12-5-2009 - Newborn Checklist

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

I searched for this checklist on the internet...

sleeping

• bassinet
• bassinet mattress
• bedding for bassinet (3 undersheets, 3 top sheets, 3 mattress protectors, blankets)
• cot
• cot mattress
• bedding for cot (2 undersheets, 2 top sheets, 2 mattress protectors, blankets)
• monitor

handy link: cot safety checklist

changing & bathing

• change table
• change mat
• basic toiletries (nappy wipes, barrier cream, sorbolene cream, cotton wool,
  cotton buds, nappy disposal bags, soap/bubble bath, shampoo, massage oil)
• newborn nappies (fitted cloth or disposable)
• bath - look for one with a 'plug'
• bath seat - stops baby moving in the bath
• towels, 2 at least
• washers, 2 at least
• water temperature thermometer
• nail scissors
• hairbrush & comb
• muslin squares

handy link: change table safety checklist

general

• comfortable chair for feeding / night-time settling
• nightlight
• mobile
• decor - curtains, pictures, rugs, etc
• chest of drawers for storage
• bouncer chair
• toys
• activity mat
• re-stock your first aid kit
• safety products - when you baby starts moving (stair gates, safety plugs for powerpoints, tap guards, etc)

handy link: bouncer safety checklist

going out

• pram
• sun shade for pram
• baby capsule / car seat
• head support for capsule
• sun shades for car windows
• baby carrier / sling
• nappy-bag with change mat
• portable cot

handy links: pram safety checklist, baby capsules & car seats, nappy bag checklist

feeding equipment
If you are intending to breastfeeding, you'll require very little additional 'equipment'. If feeding is difficult and you find that you do need feeding equipment such as sterilisers, bottles, and formula, these items are readily available in most towns and cities.

• breastpads
• special 'feeding' pillow or 'V' shaped cushion
• 2 bottles (more if you will be bottlefeeding)
• bottle cleaning and sterlising equipment
• highchair (from 6 months +)

If you are intending to breastfeed, you can buy packets containing individual sachets suitable for one-feed. Tins of feed need to be used up within a couple of weeks once opened.

clothing

• bodysuits
• singlets
• growsuits
• sunhat
• warmhat
• jackets, jumpers, cardigans
• socks
• bibs

Clothing is easy to buy afterwards, so just get some essentials like bodysuits and growsuits until after the birth. You won't know the size of the baby until the birth and clothes need to suit the seasons, so buying beforehand can result in some items never seeing the light of day! Clothing is also a popular option for friends and relatives to buy as gifts. Basic clothing for newborns is readily available in nursery stores and clothing stores.

handy link: clothing stores