It’s hard to believe that small babies can require so many things, but as you are about to find out, they do. Before your baby comes into the world, there are many special things you’ll have to purchase. It can be difficult to think ahead of time (especially if this is your first child) and know what you’ll need. Here is a shopping list for a newborn baby that will help you keep things straight. The list is split up into easy-to-read sections and includes everything from items you may not have thought of to common sense necessities.
Clothing Needs for Newborn Baby
Onesies – Dress-up outfits are adorable, but not necessarily practical for daily use. When you’re at home with baby, you want something that can be easily removed for diaper changing. Onesies slip over baby’s head and button at the crotch. You’ll need several for each day, as your baby will have several diaper leaks during the newborn stage.
Velcro booties – Baby’s feet are so small when they are first born, even the smallest socks don’t stay on. Velcro booties can be fastened to fit tiny ankles, and can be loosened as baby grows.
Velcro bibs – Your shopping list for baby should certainly include several velcro bibs. Your newborn will spit up a lot. By fastening a bib to your baby’s neck before each feeding, you can help protect your newborn’s clothing from becoming dirty and stained. This will also cut back on the amount of laundry you’ll have to do!
Burp cloths – In the same way that a bib will keep your baby’s clothes clean, a burp cloth will keep your own clothing clean. A burp cloth is an absorbent, heavy cloth that you place on your shoulder, beneath your child’s face, when you burp them. When your newborn spits up, your clothes stay dry and protected.
Newborn hat – In the hospital, you’ll be given a soft newborn hat to help keep baby warm and comfortable. It’s a good idea to have at least one more of these at home, so that when the original hat becomes dirty, you’ll have one to replace it with.
Blankets – When baby first comes home from the hospital, it’s important to keep him or her warm. After all, your baby is used to the warmth of the womb. Purchase a variety of lightweight blankets and heavier blankets for around the house and when you are outside with baby.
Furniture Needs for Newborn Baby
Bassinet – There’s nothing as important as peace of mind, which is what a bassinet provides during those first few weeks of your child’s life. With a bassinet, you can have your baby sleeping peacefully by your side regardless of where you are in the house. Push it with you when you’re in the living room, and then move it into the bedroom at night. You’ll rest better knowing your baby is with you at all times.
Crib – Even if you intend on keeping baby in a bassinet at first, baby will need a crib of his or her own before you know it. Life will be extremely hectic in the beginning, so having a crib in place before the baby arrives will be a smart decision. Even though your baby won’t use it at first, be sure to include a crib in your checklist for baby.
Changing table – A changing table may not seem like an essential item before you have a baby, but you’ll quickly change your mind once the baby arrives. You’ll be spending a lot of time changing diapers for a year or more, and having a comfortable spot to change the baby is of utmost importance. Be sure to purchase a changing table with a lip or protected edge to keep baby from rolling off.
Miscellaneous Needs for Newborn Baby
Car seat – Your baby will not be allowed to leave the hospital unless you have a car seat which has been properly installed in your vehicle. This should be a rear-facing car seat approved for your infant’s weight class.
Several sets of crib sheets – If you try to get by with one set of crib sheets, you will constantly be washing those sheets. Spend a little extra money and purchase several spare sets of sheets. Newborn babies are so small, the diapers leak from every direction when they are first born. Extra sheets simply make life a little easier during those first few months.
Laundry soap for babies – A newborn’s skin is very sensitive and requires special laundry detergent, so be sure to add laundry soap for babies to your shopping list. It’s advised that babies’ clothing, blankets, sheets, and so on, be washed before use.
Intercom/monitor – A baby monitor allows you to always keep an ear on your baby, no matter where you are in the house. One section of the monitor stays near baby and the other with you. You’ll be able to hear when your baby cries, moves, and even sighs. The monitor will pick up every sound, so you can be assured that your baby is safe.
Bathtime Needs for Newborn Baby
Baby bath – Your shopping list for a newborn baby should include a non-skid bottom baby bath that can fit safely in your sink. This will make bathing baby easier on your back and help baby feel safe and secure at bath time.
Hooded towels – Bath towels for babies are very handy to have, as they’re just the right size and made of ultra-soft material. Look for those with a hood sewn-in, so you can keep baby’s head warm after bath.
Bath soap, lotion, etc. – Newborns have extremely sensitive skin and will require gentle bath soap, lotion and bath oils. Have an assortments of these products on-hand during bath time.
Nail clippers for baby – When you first bring baby home from the hospital, chances are you will need to clip his or her nails. You cannot use regular clippers on a baby, but you can purchase nail clippers made especially for their little hands.
Diapering Needs for Newborn Baby
Diapers in various sizes – When you’re getting together a shopping list for a newborn baby, one of the first things you’ll add is diapers. There’s no doubt you’ll need a lot of diapers! But, you won’t want to buy all your diapers the same size. Your baby will grow quickly, and most will outgrow their ‘Ëœnewborn’ diapers before they can use them all. If possible, hold on to your diaper receipts so you can exchange unused diapers for a larger size.
Baby wipes – Again, your baby will go through a lot of diaper wipes. But, you don’t want to run out and buy several containers of the same brand of wipes. Some babies can use any type of wipe while others will get a rash from all but one kind. Find out what works for your baby before stockpiling.
Diaper rash cream – A newborn baby’s skin is extremely sensitive. In some cases, adjusting to wearing a diaper or having urine touch their skin will cause a diaper rash. Be sure to add diaper rash cream to your shopping list for a newborn baby. This is an essential item to have on hand.
Waterproof changing pad – It’s a good idea to have two waterproof changing pads on your shopping list for baby. This way you can keep one at home and one in your diaper bag. These pads keep the area beneath baby dry when you change their diaper, and also help to protect baby from germs when changing in public.
Sealable diaper pail – Unless you want your home to smell like a dirty diaper 24/7, you’ll want to add a sealable diaper pail to your shopping list for a baby. These devices seal off each used diaper and store it in a chamber, which you can then empty at the end of the day. They are easy to use and a must-have item!
Common Sense Stuff
Bottles – Whether you breast feed or not, you’ll want to have bottles on hand. Some babies will have to supplement mother’s breast milk with formula and others wont. It’s best to be prepared. As your child grows, they will need the bottles for drinking juice anyway.
Bottle brush – It’s very difficult to clean inside a bottle. A bottle brush is designed to slide inside the bottle and clean it thoroughly. Even if you have a dishwasher, you should have a bottle brush on hand for pre-cleaning.
Diaper bag (stocked) – All new parents should have a stocked diaper bag on hand and ready to go at all times.
More from this contributor:
Ten Tips to Sooth a Crying Baby
The Push Present – A gift given after giving birth
The Basic Rules of Parenting
