The New Mom s Checklist 83 Must-Haves for Baby

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1 The New Mom s Checklist 83 Must-Haves for Baby Build your perfect Baby Registry. Here s a list compiled by the experts at The Baby Daily. It includes must-have items and our best top Mom picks. Oh, and don t forget to add The Baby Daily gift card to your registry. Bath & Potty 1. Diapers Cloth or disposable? Babies use A LOT of diapers! You will be changing diapers often, especially if your baby is breastfed. Want to go Green? Modern cloth diapers are more convenient than ever. When you do the laundry, you will know you are helping our landfills and saving money. Cloth diapers do cost more on the front-end, but you will put money back in your budget in the long-run. We recommend our best skincare products to protect your baby s tender skin. 2. Cloth - You will need approximately 24 cloth diapers if you are using one size for the different stages of your baby s growth. If you are buying your cloth diapers in different sizes, you will need about 12 per size. This number does depend on how much you will be laundering. Remember These can and should be passed down from child to child. Care for and launder diapers property, and they can save lots of money over disposables. SMART MOM TIP: Use disposables when you are out and about or traveling to make life with baby on the road easier. 3. Liners Catch the solids flush them away. Liners look like durable, absorbent toilet paper. They can be safely flushed down the toilet. A MUST have with cloth diapering. 4. Water Proof Diaper Covers Use waterproof diaper covers if your diapers are not the all-in-one style. You will need about ½ as many covers as you have cloth diapers. They can be re-used from diaper change-to-diaper change, as long as they have not been soiled. 5. Bottom Wipes - Natural cloth or disposable. 6. Diaper Wipes Warmer Keeps your wipes warm to the touch. It will do a lot for baby s comfort. Look for travel warmers as well. 7. Diaper Rash Cream Baby s have tender skin. Protect baby s bottom with diaper rash cream between changes. 1

2 8. Diaper Pail or Wet Bag - Choose an easy to use diaper pail with an odor control system. Purchase a wet-bag if you are cloth diapering. 9. Extra Diaper Pail Liners Most diaper pails come with just one set. The best diaper pails control odors. Part of the magic is in the liners. Keep one extra box of liners on hand so you never run out. 10. Diaper Bag Choose a bag for Mom AND for Dad. Who says Dad can t have a dad bag of his very own? More and more hand s-on Dads are sporting their own diaper bag that fits his style. SMART MOM TIP: Choose a diaper bag that fits your style AND your lifestyle. Don t worry if you are having a boy or girl. No need to buy blue or pink. Remember this bag will likely be replacing your purse for awhile so get something you will love to tote around. It is NOT for your baby it s your best Mommy fashion statement. You may also want a bag that will attach to the back of your stroller and a clutch accessory that can be taken off for those quick in-and-out trips. 11. Infant Bath Tub The Baby Daily recommends a tub with a built in thermometer to keep baby safe. It helps the caregiver know if the bathwater is too hot or too cold for baby. 12. Baby Shampoo - We recommend soap-free head-to-toe body wash. 13. Baby Lotion Lotion may be optional, but is smells wonderful! 14. Hooded Towels (2-3) Baby towels don t need to be baby towels. Choose a towel that is large and absorbent. There are a lot of cute baby towels out there. Towels can be fun especially for naked baby pictures. 15. Tub Toys As baby gets older keeping your tot distracted in the tub is always a good idea. Tub time is also a great bonding time with baby. Babies often look forward to baths as it calms and entertains them. 16. Bath Tub Spout Cover Spouts can become very dangerous for babies and children. In a slip and fall, kids can hit their heads on the fixture. A spout cover is often soft, malleable plastic or rubber. It allows the flow of water, but prevents injury if baby accidentally falls against it. 2

