Baby essentials checklist; The Only Baby Essentials You’ll Need On Your Newborn Baby’s Shopping List
Hey mama,
Are you waiting for your newborn’s birth and maybe wondering what baby essential you’ll need on your baby’s shopping list? Or are you in your early years of parenting and still want to know more about the best accessories to ease your motherhood life?
Well, this post is for you.
As a mother of three, I’ve seen and tested motherhood’s good and ugly sides.
Sometimes it’s easy; sometimes, it calls for mental toughness.
You’ll love your baby’s beautiful smile but endure the sleepless nights.
You’ll have to throw away heavy shawls in summer, but reach out for that nasal spray in winter. It all goes around and comes around.
Preparing yourself with all seasoned baby essentials can be your saving grace just in case things turn around unexpectedly.
You want to live knowing that you are prepared for weather changes with heavy and light shawls.
You want to keep around that thermometer that can tell you things are not going well with your baby’s health. And of course, you can’t forget those accessories that will make your life easier, like carriers and strollers.
To cut the story short, why don’t we dive in and see the only essential baby accessories you’ll need on your shopping list?
Here we go.
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Health and Safety Baby Essentials Checklist
Newborns are delicate and unpredictable human beings. They may look fine during the day yet surprise you with a high fever at night.
That is why it’s necessary to have your first aid kit ready even before their arrival.
Having a few safety baby essentials accessories may help you during those awkward moments while waiting for your pediatrician’s advice.
Here is a list of must-haves in your baby’s first aid kit.
♦ Surgical spirit
Having an antiseptic around can help in many ways. I like using surgical spirit for my babies’ umbilical cord care since they proved to heal the stump code within a few days.
I know most hospitals give very effective umbilical-code medicines. However, sometimes your newborn may react to other medicines.
Like I noticed my son could bleed a lot after applying the one I was given in the hospital. So I switched to the surgical spirit, and the code healed within three days.
Also, it’s an antiseptic. You can use it clean and dry minor wounds in infants.
♦ Digital thermometer
I believe any mother can tell when a baby is not feeling well by observing several factors. However, having a thermometer is critical to ascertaining the degree of fever in a baby.
Nothing is as embarrassing as not being able to give accurate information about your baby’s health for diagonalization.
Ensure you have a thermometer in your first aid kit to help you keep track of temperature fluctuations in your baby, especially when they are not feeling well.
♦ Antibiotic Ointment
Ensure you stock up on OTC antibiotic ointments like Neosporin for minor skin itching and inflations like eczema.
Similarly, some healing ointments like Aquaphor have proved effective in providing advanced skin protection without adverse reactions to the baby. You can use these ointments on everyday skin issues like itching or diaper rash.
♦ Adhesive Bandages
These sticking plasters will help dress minor injuries that are of no major concern.
Adhesive bandages are a must-have item for any proactive parent.
As a baby grows, they tend to be more active. Rolling and climbing about becomes the order of the day.
Similarly, getting minor injuries becomes inevitable. And that is why having adhesive bandages may help protect wounds from further injuries, especially if your baby is very active. They also prevent bacteria and dirt from entering the wound.
♦ Petroleum Jelly/ Emollients
If you’re looking for an excellent baby moisturizer, go for petroleum jelly or emollients.
These products can prevent, sooth, hydrate, or treat dry, rough, and minor skin irritations. They also aid in preventing patches of inflammation in case of eczema or ichthyosis.
♦ Bulb Syringe or Nasal Aspirator
Definitely, you will require the syringe to remove mucus from your baby’s nose. Newborns are prone to having common colds and blocked noses.
A bulb syringe or a good nasal aspirator like NoseFrida may help unblock their little noses since they still can’t blow them.
♦ Baby Nail Clippers or Nail Files
Newborn babies tend to have sharp nails. Trimming these nails from time to time or even filing them can help prevent accidental scratching and face injuries. That is why a nail clipper or a soft emery board nail file is a must-have gear in your first aid kit.
Instead of overburdening your baby with mittens all the time, why don’t you get a soft emery board and constantly file their nails to keep them short? Alternatively, you may get a set of 4-in-1 nail clippers for ease of maintaining your baby’s nails.
