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checklists
 
 
"The List" Nice to Have Checklist
Compiled by The Cradle Staff

abies really don't need much – just a few staples such as food, diapers, and good ol' fashioned TLC.

But, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying a huge selection of baby gear and gadgets that can be both fun and functional.

The list below covers what we feel are the "nice to have" items when it comes to bringing home baby. Choose what you think will enrich the environment for your growing family.

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

 Nursery Furniture & Accessories
 Bookshelf
 Glider/Rocker
 Moses Basket
 Mobile
 Sound Soother/White Noise Machine/Fan 
 Dresser
 Organizers for Closet
 Baby Hangers
 Blackout Shades
(Although our experts at Sleepy Planet might argue that these are a must have!)
 Curtains
 Rug
 Crib Toys
 Toy Chest
 Wall Décor
 Clock
 Lamp(s)
 Night Light
 Cool-Mist Humidifier
 Air Purifier
  
 For the Crib
 Bumpers (See our article on Nursery Safety)
 Dust Ruffle
 Quilted Mattress Pad(s)
 Lightweight Blankets (depends on your climate)
 Heavier Blankets (depends on your climate)
  
 For the Changing Table
 Wipe Warmer
 Diaper Pail & Refills (if applicable)
 Waterproof Pads
 Cotton Balls/PadsRubbing Alcohol/Alcohol Wipes 
 Q-tips 
 Baby Powder (Talc-free or Corn Starch)
 Toys to entertain/distract baby
 Hand Sanitizer
  
 For the Bath
 Plastic Container (To rinse baby)
 Cloth Diapers
(To put on baby's chest with warm water so they don't catch a chill.) 
  
 Out and About
 Baby Carrier (Sling, wrap, etc.)
 Snap 'n Go
  
 For the Diaper Bag
 Hand Sanitizer
 Blanket
 Disposable Changing Pads
 Rattle or Other Small Toy
 Nursing Shawl (if breastfeeding)
 Small plastic bags (for disposing dirty diapers)
  
 Around the House
Swing
(Some of us might argue that this is a MUST HAVE!)
 Bouncy Seat
 Playard
 Gymini
  
 For the Kitchen
 Sterilizer
 Bottle Brush
 Drying Rack
 A highchair isn't needed for about 6 months.
 A booster seat isn't needed for at least 12-18 months - if at all.
  
 For the Nursing Mom
 Nursing pillow
 Nursing tops
 Nursing shawl/cover
 Nipple cream
  
 Layette
 4-6 Crossover Undershirts
(These don't upset the umbilical stump.)
 2+ One-Piece Playsuits/Rompers
 3 Stretchy Pants
 1 Going Home Outfit
 Mittens
(To prevent scratching, not for making snowballs...)
 Lingerie Bag
(To prevent little socks from getting lost in the laundry!)
  
 Recovery: After a Vaginal Delivery
 Donut Cushion
 Numbing Spray 
 Squeeze Water Bottle
 Witch Hazel Pads, i.e. Tucks, etc.
 Ice Packs
 Laxative 
  
 Recovery: After a C-Section
 Scar Minimizer, i.e. Neosporin Scar Solution
 Laxative
  
 Toys, Books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
 During Pregnancy
 What to Expect When You're Expecting,
by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, Sandee Hathaway
 The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy,
by Vicki Iovine
 The Expectant Father,
by Armin A. Brott
 The Pregnancy Journal,
by A. Christine Harris
  
 To Prepare for Your New Arrival
 The Happiest Baby on the Block,
by Harvey Karp, MD (book and/or DVD)
 

The Baby Name Bible,
by Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz
(Be sure to visit The Cradle's Baby Name Search!)

 The Sleepeasy Solution,
by Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack
 The New Mom's Companion,
by Debra Gilbert Rosenberg and Mary Sue Miller
The Expert's Guide to the Baby Years,
by Samantha Ettus
  
 To Read to Your Little One
 Guess How Much I Love You,
by Sam McBratney
 I Love You Through and Through,
by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
 Goodnight, Moon,
by Margaret Wise Brown
 You Are My I Love You,
by Maryann Cusimano Love
 Hush Little Baby,
by Sylvia Long
 Good Night, Gorilla,
by Peggy Rathmann
 Counting Kisses,
by Karen Katz
  
 Toys
 Crinkle toys
 Tummy time mat
 Bootie rattles
 Teethers
 Clutch cubes or balls
 Soft cloth books
 Mobile
 Red, white and black toys