3 Feeding 1. Pacifiers - They go missing often so stock up. Not all babies take to a pacifier, but they can help develop sleeping patterns and a more regular feeding schedule 2. Binky Holder Attaches the binky to baby. It won t get lost or fall on the ground when baby spits it out 3. Pacifier Pod - Keeps baby s pacifier handy and clean. No more fishing it out from the bottom of the diaper bag. 4. Bottles (6) Look for BPA free bottles. Choose the appropriate nipple for your baby s stage of development. SMART MOM TIP: Save your extra bottle parts and keep them on hand. Eventually one will get lost or melt in the dishwasher. 5. Bottle Bag - A bottle bag will insulate your bottles - keeping warm items warm and cool items cool. 6. Extra Bottle Nipples - Having a few extra bottle nipples on hand ensures you always have enough on hand. 7. Bottle Brush A bottle brush will make sure you can get the bottle thoroughly clean. Newer brushes have a special small tip for the tight space inside the nipple. 8. Bottle Counter Dryer For hand-washing baby bottles. It keeps the bottles off the counter where bottles can easily be contaminated. 9. Bottle Dishwasher Caddy For washing bottles in the dishwasher. It prevents them from falling out of the rack and melting. \ 10. Breastfeeding Pillow - For nursing mommies this is a necessary nursing tool. There are many styles and sizes and fabric coverings, but they all basically do the same thing. Make sure you are able to machine wash the pillow or the covers. It does not hurt to have an extra cover on hand. For twins, pick an oversized nursing pillow or one designed specifically for multiples. 11. Breast Pump Choose a manual pump for occasional use, or electric breast pump for more frequent use. For maintaining or building milk supply, choose a pump that has been rated for that purpose. SMART MOM TIP: If going back to work is in the cards for you, an electric breast pump is necessary to continue good milk flow. If an occasional night on the town is about as 3

4 much leaving as you will be doing, than all you really need is a manual hand pump. Renting is an option if you are not sure if pumping is for you. If you will be renting your pump, then you will need to buy a personal accessories kit. 12. Breast Milk Storage Bags Use to keep extra milk for bottle feeding while at work or away from your baby. It s a good idea to have milk storage if Mom becomes sick and needs antibiotics. With fresh stored milk she will not have to worry about transferring her medications to baby. Medela is our pick for most breast feeding items. 13. Nursing pads Prevent embarrassing leakage. Once your milk comes in, you will put these thin disposable or non-disposable pads in your bra to absorb the breast milk. Lily Padz are a very popular non-disposable pad. Medela offers a disposable variety. 14. Lanolin This comes in a tube and is used to prevent sore and cracking nipples during breast feeding. It is safe for baby and should be applied often. There are many different brands. Medela is a recommended brand. 15. Nursing Cover - Nursing Covers help you to nurse in public discreetly. They attach around your neck so you don t have to worry about them blowing off or inching down while you are trying to balance a hungry baby at your breast. There are many brands. Most are very similar. For heavier women there are some brands that offer more coverage than others such as Balboa Baby Nursing Covers. Women of all sizes like this brand. Hooter Hiders is another popular brand of nursing cover. 16. Burp Clothes (6) These are handy to have at all times. Pre-fold cloth diapers work well as do most burp cloth brands. People usually choose burp clothes for their cute patterns. 17. Nursing Stool or Ottoman It is very important to get the correct position for nursing baby. Using a nursing stool or ottoman will make mom more comfortable and feedings easier. 18. Highchair Baby will need a good highchair at about 5 months or so as you start to introduce solids. Transitional high chairs are great but if this is not something you find necessary choose one which is sturdy, is equipped with a 5 point harness and other safety features as well as easy to clean cover and dual trays. Our Favorite picks are Chicco, Stokke Trip Trap or Svan Anka 19. Travel Highchair A must for going to restaurants or people s homes. They attach easily and safely to tables and folds up with ease. 20. Splat Mat This mat goes underneath the highchair to keep your floor clean and keep clean up after meals EASY. You can use newspaper as well! 4

