There are a number of things that you will need before you bring home your new baby. For a new parent, it may be overwhelming trying to prepare and gather the essentials before you return home from the hospital. Good thing there is a checklist that you can use to make sure that all of the must-have items are in your home.
The Nursery
Getting the baby's room ready is important. You will need diapering essentials, bedding, clothing, feeding supplies, bathing supplies and health and safety necessities.
Diapering
When you leave the hospital, you will be sent home with just a few diapers. This may be enough to use for the first day but you will need to stock up on diapers so that you won't have to keep running to the store last minute. You will need to change the pad, the pad cover and the diaper pail.
If you opt for cloth diapering, you will need at least a dozen diapers, 1 to 2 dozens of cloth wipes or baby washcloths, solution or diaper area wash for cloth wipes and diaper rash ointment.
If you opt for disposable diapering, you need at least two boxes of newborn or size 1 disposable diapers, a couple packs or a box of disposable wipes and diaper rash cream and baby powder.
For fitted cloth diapers, you will need 6 baby safety pins or 4 cloth diaper fasteners and 8 water-proof diaper covers. If you do not have a changing table or a changing station, you need to get a diaper stacker to hold the diapers or a little diaper caddy that you can pick up and carry from one room to another for convenient diaper changes.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, the supplies that you need will depend based on whether you choose to breastfeed or you choose to formula feed. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you will need burp clothes, 6 to 12 bibs, breast plump, a nursing pillow, nursing bras, milk storage containers or bags, breast pads and a lanolin cream.
Bedding
During the first few weeks, it is best to place your baby in something smaller than the crib so you can keep your baby beside you. But keep in mind that babies do outgrow bassinets and co-sleepers quickly so these are optional. You will need a crib mattress and crib in the nursery, water-proof mattress covers, fitted crib sheets, light blankets and a swaddling blanket or sleep sack.
Clothing
Your baby needs proper and comfortable clothing. You will need to prepare onesies or undershirts, at least 8 one-piece sleepers, pairs of pants, newborn caps, pairs of socks, pairs of mittens, cardigans or jackets for cold weather, baby-friendly laundry detergent and dress up outfits.
Bath Essentials
After two to three days, your baby needs to take his or her first bath. You will need to prepare your baby's bath essentials as well. You will need 6 to 12 baby washcloths, a mild baby wash and shampoo preferably "no-tears", soft-bristled baby hair brush, at least 3 hooded bath towels, an infant tub or a bath-seat that is made for newborns.
Health & Safety Items
You will need to prepare cotton balls, a thermometer, baby nail clippers and bulb-syringe in the nursery for health and safety reasons.
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