♦ Saline Spray and Antibacterial Wipes
This spray is a must-have, especially for a baby-blocked nose. Saline sprays tend to moisture inside the nose. By so doing, they help dissolve and soften thick crusty mucus, thus making it easy to suck it out.
Please don’t forget to include this item in your shopping list; it may reward you with an additional hour of sleep during one of those nasty nights with your baby’s blocked nose.
Also ensure that you’re buying a spray that is safe for use with newborns, like the Little Remedies Sterile Mist.
Additionally, always ensure that you have some antibacterial wipes for your baby’s nose. These wipes will go a long way in soothing a running nose and keeping them dry.
♦ Medicine Dispenser
With a newborn in the house, you will have to drop the habit of using spoons from your kitchen to dispense drugs.
A medicine dropper or dispenser is essential for accurate measurement when administering medicine, vitamins, or supplements to infants. Be sure to get something easy to use and clean after dispensing your medicine, like a Medi Frida Accu-dose pacifier.
♦ Sunscreen
Sunscreens are optional, but you may need them if you plan to sunbathe your baby often. Also, keep them in case you plan for a baby’s day out or prolonged outdoor activities that may lead to sunburns.
Related:10 Must- Have Survival Skills for Mothers with Under 3 year- old- Kids
Clothing Baby Essentials Checklist
Shopping for newborn clothes can be interesting. In fact, it’s one of the few things that may help elevate your pregnancy mood.
When shopping around for your baby, remember newborns can outgrow their clothes quickly. It’s just a matter of a few months, and some of those clothes will lay in the closet unused.
For this reason, you might want to buy bigger sizes or something they can use for at least three months.
Here is a list of must-haves in your baby’s wardrobe.
♦ Receiving Blanket
This is the first blanket your newborn will be wrapped in after birth. Usually, it’s a thin, soft, cute cotton blanket that comes in packs of two or more, including other accessories.
One thing I like about having a receiving blanket is memories. They stick around serving your baby for quite some time, ha!
Besides having the sentimental value of being the first-ever cloth wrapped around your baby, they can go a long way in serving you.
With time, you can use this blanket as a swaddle, a burp cloth, a stroller shade, a breastfeeding cover, or spread it on a diaper-changing mat.
♦ Swaddle Blanket
In the first few weeks, before your baby starts rolling over, you’ll likely swaddle them in special blankets.
Swaddling is essential to protect your newborn against its natural startle reflex.
Sometimes it imitates your touch, which translates to better and long hours of sleep.
If you’re an expert swaddler, well, for you. You can always get unisex swaddle wraps like Bamboo Muslin swaddle blankets with multifunctional roles.
But if you’re a first-time mom, think of buying ready-to-use swaddles like HALO Micro-fleece sleep sack swaddle or Jam Naturals-my all-time favourite.
♦ Undershirts and T-shirts
From day one, you will need a onesie or bodysuit with either long or short sleeves and a snap between the legs to keep the diaper intact. The best undershirts and t-shirts are those made from cotton or breathable materials to facilitate quick healing of umbilical code.
You will also need rompers or jumpsuits, pyjamas, footie, snapsuits, blanket sleepers, baby gowns, and coveralls, among others.
♦ Snowsuit
At least have two snowsuits for that extremely cold weather.
♦ Sleeping Sacks
Following the AAP Baby sleep guidelines, you’ll not need an additional blanket and shawl in your newborn crib.
As such, you must dress your baby appropriately. Also, have sleeping sacks even if they wear pyjamas for extra warmth. Ensure you assess the weather to avoid over or underdressing.
♦ Leggings and Socks
You’ll need several pairs of socks and some leggings to keep your baby’s feet warm.
♦ Sweater and Jacket
Sweaters and jackets are must-have items to keep your baby’s warmth. Be sure to shop for variety, from heavyweight to medium and light ones. Your baby will need so many of them.
♦ Knit Hats and Hats with a Brim
You’ll need knit hats to keep your newborn’s head warm. Similarly, hats with a brim will be essential for the outdoor tour
Nursery Baby Essentials Checklist
Newborns spend almost three-quarters of their day sleeping. As such, you must plan to provide perfect comfort in their nursery before arrival.
