also decide on a changing unit where you can keep nappies, wipes, and ointments, as well as a rocking chair for late-night feeds. You’ll also need somewhere to keep the baby’s clothes and a toy basket. A comfortable infant chair is also a good idea to keep your baby entertained while you shower or do jobs around the house.
Travel
You will need a stroller or infant carrier for walks, as well as a rear-facing infant car seat. Bear in mind that if you’re driving home, the maternity unit won’t allow you to leave without checking your car seat is safe and that your baby is strapped in correctly. After that, it is up to you to learn baby car seat safety.
Bath time
Your baby should bathe in a baby bathtub for the first few weeks, though they will transition to a bath seat in the family bath later. You’ll need a few hooded soft towels, a baby hairbrush, baby soap, and some soft washcloths and sponges.
Don’t forget that you will want lots of photographs of your newborn and family and whilst you will, of course, take a lot yourself, as everyone does, it’s well worth booking a Newborn Photographer who can create some stunning professional photos for you to share with friends and family and keep forever. Booking someone in advance is recommended so you can be organized and plan the kind of photos you might want.
There you have it – your definitive newborn checklist. Plenty of new parents choose to buy other items such as special clothes to wear home from the hospital, dummies, and comforters, but all your child needs in those early days is you and a few basic essentials.