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Newborn Essentials Checklist
What you’ll need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn

You will soon be blessed with a new little bundle of joy, but you may be wondering what will you need to take care of this precious one once you get him/her home from the hospital? Babies don’t need a lot of “things” to be comfortable, healthy, and happy. What they need most is lots of attention, patience, time and love. However, there are some basic items to have when your baby arrives home. The following is a list of suggestions that we’ve found to be tremendously helpful to make babies arrival as smooth and stress free as possible.

Essential Items for your Newborn Layette

Clothing:

  • __ 6-8 one-piece sleepers

  • __ 6-8 onesies

  • __ 3-5 nightgowns (until the cord falls off)

  • __ 3-4 baby hats (preferably beanie type for warmth)

  • __ 2-3 “ outfits” for dressing up

  • __ 4-5 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits

  • __ 2 pair of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face

  • __ 3 sweaters or jackets, (even in the summer months these can be used when air conditioning is chilly)

Blankets:

  • __1-2 large Crib blankets

  • __3-4 Swaddle or receiving blankets (babies love to be swaddled snug)

  • __1-2 small blankies for baby to hold in the car or stroller

Feeding:

If you are breastfeeding, no equipment is needed! Some nursing mothers like to have these optional items:

  • __Breast pump

  • __Nursing pillow

  • __Nursing bras

  • __Breast pads

  • __Nipple cream

  • __4-6 bibs

If you are formula feeding:

  • __6-10 four ounce bottles with nipples

  • __4-6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples

  • __Sterilizer

  • __Bottle and nipple brush

  • __Formula

  • __4-6 bibs

Diapering:

If you are using clothe diapers:

  • __2-4 dozen diapers

  • __6-8 elastic leg waterproof panties

  • __1 diaper pail

  • __Calendula cream (It is natural and has a variety of uses, which include soothing tender skin and also helps with cradle cap

  • __Changing pads for home and away

If you are using disposable diapers:

  • __1-2 boxes of newborn size diapers-it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly

  • __Disposable baby wipes

  • __Changing pads for home and away

Bath time:

  • __1 Baby bath tub- these are nice to have when bathing your newborn. They make baths easier and safer

  • __Natural soaps (these are essential for bathing your little one and help to keep your baby’s skin nice and soft without use of chemicals). We recommend Calendula soap as well as Oatmeal soap for newborns

  • __Natural shampoo

  • __Non-talc powder

  • __3-4 bath mitts

  • __6-8 washcloths

  • __Baby soft-bristled hairbrush

  • __3-4 hooded bath towels (to keep babies head and body warm after bath)

Bedtime:

If you are using a crib:

  • __Approved crib and snug-fitting crib mattress

  • __ 2-3 waterproof mattress covers

  • __3-4 fitted crib sheets

  • __3-4 light blankets

If baby will be sleeping with you:

  • __Firm mattress (not a waterbed)

  • __2-3 waterproof pads to place under baby

Other items:

  • __Baby mittens to protect face

  • __Nail clippers made special for baby

  • __Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous

  • __Baby thermometer

  • __Eye dropper or medicine spoon

  • __Approved infant car seat-rear facing

  • __Sling or baby carrier

  • __Diaper bag

  • __Stroller that can recline so newborn can lie flat

  • __Changing table (or just use changing pad on sofa or bed)

Other optional items:

  • __Pacifiers

  • __Baby swing

  • __Bouncy baby seat mobiles

  • __Rattles

  • __Baby toys

  • __Baby monitor