Always ensure that everything aligns with AAP sleep guidelines, from the sleeping environment to accessories and safety. Nursery accessories include everything your baby will need for safe sleep, and they include;
♦ Baby Crib
American Academy of Pediatricians’ sleep guidelines recommends that infants should always sleep on their backs and in their own space. That is why you need a crib or a bassinet.
Although they may seem expensive initially, cribs can serve you for many years.
Choose a style or model that converts into a toddler bed and a daybed like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib. You may even be surprised that Some models can convert into a full-sized bed later.
♦ Crib Mattress
when it comes to a crib mattress, again, you must refer to the AAP guidelines, and the letter reads “that the mattress should be firm flat and with fitted sheets.
Please ensure you get a flat, firm mattress that perfectly fits the crib, like the Graco premium form crib mattress that is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US Certified to reduce the risk of SIDs.
♦ Bedding
With the bedding, you may choose to go with your theme, style, and preferences. Only ensure the sheets fit perfectly on the mattress to reduce the risk of baby suffocation.
AAP recommends that your baby’s crib is free of any other type of Bedding. This may include no additional blankets, top sheets, and pillows.
Bumper pads are optional, and if you have to go for one, ensure its made of breathable materials for the baby’s safety
♦ Nursery glider
A nursery rocking chair will be a perfect nursing spot for you. As the baby grows, you may use it when singing lullabies and storytelling. Its rocking motion is ideal for baby soothing and comfort. f you’re looking for something comfortable and classic, the Million Dollar Baby Classic Miranda will be ideal for you. However, if you like a glider with a matching ottoman, the DaVinci Olive Upholstered may be your best option.
♦ Baby Bassinet
Most mothers prefer using a bassinet in the first few weeks instead of cribs. Bassinets are portable and can easily be integrated with a mother’s bed for easy breastfeeding and baby monitoring.
The downside of having a bassinet is that your baby will eventually outgrow it, and you’ll still have to buy a crib. As such, go for a bassinet that can serve you for at least 3-5 months, like the Mika Micky Baby bassinet.
Unlike this brand, which is quite spacious and stable, some bassinets are so small and can not safely accommodate babies beyond a certain weight and height. Also, check on their safety features like stability, breathability and comfort.
♦ Night light
Definitely, you need the night light to help you maneuver your night shift duties.
From breastfeeding or just checking on your baby, night lights are made to provide dim light you can use without disrupting other people’s sleep.
Also, babies tend to fear total darkness; as such, you may take advantage of light from this gadget to soothe and reassure your baby of safety even when they wake up without you noticing.
♦ White-noise Machine
These machines are meant to produce soft and soothing music to calm your baby or even put them to sleep. Some bassinets have these features; however, you may still go for a specific white noise machine of your choice.
♦ Clothes Storage
Newborn’s clothes are tiny and need a lot of organization. As you continue to assemble a few pieces of stuff, you may also have to set aside a storage place for these clothes.
Some accessories like cribs or changing tables come with drawers or shelves. These may offer enough storage for your newborn’s stuff.
Alternatively, you can use baskets or tubs to organize clothes; chests of drawers or wardrobes are also good options.
♦ Pacifier
Pacifiers are excellent soothers for babies who like to sleep while sucking. Before adding, buy a few to test the water and see whether your newborn falls in love with them. You may be surprised that your baby doesn’t like them at all.
♦ Laundry Basket
Laundry baskets are excellent accessories for organizing your baby’s stuff. Get a specific laundry basket for your newborn’s clothes to avoid mixing with yours.
♦ Baby Monitor
You can not afford to scrap this gadget off your list once your baby starts sleeping in a separate space. A baby monitor can help you keep an eye on your baby from a distance. You can track their voices and actions even when not around them.
Diapering Baby Essentials Checklist
Brace yourself, mama, for diaper check and change. Besides breastfeeding, diapering your little one will always be on your to-do list.
Whether day or night, you want to check and change your baby’s diapers to avoid rashes on their diaper areas.
Also, ensure that you go for quality diapering products to reduce the risk of your baby’s skin reacting with chemicals in some of these products.
Here is a comprehensive list of diapering products you may need.