5 21. High Chair and Shopping Cart Cover Keep your baby away from those icky germs on shopping carts and restaurant highchairs. There are many brands of highchair and shopping cart covers. Our recommendation is to purchase an all in one that comes in a bag. Its easy and made by Clean Shopper. 22. Bibs - The catch all bibs are the best! Full sleeve smocked bibs work the best for spaghetti night. 23. Feeding utensils The best don t break when tossed and even better suction to the feeding surface. Look for bowels, bendable spoons and a cup to start. There are packages of feeding supplies or there are supplies sold separate. You can start with just a few things and expand on them as you need to. Baby Gear 1. Sling/Baby Carrier/Wraps: There are many different style of baby wearing. These are very popular items. Baby loves to be close to her care giver and it allows for free hands around the house. Slings are a more natural style of baby wearing. Slings often consist of one large piece of fabric and allows baby to sling sideways in a more natural cradle hold. Baby Carriers like Baby Bjorn carriers hold the baby up and down and allow the baby to face out or in towards the care giver. 2. Playard This is great to have in your most frequently used living space especially if you have other children or dogs in the house. A playard keeps babies separate from loving dogs and other kids. It also keeps baby from exploring his world if it is not quite baby proofed and ready for him. There are MANY playards, some are called Pack N Plays. A Pack N Play is a trademark brand by Graco. Pack N Plays are classified as Playards. Keep in mind that they will take up a good amount of space but it is a great thing for Grandma s house or for traveling. 3. Activity Gym An activity gym is something that lays flat on the ground for baby s tummy time. It is often adorned with toys, lights and even music. There are many brands of activity gyms. Activity Gyms are often used before baby becomes mobile. 4. Walker Walkers are great for baby s who want to be more mobile. They keep baby supported in a seat and often have a jumping feature to allow baby to play before they have the coordination to walk with their feet. 5. Swing Swings can be life savers for parents. NOT all babies enjoy swings but many do. They are often equipped with many different speeds, music and toys. 5

6 6. Bouncer A Bouncer is a good piece of equipment for baby when they are new and before they are ready to be mobile. Baby s love to be propped up in it so they can see what is going on in their environment. They lay at about a 45 degree angle and many have the ability to sit more upright as the baby gets older and has developed more trunk muscles. 7. Exersaucer An exersaucer is a stationary toy that baby sits in and is surrounded by an activity center full of stimulating toys. Exersaucers are different from bouncers because it is suitable for older infants when they can sit up unassisted while bouncers are for younger infants that still need back support to sit upright. Like swings, walkers and activity gyms there are many different brands of exersaucers to choose from. All are fun! 8. Baby Monitor The choices are endless. There are monitors with cameras, sensors, music etc. Choose a monitor with little to no frequency as frequency is a common complaint of most people that use them. First Aid 1. Rectal Baby Thermometer Sounds scary but it really isn t plus it gives the most accurate reading. Have a little Vaseline on hand as well in a first aid kit just for baby. 2. Nasal Bulb Manual or Electric. Baby s noses often need to be cleared especially when baby catches a cold as they can not blow their own noses. A nasal bulb is a MUST. We find it easier to use an electric syringe as it does the job faster and better. 3. Baby Nail Clippers or Nail Scissors - We recommend the clippers with a light. Those tiny fingers can be hard to see! Bedding 1. Crib Bedding If bumpers are not in the cards for you, check out breathable bumpers or crib wedges for a more breathable bumper option. Bed skirts, mobiles and cute sheets do wonders to dress up a crib. Most crib sets come just as that sets but if you are able to pick and choose your pieces the crib quilt is rarely used. It is more of a show piece or a tummy time blanket. They are often too heavy to use on a sleeping infant. 2. Crib Sheets (2-3) Be sure the crib sheets you purchase fit your crib mattress snugly. You may want more than two sheets. This is the minimum suggest amount as they can get soiled easily. 6

