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Mom/Baby Needs Checklist
These are the things you should have for those first few weeks home with your baby (in our humble opinion). And some things you might want to have in the house when the baby is born. If we've missed something -- let us know!
Newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service. Compare your options. Cloth diapers can save you a lot of money, and there are a lot of options out there now that are practically as easy as disposables.
Baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths. Avoid fragrance, and consider using warm water instead of commercial wipes, which may contain preservatives and fragrance, to clean your baby during those first tender days.
Diaper pail. Consider that each disposable plastic bag that you use will end up in a landfill for a long time -- so choose a diaper pail that minimizes the use of these bags, and consider a washable cloth diaper pail liner instead.
Burp cloths or extra cloth diapers. These protect your clothes from spit-up, and also protect your baby's tender skin from your own clothing (especially dry-cleaning chemicals!). You'll want to have a bunch.
Gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6). When at home, a baby gown is perfect for comfort and ease of diaper changes. A one-piece outfit with well-placed snaps is another sensible alternative. Keep it simple and comfy at first, and minimize the effort of buttons and other time-consuming dressing options.
Receiving blankets (3-4) and swaddling blankets (2-4). For swaddling, holding, changing, playing. You will appreciate having a bunch, as these will need to be washed often, and get lost more often than you'd think!
Crib blanket or quilt. Avoid thick blankets in your baby's sleeping area, but heavier blankets can be perfect for covering baby's legs in the stroller, or for the crib as your baby gets older, and may become your baby's "lovie" to take to preschool and beyond.
Newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair). Find ones that baby can't kick off during the night, to keep his tootsies warm. Footed outfits also work well for keeping feet warm at night.
Newborn cap (1-2). New babies have trouble maintaining their body temperature, and a light cap can help keep their temperature stable, especially at night.
Hooded bath towels (2) and wash cloths (6-12). You will use these a ton, so get good ones. Wash cloths will be used later for cleaning baby's (and even your older child's) face and hands after meals.
T-shirts or all-in-ones (4-6). You will go through one or two of these a day at first, so stock up, based on how often you want to do laundry.
Sweaters or a bunting (1-2)(depending upon season)
Baby Care Products
Natural baby shampoo/body wash. Water is often fine to clean little babies, but for when you want to suds up, use a product without harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Did you know "no more tears" means a product has an numbing agent so your baby doesn't feel the soap stinging her eyes? Instead, choose something truly mild, so you don't need such chemicals.
Diaper cream. Choose a product that is natural and doesn't contain petroleum derivatives which actually leach natural moisure from the skin.
Baby nail clippers or safety scissors. Keep baby's nails short to keep him from scratching himself (or you!). At the beginning, many parents find their baby's nails are so paper-thin they can gently bite them off, but you'll need clippers or scissors if you're squeamish and for later on.
Natural baby oil or lotion. Again, use something containing a food-grade oil, not mineral oil (which is a petroleum derivative). Calendula is great for sensitive baby skin, especially if prone to rashes or eczema.
Baby brush and comb. Your baby might not need them for a while, but a fine-tooth comb comes in handy for cradle cap.
Gripe Water. Not just for colic! Our families swear by Gripe Water for fussy evenings, gas, and even teething!
A couple of pacifiers (even if you don't plan to use!). Lots of babies need to suck even when they're done feeding, and if you have a lot of milk, sometimes they get mad! I spent hours with my pinky in my son's mouth before resorting to the pacifier, so I recommend having one around. Try not to use it too much while you're establishing breastfeeding, because a different nipple can confuse the baby and make breastfeeding more difficult. If your baby is fussy at the breast, avoid using a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established.
A baby bath or insert to bathe baby in tub or sink.At the beginning, a spongebath on a warm towel can work, but you will appreciate having a baby bath when you want to give baby a real bath. If your baby hates her bath, take her in the tub with you!
Baby Gear
Baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier). Check out our carrier recommendations to choose one appropriate to your baby's age.Infant car safety seat (have to bring it to the hospital!). We like the Britax line, and it always ranks well in independent ratings, such as Consumer Reports.
Stroller or carriage
Bouncer seat or swing. Great to have somewhere to lay your baby where he can see you eating dinner, cooking, etc.
Diaper bag. Pick one to match your style, not your nursery decor!
Furniture and Accessories
Co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib
Mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
A rocking chair or glider, for nursing and baby (& parent) calming
Changing table or other safe changing area
Mobile for the crib and/or changing area
Changing Pad and at least 2 covers
Nursing Necessities
Nursing pillow.
Washable or disposable nursing pads
Some modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples (a pack of Soothies is also a great idea!)
Nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital -- you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)
Rental, electric or manual breast pump and storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump milk
Feeding bottles (2-4 4 oz to start), nipples, and bottle brush if you plan to use bottles
Sports-bottle for much-needed water!
New Mother Care
Sitzbath herbs
Some GladRags or a big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
Nursing nightgown or comfy pajamas
Some comfy, flattering nursing tops and/or a nursing shawl so you feel comfortable nursing in front of visitors.
Health and Safety
Nasal aspirator. To keep that little nose from getting plugged. New babies can't easily breathe through their mouths, and it'll be a while before you can say "blow!"
Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) drops. For treating fever or for immunizations with your doctor's recommendation
Baby monitor. Crucial for letting you get things done around the house and yard without worrying during naptime.
Night light. Having a low light near where the baby sleeps helps you check on the baby during the night, and having one in the changing area allows for unstimulating nighttime changes.
Other Good Ideas
Pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
Make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!
Line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help.
Keep in mind, some of the accessories and gadgets are fun or can make your life easier, but you are all your baby really needs at this age to grow and flourish (but they won't let you leave the hospital without the car seat!)
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