♦ Diapers
Baby diapers are among the basic essentials that should top your shopping list.
Right from delivery, your baby will start wearing a diaper. Thus, you must ensure that you go for high-quality diapers that can not react with your newborn’s delicate skin.
Please set aside a considerable budget for diapers because sometimes spending about eight pieces daily can be overwhelming. And the number may increase with time as the baby grows within the first few months.
Also, ensure you buy the right size. Your newborn will grow very first, and if you stock a lot of small-sized diapers, they may outgrow.
♦ Baby Wipes
These are essential for wiping your baby’s diaper area. Ensure that you select a brand that can cater to your newborn’s delicate skin. Some wipes contain preservatives that may irritate your baby’s skin. Reports indicate the wrong choice of baby wipe may cause rashes, blisters, or chemical burns. To be safe, go for a brand that has been tested and approved, like Pure Protection and Pampers Sensitive.
♦ Baby Wipe Warmer
Sometimes, baby wipes can be cold, especially if you’re doing a diaper change at night. To be safe, ensure that you use baby wipe warmers to keep the wipes at a desirable temperature for your baby’s comfort.
♦ Changing Table
Changing tables offer a safe space to change your baby’s diaper. Some Changing tables also come with drawers as additional storage for diapers, wipes, and clothes.
Some may even offer you bathing tub space. These additional features are recommendable since they make it easier to reach accessories without getting your hand off the baby, which is a safety measure.
In case you’re looking for a changing table with unwavering stability and longevity, go for the Delta Children Eclipse. But if you want a portable table or something you can fold and keep away easily, then go for a portable and multifunctional baby changing table.
Baby Changing Pad
Changing pads provide additional comfort on the changing table. They are also necessary when travelling, and you do not want to use public spaces when changing your baby. Ensure that whatever you are going for is portable and easy to clean, like, the Bluesnail Bamboo changing pad liners.
Washcloths
I like using Wash clothes after every diaper change to wipe off my baby’s diaper area. With warm plain water, wet a washcloth and wipe your baby before applying a moisturizer.
Doing so ensures that they stay clean, fresh, and moisturized, thus reducing the risk of developing diaper rash.
Diaper Rash Cream
Once in a while, your baby may get a diaper rash. It’s best if you would be prepared with a non-reactive diaper rash cream to help with emergencies.
Over time I have noticed that applying petroleum jelly to your baby’s diaper area may reduce the risk of diaper rashes. But still, you need to have an ointment or a cream that can dry off the rush if it develops.
Diaper Pail
Diapers take longer to decompose. As such, It’s always recommendable to keep diaper waist separate from garbage and food waste.
If you want something that can contain a fishy smell from the poop, then diaper pails may be your best bait.
Although optional, diaper pails provide a hygienic way of disposing of dirty diapers with poo. You may find several types in the market.
Some work with regular trash can liners, while others come with a unique liner ring from the manufacturer, which is sold separately. The special liners are better at trapping odors but will cost more overall.
Related: Is Your Baby Constipating? This is What You Need TO Know About Relieving Constipation in Infants
Bath Time Baby Essentials List
Whether you are thinking about sponge bathing your baby in the first few weeks or going full baths after the umbilical cord falls off, baby’s bath time will require some basic bathing accessories.
Here is everything you’ll need for your baby’s bath time in the first few months:
Baby Bathtubs, Seats, and Cushions
For a first-time mom, newborn first bath may be challenging. Even if you stick to sponge baths for the first few weeks, having essential bathing gear may help you enjoy the process.
Have a good bathtub with a seat or cushion-like Angel care baby bath support for additional baby comfort.
Ensure that you buy not a tiny tub that your baby will outgrow. Buy something that will make the bathing process faster and more enjoyable while guarding the safety of your newborn.
Shampoo and Mild Soap
Honestly, there is no point investing in expensive shampoos for newborns. However, if your baby was born with long hair and its head smells fishy, then having a mild shampoo for bath time will be a good idea.
Also, if you’re getting baby products, ensure that you buy pediatric-recommended soap, mild and specifically designed for babies, like Aveeno baby shampoo for sensitive skin and Johnson’s Tear-free baby shampoo.
