When preparing for a new baby, there are so many things you will need. It can be overwhelming, but here at Hip and Little, we insist that shopping should be fun! Here is our new baby checklist for the necessities, as well as a few cute optional items. Use it to plan your registry or your own shopping excursions.
Clothing - Necessities:
___ 6 - 12 bodysuits or baby Ts (depending on how often you want to do laundry). Shirts that snap or tie on the side
are helpful for babies who don't like things going over their heads.
___ 6 - 9 pairs of soft, comfy pants.
___ 3 - 5 newborn gowns
. These are great for quick diaper changes, especially when baby is sleepy.
___ 6 - 12 soft pajamas
.
___ 3 - 5 soft knit caps.
___ tons of baby socks
and booties (these disappear quickly!)
___ 8 - 12 bibs
Clothing - Extras
___ 2 sweaters if the weather will be chilly.
___ 1 adorable take-home outfit
.
___ Christening
or other newborn welcoming ceremony clothing.
___ Tiny little fancy outfits
that may never be worn.
___ Tiny mittens
to prevent newborns from scratching themselves.
___ Some baby clothing in size 3 - 6 months to grow into.
Nursery - Necessities
___ Crib
or Cosleeper or Bassinet
___ Crib mattress
___ 2 Crib mattress pads
___ 3 - 5 Crib sheets
, Cosleeper sheets, or bassinet sheets
___ Crib mobile
(and possibly one for the changing table as well).
___ Dresser
and/or changing table. There are many cute combos now that have a removable changing table top on a child-safe dresser.
___ Changing pad
.
___ 2 - 4 Changing pad covers
.
___ Shelves
and bins
for books
* and toys.
___ A clothing hamper
Nursery - Extras
___ Crib bedding set
___ Rocking chair
or glider
___ Nursery artwork
___ A fun, colorful rug
___ A moses basket
___ Washable curtains
(avoid having window blinds in the nursery because of safety issues).
___ Lamp
(preferrably one that is not too bright, so it doesn't wake your baby further in the middle of the night) or nightlight
.
___ Music box
or stereo with lullaby CDs
___ Closet hangers
___ Armoire
or closet organizer
___ A cradle
with cradle sheets
___ Diaper stacker
Baby Gear - Necessities
___ baby sling or other baby carrier
___ 4 - 6 receiving blankets
___ Infant car seat
___ Car sunshade
(preferably the kind that sticks onto the window).
___ Car mirror
(so your newborn can see you while facing backwards).
___ Stroller
___ Highchair
___ Baby swing and/or bouncy seat
___ Tons of burp cloths
___ Baby spoons, bowls, and plates
Bath - Necessities
___ Baby bathtub
___ 2 - 4 Hooded towels
___ A dozen or so washcloths
___ Baby soap and shampoo
___ Cotton swaps and alcohol (for umbilical stump care).
___ Bath toys
Diapering
___ cloth
or disposable diapers
___ Diaper pail
___ Baby wipes
___ travel wipe container
___ diaper bag
___ changing pad
___ diaper ointment
Breastfeeding - Necessities
___ Box of Disposable nursing pads
___ 6 - 8 washable breast pads
___ 5 - 7 nursing bras
___ nursing tops and pajamas
___ Lanolin nipple cream (such as Lansinoh)
___ Boppy
or other nursing pillow
___ Phone number of your local La Leche and/or lactation consultant
___ Breast pump
, bottles and accessories (if needed)
Bottle Feeding - Necessites
___ 6 - 8 Bottles
___ Newborn nipples
___ Bottle brush
and drying rack
___ Bottle sterilizer
___ Formula
Safety - Necessities
___ Outlet covers (enough for your home outlets, plus a few for travel).
___ Cabinet locks
___ Fireplace bumpers
___ Baby monitor
___ Safety gates
___ Oven lock
___ Toilet locks
___ Earthquake straps (if you live in a earthquake-prone area)
___ Cord winders
___ CPR / First Aid class for you and family, babysitters, etc.
___ First Aid kit
___ Spout cover for bath tub
___ Playpen
Baby Health/Care
___ Pain reliever / fever reducer as recommended by your pediatrician
___ Thermometers (rectal and ear)
___ Baby size nail clippers
___ Hair brush
___ Teething ring / toy / gel
___ Soft newborn toy
___ Eye dropper or medicine spoon
___ Bulb syringe
___ Diaper rash ointment or cream
___ Gas drops
___ Saline nasal spray or drops
___ Non-latex gloves
Saving Memories
___ Camera (still and/or video)
___ Film, photo paper, and/or video cassettes
___ Scrapbook or photo album
___ Baby book
and/or journal
___ Picture frames
___ Personalized Plate
___ Handprint
and/or Footprint keepsake kit
___ Personalized blanket or other custom item
___ Keepsake box
for keepsakes such as the hospital bracelet, first haircut curls, etc.
It seems like a lot, but remember that you will receive much of these items as gifts and you can spread the rest out over time. Enjoy shopping for your baby!
* For our recommendations for books about pregnancy and baby care, as well as board books and picture books for babies and toddlers, take a look at our Hip Picks Bookstore via Amazon.
Did we miss something? Please contact us and let us know.