7 3. Waterproof Crib Pad (2) Every crib mattress should be protected with a waterproof crib pad to prevent urine from seeping into the small thread holes in the mattress. There is nothing worse than bacteria growing where your baby is sleeping! 4. Crib Mobile Attach to the crib or the ceiling to sooth baby to sleep 5. Sleep Sack (2-3) These wearable blankets are a MUST for every child starting at infancy. Sleep sacks help to regulate the baby s temperature and prevent baby from getting a blanket up and over its head. Sleep sacks are worn over baby s pajamas and no blanket is used in the crib. There are different materials, from cotton to fleece. 6. Contour Changing Pad Make sure the changing pad you buy will fit on top of your changing table length. We recommend a 4 sided contour pad for extra security. We also recommend that it has the ability to snap on the back of the dresser or changing table. There are even portable changing pads for car rides or trips. 7. Contour Changing Pad Covers (2-4) These pads will fit over your pad to keep your pad soil free. You may need a couple as they will often get soiled. A spare is always a good idea. There are many colors and fabrics to choose from to coordinate back to your nursery theme. 8. Receiving Blankets (4-6) Receiving blankets are great for many reasons. When selecting receiving blankets, pay attention to their swaddling ability. Baby s love to be swaddled to simulate what it was like in the womb. It can be challenging to swaddle baby if the blanket is not right. Find large blankets that have a little stretch. Cotton and muslin are great textiles for swaddling. There are specific blankets that use Velcro to secure the swaddle. They are not necessary but helpful. For summer babies, we recommend Aden and Anais swaddle blankets. Furniture 1. Bassinet - There are many options here. Baby should be in your room with you for the first 3 months of life. It reduces the risk of SIDS and makes feeding easier. Some bassinets work better than others. We recommend the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper bassinet. If you have an indoor cat remember to keep your baby s bedroom door shut at all times or get a tent to go on top of the bassinet. 2. Bassinet Extra Sheets (2-3) - Baby s sheets will need to be laundered often. Having extra on hand ensures you always have a clean sheet ready. 7

8 3. Crib There are so many makes, models and styles of cribs. Most people go for a crib that converts to a twin bed. These are great as long as it is a good quality crib that will last a long time. Be sure to stay away from cribs with drop sides, not to be confused with drop gates. Drop sided cribs have been the cause of several infant injuries and deaths. If purchasing a convertible crib, don t forget to factor in the toddler rail and fullsize bed rail costs into your budget. You could live without the toddler rail but you will want the adult rails. They should be purchased at the time of your crib so you are sure to get them. They may not be available in 2-3 years. 4. Adult Bed Conversion Rails For Convertible Crib Conversion rails should be purchased at the time of your crib so you are sure to get them. They may not be available in 2-3 years. 5. Toddler/Guard Rail Optional: Rails should be purchased at the time of your crib so you are sure to get them. They may not be available later when the model is replaced. 6. Crib Mattress - Various coil counts. Organic crib mattresses options. Should be firm for baby and fit your crib snugly in the corners. 7. Changing Table or Changing Dresser We recommend purchasing a dresser that can also be used for changing. Traditional changing tables have such a short life you will be paying for something you will only use for a few months and then you will be finished with it. Purchase a chest or dresser and put a changing pad on top to use for a changing surface. 8. Changing Table Pad If your dresser or changing table does not already come with a changing pad, you will need to purchase one. We recommend a 4 sided contoured pad for safety as well as one that has the option of snapping onto any dresser or changing surface. 9. Changing Table Pad Covers (2-3) These get soiled at almost every changing so have a few on hand or you will be doing laundry around the clock. Purchasing a few waterproof squares and placing these under baby s bum when changing is a good idea to preserve these changing pad covers. There are many textures and colors to compliment your nursery. 10. Gliding/Rocking Chair You will find a gliding chair a lifesaver during the wee hours of the morning. Dad will also enjoy bottle feeding baby more when he can rest comfortably in a chair. Chairs come in many different styles and patterns. We recommend going with a pattern and style that will work in the main living areas of your home. These are often special order items so be sure to make a decision in time for baby to be home from the hospital. 8

