Newborn Checklist: Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival
Whether you are a first time parent or adding to your growing family, it’s important to be fully prepared for your baby’s arrival. From stocking up your nappy caddy, to creating a warm and cozy nursery space, this article will walk you through everything you need to be ready for your little one.
Newborn Checklist: Nappy Caddy
Choosing the right nappy is a huge aspect of parenting that ensures the comfort and well-being of both your little one, and yourself! Our award-winning nappies were designed to tick all the boxes - affordable, super absorbent and safe on sensitive baby skin. Rascals Premium Nappies are our #1 Absorbing Nappy[1], featuring our Unique Hydrolock Core™ which holds up to 25x its weight for 12 hours of advanced leak protection[1,2,3]. Our nappies were crafted with Zero Nasties and are clinically proven safe on sensitive skin, and free from 100+ harmful substances. Read below for our suggestions of essentials for your nappy caddy:
Nappy caddy essentials:
- Nappies
- Changing mat or table
- Baby ointment or lotions
- Disposable nappy bags
- Burp cloth and bib
- Nappy cream
- Hand sanitiser
- Lots and lots of baby wipes!
Newborn Checklist: Selecting the Right Clothing
Your little one will grow in and out of clothing sizes, fast! Rather than buy everything at once, we recommend having the basics on hand and adding to their wardrobe as they grow up:
- 8-10 undershirts or onesies (a mix of short and long sleeve)
- 5 pairs of pants
- 2 newborn hats
- 8-10 pairs of socks or booties
- 3 pairs of scratch mittens
- 3 cardigans or jackets
Newborn Checklist: Feeding + Mealtime
Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, your newborn may need feeding around the clock. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby, so be patient and give yourself the time to adapt. Read below our suggestions for feeding time essentials, which you may like to store in a basket to always be prepared.
If you’re breastfeeding:
- Lots of bibs
- Burp cloths
- Breast pump
- Milk storage containers
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras (TIP: if you’re buying before the baby is born, purchase one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
- Breast pads (disposable or washable)
- Lotion for sore nipples (after breastfeeding)
- Feeding pillow and/or comfy pillow behind your back
- Plenty of Water
- Muslin cloths
- Snacks
- Hair tie. Handy to tie your hair back but even handier if you’re breastfeeding, so you can put it on your wrist to remember which side you are on for the next feed
If you’re formula feeding:
- Lots of bibs
- Burp cloths
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Formula
- Thermal bottle carrier
Newborn Checklist: Setting up the Nursery
Welcoming a new member to your family is an exciting experience, with setting up the nursery being one of the most exciting aspects. Creating a space that is not only functional but also warm and welcoming can make those early months with your baby all the more special. Read below our suggestions for nursery essentials:
- Crib, mattress and fitted crib sheets
- A few light blankets that you can layer in the crib
- Waterproof mattress covers
- Sleep sack
- Baby monitor
- Coat hangers
- Night light
- Rocking or reclining chair for feeding
- Pacifiers
- 10+ muslin cloths
Newborn Checklist: Bath Time
Bath time can be one of the most memorable experiences as a new parent, here’s our essentials to make bath time as smooth as possible:
- 12 washcloths
- Baby soap or cleanser
- Baby soft-bristled hair brush
- 3 soft-hooded towels
Newborn Checklist: Beyond the Basics
- Beyond the nursery, nappy caddy and bath time, here are the essentials you may need for your little one:
- Sun shade for car windows
- Stroller
- Medication in case of fever
- Medicine spoon
- Baby thermometer
- Nail clippers or scissors
Preparing for the Hospital
As your due date approaches, you should prepare a hospital bag to be ready for when you are. Although most of the essentials will be provided for you at the hospital, here are some other things we recommend to prepare you for your stay:
- Plan your route to the hospital in advance
- Have your babies car seat professional installed before their arrival
- Prepare your nappy bag (including: Nappies, Wipes, and multiple pairs of onesies, burp cloths, hat’s and mittens!)
- If you’ve prepared a birth plan, make sure to include a copy in your hospital bag!
- It’s also important to consider what you need for your own comfort - comfortable clothing is a must, including a robe, multiple pairs of maternity underwear, slippers and loose-fitting clothes to wear home!
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, lip balm, face wash, heavy-duty sanitary pads, and any personal care items
- Your favorite snacks and drinks
- Phone charger (with a long cable!)
- Identification and insurance information
FAQs: Newborn Baby Checklist
Essential items include nappies, clothing, feeding supplies, baby toiletries, and health essentials like a thermometer.
A nappy bag is convenient for carrying essentials when you're out with your newborn. It's a practical inclusion in the checklist.