Newborn Baby Checklist
Can any newborn baby checklist truly have you prepared for EVERYTHING?
Nope.
While no list can have you prepared for everything (like your 6 year old super-gluing the pacifier to the diaper bag), a good newborn checklist will at least make sure that you have all the basic necessities covered.
As you grow into your new role as parent, you will better understand what you need to add. Click here for a printable version of The Complete Newborn Baby Checklist! Or if you are looking for details such as "which one" and "why", read on...
Considering that a newborn baby is such a tiny little thing, they sure seem to need a lot of stuff! Many first-time parents struggle with balancing the perceived "needs" of their baby and the hope that what they acquire will not remain on the shelf, unused. A newborn baby checklist will help you make wise decisions, and give you confidence as you journey into parenthood.
In these lists, I attempt to identify the minimums necessary for caring for your newborn baby, reconciled with a level of convenience that helps you meet the challenges of today's fast-paced world. By no means do I suggest that you will need to do and acquire ALL mentioned here. Being aware of the choices that are available and their benefits will help you wisely choose where to spend your time and hard-earned money.
So right now, grab a pen and paper. As you peruse these lists, jot down the things you think you still need to acquire. The following is a compilation of checklists found on this site. (Or fill out the form above and we will send you a link to a free, printable, newborn baby checklist!)
Feeding Checklist
Once you've decided which method of feeding you will be using for your newborn, you'll need to consider related items that go along with that method.
Click here to explore a checklist related to breast feeding newborns.
and...
Here is a checklist for formula feeding newborns.
Still undecided? Check out
Breast Feeding vs Bottle Feeding.
Diapering Checklist
There's a lot more to consider than just diapers. Here we explore which kind, how much, and what else you will need for a healthy
diaper change.
If you'd like help deciding what to pack in your diaper bag so that you will be prepared for outings with your newborn baby, check out this
Diaper Bag Checklist.
Playtime Checklist
A newborn baby doesn't need a lot of playthings, but proper stimulation will encourage healthy development. Additionally, some of the items that fall under "playtime" are great helps for busy parents because they help your baby to learn to entertain himself. These are things such as:
a great baby swing,
or a baby bouncer, a mobile, and
infant educational toys.
Sleeping Checklist
It is amazing how important newborn sleeping becomes when the lack of their sleep causes the lack of your sleep. By following this link, you'll be sure to know what you need for maximizing
newborn sleep.
Traveling Checklist
Obviously you need a car seat, but check out this page to make sure you have considered these other items helpful when traveling with baby.
Bathing Checklist
There are products and equipment out there that can make baby bathtime easier on you both. Check out the newborn baby bathtime essentials.
Newborn Clothing Checklist
Here is a checklist that lays out the items, quantities, and size suggestions for newborn clothing.
Health Checklist
- Bulb syringe - provided at birth by many hospitals, this is a tool for helping to remove mucous from a baby's nose and mouth.
- Digital Thermometer (Do you need to know how to use it? Check out How to Determine Baby Temperature .)
- Petroleum jelly - if your baby will be circumcised
- Infant Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Saline Nasal Spray
- It is best to have met and chosen your baby's pediatrician well before you go into labor. Consult with this doctor about any other specific health needs your newborn may have.
- Have you added your newborn to your health insurance policy? You may have a short window of time in which this needs to be accomplished.
Celebration Checklist
- No newborn baby checklist would be complete without adding a baby memory book to remind you of this precious time.
- Don't forget you will want to have a good camera and video camera. If I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. Newborns grow and change so fast! You will want plenty of visual reminders of those changes.
- Thank you cards - You will most likely be receiving gifts upon the birth of your baby.
- Birth Announcements! (Everyone will be waiting to hear the news and share in your joy.)
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