9 Car Seats & Strollers 1. Car Seat Infant or Convertible Model... your choice. Most people choose an infant car seat for the initial 12 months of baby s life due to its ease of use feature. When you see a person carrying around baby in a car seat those are the infant models. People who choose a convertible car seat do so if they wish to save money, as everyone will need a convertible eventually. Many times people choose a convertible for a newborn if their lifestyle dictates this. Many people plan on baby wearing so an infant car seat is not something some people feel they need. Whichever model you choose, do so only with the advice and expertise of a car seat technician. The Baby Daily has a tech on staff to ensure the car seat you choose will be the safest seat for your child by fitting your child and vehicle correctly. The Baby Daily will train all their customers on how to use a car seat correctly. These are invaluable lessons, as vehicle crashes are very dangerous for children of all ages. 2. Infant Car Seat Extra Base - If using an infant car seat you will often need at least one extra base for a second vehicle, Grandma s car or a care givers car. Installing a base in another vehicle is a lot easier, less time consuming than trying to install an infant car seat without a base. 3. Weather Bubble For Infant Car Seat A must have to keep ALL elements of the baby while moving around outside. The UV mesh keeps sun off baby s delicate skin and the rain cover keeps wind and rain off baby 4. Seat Saver Seat savers will not only keep your seat clean under the car seat but also prevents sharp edges on car seats to cut into the vehicles upholstery. There are different models. We recommend a 2-1 that can be used with both an infant and toddler car seat. 5. Bundle Me These are the heavy fleece style blankets that wrap over the infant car seat and keep the cold elements off baby when outside. 6. Stroller Most parents like a travel system concept which means an infant car seat and stroller that click together. There are many types of travel systems and keep in mind the car seat brand does NOT need to be the same as the stroller brand. The best ones are often NOT. Pick a stroller that best suits your lifestyle and a car seat that best fits your vehicle and child. This ensures you will not only be happy strolling but baby will be safe and sound in the car. 7. Weather Stroller Cover Often you will need to purchase both a UV/Insect Cover AND a Wind/Rain cover for your stroller. Sometimes you will purchase covers that are made 9

10 specifically for your stroller and sometimes you can find covers that are generic and will work on many different makes and models of strollers. You will want these added protections for baby if you plan to be out and about. Clothing/Shoes 1. Gowns (4-6) Drawstring or elastic bottom gowns are lifesavers for naps, bedtime and for days around the house. You change baby so often, a gown does not need to be resnapped. It allows baby to stretch and curl up comfortably. 2. Onesie Style Shirts (6-10) These shirts have snaps in the crotch and lap style shoulders to go over the head easier. They are very versatile and can be worn as undershirts or as a stylish top. Onesies are available in a short and long sleeve variety. Long sleeves are harder to find, but they work great during cold months. Some long sleeve onesies have hand mits that fit over the baby s hands to protect against scratches from fingernails. 3. Hand Mits (1-2) Babies tiny fingernails often scratch their faces when they curl up and move around. Some clothing pieces have them built in which is very nice. Eventually baby will not need these. Hand Mits are used during baby s first month of life. 4. Garment Extenders Garment Extenders allow longer use out of onesie shirts as baby grows longer. They simply extend the garment so when baby outgrows it, you can adds a couple of inches. EVERY ONE needs some of these. 5. Rompers (6-8) Rompers are full body suits with snaps at the crotch. They are sometimes called playsuits. They are easy one-piece outfits that are comfortable for baby. Choose from short sleeve/short version or long sleeve/pant version with feet, depending on the time of year. 6. Baby Caps (2-4)- Little babies do not regulate their temperature well. To keep baby s heat in, it s hats on. We recommend the knotted kind of cap which can be sized as baby grows. 7. Socks (6 Pairs) Baby s feet should be covered during cooler months. Socks tend to go missing so we recommend a pair of soft soled shoes to put on over the socks. Soft Soled shoes like Robeez helps keep socks on and won t affect foot development. 8. Sweater/Hooded Sweat Shirt (1-2) In cooler months a zip-up hooded sweat shirt will be necessary. 10

11 9. Baby Bunting (1) In winter months a fleece bunting works much better than a coat. Layering is best especially when by car. Babies should not be put in their car seat with a heavy, bulky coat or bunting. So find something warm but thin like fleece. 11