Rinsing Cup or a Scoop
You may think of having a plastic scoop or cup for easier rinsing your baby after shampoo or soap application.
Pacifier
If your newborn dislikes bath time, having a pacifier around may help calm it down. Place a pacifier in their mouth when they show discomfort to add a few minutes of bath time.
Hooded Towels
This is crucial for drying your baby after a bath.
Soft Cotton Washcloths
Washcloths will come in handy during sponge bathes or scrubbing your baby. Ensure that they are soft to avoid hurting your newborn’s delicate skin.
Baby Moisturizer
A newborn doesn’t need special lotions, but if your little one has dry patches of skin, you can apply a non-perfumed baby moisturizer recommended by a pediatrician. Using pure petroleum jelly or essential oils like organic coconut has also proved to work better for a baby’s skin.
Nonslip Bath mats; this product is optional but may help lower the risk of slipping when water spillover is on the floor.
Bath Thermometer
Bath thermometers may be optional to purchase but may come in handy to help check the ideal water temperature before immersing your baby inside the tub. I have found using my wrist to be a fast and most effective way of determining the correct temperatures for bath water.
Related: Newborn Baby’s first bath. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to bathe your newborn
Feeding Baby Essentials Checklist
Feeding a baby can be demanding and messy a times. Besides having great accessories, you need comfort, patience, and endurance.
For comfortably baby feeding sessions that may last for six months, the following necessities may come in handy to complement your efforts.
♦. Nursing Pillow
Nursing pillows are essential for both mom and baby. They add extra comfort that may relieve you of backaches while providing a great latching position for your baby.
Consider getting U-shaped cushy pillows like Boppy nursing pillows and positioners. These firm pillows give your newborn somewhere to rest other than your arms, which can also take some of the weight off your body.
♦. Nursing Cover
A nursing cover is an essential need that shelters you with your little one while breastfeeding, especially in public. While it’s an optional accessory to use at home, you may need it occasionally during outdoor tours with your baby.
♦. Bibs and Burp Clothes
Bibs and burp clothes are essential, as they can help protect your baby’s clothes from milk, formula, and drool. Be sure to buy waterproof bibs like the Bumkins SuperBib for extra dryness and baby comfort.
♦. Bottles and Nipples
Bottles and nipples are essential for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. They come in varieties.
Some are made of plastic, while others are made of glass. When choosing a bottle, always ensure that you look for bottles with liners in between to regulate the flow of milk and reduce the possibility of your infant swallowing air.
Dr. Brown’s Anti-colic feeding bottles may be among your best options if you’re thinking of a bottle that can provide a consistent flow rate for fewer spit-ups and gas swallowing.
Also, consider the nipple shape and size. This, too, can affect your babies feeding ability.
♦. Breast Pump
You will need breast pumps if you must store breastmilk for future use. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose a manual or electrical pump.
Be sure to buy the right size of the pump. Also, check the sanction power to avoid excess pressure on your breast.
♦.Bottle Warmer
Bottle warmers are meant to ensure that your breast milk remains at desirable temperatures, ready for baby consumption.
This accessory is a true time saver and very effective when you are away or in transit with expressed milk.
♦. Milk Storage Bags
Do you know you can safely freeze breast milk for over a month using these bags?
Yes.
Milk storage bags are a must-have item if you’re planning on exclusive breastfeeding even when you are back to work. They allow you to start storing breastmilk and build up your supply for future use.
If you still don’t have a preferred brand for milk storage bags, I suggest trying out Madela Breastmilk storage bags or Lansinoh Breastmilk storage bags. These brands are super strong with reinforced seams for protection.
♦. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrushes are simply for thoroughly cleaning the inside of the milk bottle. Suppose you can find other alternatives, well for you.
But if you still struggle with cleaning your baby’s bottle, you may try out a bottle brush and see how it performs.
♦. Bottle-drying Rack
Most parents like to keep baby items separately. The drying rack will provide a designated space to dry your baby’s accessories without mixing with others.
Related; 9 Essential Breastfeeding Tips to Help New Moms Start Off From Day 1
Tummy Time Baby Essentials Checklist
Incorporating tummy times into your baby’s schedule will help enhance their development. From strengthening their core muscles; and ushering them into the next phase of development, you need tummy times.
