The Cradle
Baby Names   |   Weekly Pregnancy Calendar   |   Expert Pregnancy Advice   |   giggle
Sign In    Join  |  Home  |  About Us  |  Link to Us   
 

W

ee

k

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

32

34

36

38

40
MY CRADLE   |   MESSAGE BOARDS   |   MY WEB PAGE   |   GROUPS

 

I'm pregnant and want...
facts & expert information
to track my baby's growth
a refresher course
to connect with others
to create a web page to share
to explore products
to plan the nursery
style & celebrtiy updates
eco-friendly tips & advice
 
i'm trying to conceive
i'm a new mom
i'm an expectant or new dad
i'm a friend or family member

Trying to Conceive: Checklist

First Trimester: Checklist

Second Trimester: Checklist

Hospital Checklist

Third Trimester: Checklist

"The List" Must Have Checklist

. . . more
 
 
 

"The List" Must Have Checklist

Compiled by The Cradle Staff

hen you break it all down, the absolute basics needs for your baby are quite simple.

They are:

  • Food
  • Diapers
  • A place to sleep
  • And, of course, your love and care

But when it comes to your newborn, need and want are two words that are easily interchangeable. The list below covers what we feel are the "must have" items when it comes to bringing home baby.

Print this checklist to mark your completed items.
An interactive checklist is coming soon!

 Nursery Furniture & Accessories
 Bassinet/Cradle/Co-Sleeper
(unless you are putting your little one right into the crib)
 Crib
 Crib mattress 
 Changing table (or any safe place to change your baby's diaper)
 Nursery monitor
  
 For the Crib
 3-5 fitted sheets
 Crib positioner (to keep baby on his/her back) 
  
 For the Changing Table
 Diapers (disposable or cloth)
 Wipes
 Diaper cream/ointment
  
 For the Bath
 Infant bath tub (or seat)
 4+ hooded towels
 6+ washcloths 
 Gentle shampoo/Baby wash (a pump top is a plus!)
 Brush/Comb (If your little one has any hair!)
 Mild moisturizer (for after the bath)
 Baby manicure set (Baby's nails are nice and soft after a bath.)
  
 For the Medicine Cabinet
 Digital thermometer
(See also How To: Take Your Baby's Temperature.)
 First aid kit
 Infant's Tylenol and/or Infant's Motrin
(Always consult with your pediatrician before dispensing any medication.)
 Infant's Mylicon (or other simethicone drops - for gas)
 Bulb syringe
  
 IN ANTICIPATION OF TEETHING:
Infant's Anbesol or Oragel (or similar)
Hyland's (or another homeopathic brand) Teething Tablets
  
 (See also Baby's First Medicine Cabinet.)
  
 Out and About
 Infant car seat
 Mirror (to see baby in car)
 Diaper bag
  
 ONE (OR MORE) OF THE FOLLOWING
 Car seat stroller frame
 Stroller with car seat attachment/adapter
 Stroller with bassinet option (or full recline)
Baby carrier (if you prefer to hold your baby)
  
 For the Diaper Bag
 Diapers
 Wipes
 Diaper cream/ointment
 Diaper trash bags (or Ziploc-type bags)
 Backup inesie
 Cap/Hat
 Pacifier(s) (if your baby takes one)
 Bottle (unless exclusively breastfeeding)
 Formula dispenser or can of liquid formula (unless exclusively breastfeeding)
  
 For the Kitchen
 Bottles
 Nipples
 Formula (if formula fed)
  
 For the Nursing Mom
 Breastpump (electric and/or handheld)
Some are available for rent - ask your hospital or lactation consultant.
 Pump accessories
 Milk storage bags
 Nursing bras
  
 Layette
 6+ onesies
 4-6 pair of socks
 2+ newborn hats
 2-3 footed or footless pajamas (or bundlers)
 4-6 bibs
 2-3 swaddling blankets
 6 -8 burp cloths
 Gentle baby laundry detergent
 Outfit for celebration, i.e. bris, christening, etc.
(if you are having one.)
  

 

 

 

Every pregnancy is different. The content offered in this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your health care practitioner if you have any questions about your health or the health of your baby.