The ultimate newborn baby checklist can help you determine what you'll need to purchase and prepare as you get ready for baby's birth.
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What you'll need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn. We listed some of our favorite newborn checklist essentials for you to stock up on. Make sure you sign up for a free Amazon Baby Registry so friends and family can help set your new bundle up with all the basics.
Feeding
If you're breastfeeding, there aren't quite as many items on your checklist for newborns, though there are plenty of items that you may like.
Some nursing mothers like to have these items:
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If you are formula feeding:
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Diapering:
If you are using reusable cloth diapers:
- Several dozen cloth or re-usable diapers: These 10-packs of plain white cloth diapers are a good start.
- 8 waterproof covers: Try decorative, memorable designs like these easily-snapped diaper covers.
- Changing pad: This affordable waterproof changing pad secures easily to changing tables and dressers.
- Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash: Try this large jar of Aquaphor.
- Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure reusable diapers
- Disposable wipes or washcloths for cleaning baby's bottom: This 72-pack of sensitive skin wipes should last you through the first few months.
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If you are using disposable diapers:
- Two boxes of newborn-size diapers: It's better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly. We like these Swaddlers that offer leak protection. Diapers, wipes and other baby items should top your personal newborn checklist.
- Changing pad: Try this waterproof changing pad.
- Baby ointment or another barrier cream to prevent rash: Doctor-approved Aquaphor is a good choice.
- Disposable wipes or washcloths for cleaning baby's bottom: Again, this 72-pack of sensitive skin wipes should last you a while.
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Clothing
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Blankets
- 3 large cotton blankets: These Burt's Bees blankets are made of organic cotton and are easy to machine wash.
- 8 receiving blankets: They also make handy burp cloths, which is why affordable options are best. We like these unisex cotton flannel receiving blankets that cost about $2 each. Budget-friendly pricing makes this one of our favorite newborn checklist items.
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Bathtime
- 1 plastic infant tub. You can also use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you, but we like the safety of this supportive infant tub. Read our guide to the best baby bathtub picks.
- 12 washcloths, not used on baby's bottom
- Baby soap or cleanser: This all-natural, calming lavender baby soap for sensitive skin is Today's Parent-approved.
- Baby soft-bristled hair brush: This Safety 1st soft brush is one of the most affordable items on the newborn checklist.
- 3 soft-hooded towels: Wrap them in cuteness! This organic bamboo-based hooded towel is a bestseller and is only about $13.
- Bath Toys
Bedtime
If you are using a crib:
- Approved crib and crib mattress: Before you move to a kids' mattress, you'll need a crib mattress. We love the breathable, washable Newton crib mattress. Read our guide to the best crib mattress options on the market.
- 3 waterproof mattress covers: This just may be one of the most important additions to the newborn checklist. If you're spending money on a mattress, you'll want to keep it in top shape. Consider these waterproof mattress covers.
- 4 fitted cribsheets: This four-pack of bestselling crib sheets is under $30 and gender-neutral.
- 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
- Sleep sack: These Gunamuna sleep sacks are made of cozy, all-natural bamboo and are a cinch to clean.
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If you are co-sleeping:
- Firm mattress: Don't have already have one on hand? Consider making the switch to an affordable parent-approved favorite like the Zinus memory foam mattress that ships right to your door and costs less than $500 for a king size. It's also CertiPUR-certified, so you can feel good about it growing with your family.
- 4 fitted cribsheets: Opt for this pack of bestselling crib sheets.
- 3 waterproof pads to place under baby: You'll use this set of waterproof bed pads well through the days of potty training.
- Light comforter (keep away from baby's head)
- Sleep sack: Again, the baby sleep sacks are a fuss-free win.
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Other necessities
- Approved infant safety seat for car: Check out our list of the best convertible car seats and rotating car seats for brilliant buys you'll love for years to come. It's one of the most important baby essentials and often a requirement when you leave the hospital or birthing center.
- A stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat: The UppaBaby stroller we like best easily transitions from newborn through about age 4.
- Nail clippers or scissors: These affordable Safety-First infant nail clippers are some of the best on the market.
- Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous: Choose a silicone-based model like this one that's developed for noses and ears.
- Baby thermometer: This FridaBaby rectal thermometer offers a speedy read-out and minimal discomfort. Plus, it's far more accurate than skin readings. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping a baby thermometer in your first aid kit.
- Eye dropper or medicine spoon
- Baby monitor: We like the Cubo AI smart baby monitor.
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Nice-to-have items
And remember, you can always sign up for a free Amazon Baby Registry welcome box filled with loads of these goodies at no cost to you. Hooray!
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This article was originally published on Nov 05, 2020
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