In the first few weeks, you may use your tummy(tummy–to–tummy method) moves or laps to encourage head lifting. Afterward, you may need to place him down for long hours.
Here are a few essentials to help you get started.
♦. Tummy Time Pillows
Place a nursing pillow on your lap to incline your baby’s head and shoulders higher than the rest of the body. Doing so will make it easier for your baby to lift and hold the head up
♦. Safe Space and Tummy Mats
As your baby grows, create a soft and safe space for tummy times. The floor is an ideal space for this course. You may provide a blanket, heavy shawl, or a tummy time mat on a firm, flat surface. Having an interesting tummy mat like ZMLM Baby tummy may help keep your baby their tummy longer.
♦.Tummy Time Toys
Make tummy time more fun by introducing toys, non-breakable mirrors, and a variety of bright and engaging stuff for your infant to grab, pull and shake. These fun toys will keep them much longer on their tummies.
Related:7 Unwritten Baby Routines That Sustained My Sanity In The First 3 Months After Childbirth
Outdoor Baby Essentials Checklist
Having a baby’s day out is definitely going to be on your list. You will have to visit postnatal clinics for a checkup. Not to forget, sunbathing for vitamin D. And who knows, you may decide to take them along for shopping just for fresh air and a new environment.
These outdoor tours will require some baby essentials to make your little one comfortable. Here are basic checklists of essentials for a baby’s day out.
♦ Car Seat
Some parents use infant car seats as early as day one from the hospital. And it becomes part of their everyday essentials in case of a car ride.
Since a baby car seat may be a one-off purchase, try something durable that meets the latest AAP safety standards.
You may have to decide whether you will have an infant car seat or a convertible one.
Whatever direction you choose, always ensure that you buy a rear-facing car seat until the baby attains a requisite age and height for safety. Also, Ensure the baby seat is properly fitted to your car way before your due date.
♦ Baby Stroller
Strollers will help ease your mobility with a baby, especially if you have to cover a long distance from the car parking lot.
Additionally, you can use them for a fresh air stroll around the compound.
Please note that strollers come in different styles. You can choose car seat carrier strollers and travel systems or go for a full-sized stroller so long as they meet the AAP safety standards.
And incase you’re looking for something durable and multifunctional, you can never go wrong with Graco strollers.
♦ Baby Carrier and Wraps
Carriers and wraps are outdoor essentials that you probably don’t want to miss on your list.
Besides keeping your infant close as you move around, carriers also help free your hand for other jobs. And you have endless styles to choose from.
The common baby carriers and wraps include back or front pack carriers, baby wraps, and slings.
When deciding what to buy, review the AAP guidelines on features of a suitable carrier like a broad base for hip support. You must review this guidelines to avoid purchasing something that can affect your baby’s development.
Also, I prefer carriers that are convertible, with broad options of carrying your baby like Infantino Flip advanced 4-in-1 carrier. You can view they various styles on Amazon.
♦ Diaper Bag
You will need a spacious diaper bag for every outdoor tour you make with your little one. Be sure to get one that is easy to carry and fits all your needs.
For example, with an all -in-one backpack diaper bag, you won’t struggle to move around with it. Also, most of them have additional features like changing pads and side pockets for better organization of baby stuffs.
♦ Portable Changing Pad
A portable changing pad ensures you always have somewhere clean to change your infant’s diapers. Most changing pads are easy to roll up and fit quite easily in diaper bags.
Also, ensure that you buy those with additional storage features like SIMBOOM detachable travel baby changing pads to organize diapering gears easily.
♦ On-the-Go Disposable Diaper Bags
Having plastic bags with seals for storing dirty diapers will help you while in transit. No matter where you are, carrying along a good diaper sack with zips, or which you can easily seal will help keep the baby’s waste and smell contained as you wait for proper disposal.
Take Away
Buying baby essentials can be quite expensive for s first time mom. You thus, need to start planning early; preferably within the second trimester after the morning sickness quagmires and before the onset of “lazy me syndrome” in your final trimester.
The secret is to identify your baby space and start filling it with these cute and adorable stuff one day at a time.
That is my take. What about you? Please let keep the conversation going in the comment below and do not forget to share!
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