When our daughter announced she was pregnant, and after I got over the emotional journey of it all, I immediately began shopping for baby essentials and clothes.
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Baby Essentials
Okay. Lots of clothes. Basically, she’s not here yet but owns a ridiculous amount of clothes! But, we all know that’s mostly for our enjoyment, not the baby’s. As long as they have the basic layette, they’re good to go!
Layette Checklist:
- onesies
- one-piece pajamas
- sweaters/jackets
- socks/booties
- mild detergent, such as Dreft
Of course, the nursery is another fun place to spend your money, but your newborn will, again, only need a few basics.
Nursery Checklist:
- crib or bassinet
- mattress (Make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly in the crib or bassinet)
- baby monitor
- diaper changing station (A changing table or pad will make changing diapers a lot easier)
- storage (You’ll need somewhere to store all of those diapers, clothes, and blankets. A dresser is perfect.)
- glider or rocking chair
My son, who loves sleeping under a weighted blanket, is still struggling with the idea that his niece doesn’t get a blanket in her crib. But, she still needs a few things in her crib.
These are just the essentials for setting up a functional and safe nursery. You can also add other items to make the space more comfortable for you and your baby.
Just remember, the most important thing is to create a space that is safe for your little one to sleep and play in.
And the soft stuff can hang out in the crib and look pretty when the baby isn’t in the crib!
Baby Bedding Checklist:
- fitted crib sheets
- washable crib mattress pads
- mattress protector
- light receiving blankets
- wearable blanket/sleepbag
- SAFETY TIP: Stuffed animals, bulky blankets, pillows, and crib bumpers are no longer considered safe for babies. Some head and neck support accessories in infant loungers may push the infant’s head forward to the chin. It could, unfortunately, lead to suffocation similar to the case of the Boppy newborn lounger recall.
Bath time can go either way depending on how much your baby enjoys the water. Out of our 5, we had a couple that really didn’t enjoy it. We’ll see how the grand baby likes it!
Bath Checklist:
- baby bathtub
- baby shampoo
- baby body wash
- soft washcloths
- hooded baby towels (or at least some soft towels)
- baby hairbrush
Of course, after bath your little bundle of joy will most definitely need a diaper. Now, everyone has their opinion on which (disposable) diaper brand you should use, all I know is after 5 babies, this is the only brand I trust.
And I made that decision with my first one, tried another brand with #2 and again with #3, and went right back to my first choice. I mean, for what it’s worth. So it’s also the only one our daughter trusts.
Now, what else besides diapers is involved in diapering.
Diaper Time Checklist:
- changing table or mat
- diaper changing station
- diaper cream (such as Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment; it provides the thickest barrier of protection against diaper rash)
- baby wipes (WaterWipes are a great allergy-free option)
- diaper pail (optional)
- diaper bag/caddy
- waterproof changing pad (easier to wash and clean up)
Sometimes, this is also the best time to think about or notice any health issues or grooming.
Health Checklist:
- baby nail clippers or blunt scissors
- baby thermometer
- Baby First Aid Kit
- gas drops, such as Gripe Water
- infant fever reducer
- bulb syringe or baby nasal aspirator
Ready to feed your baby?
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there are feeding essentials to help make the process go smoother.
Feeding Essentials:
- bottles and nipples (even if breastfeeding, these are great for supplemental feedings and for milk storage after pumping)
- pump (speaking of breastfeeding)
- milk storage bags
- nursing pads
- nursing bra
- nipple cream
- burp cloths
- bibs
- bottle brush
- bottle warmer (great for late-night bottle feedings or when Dad is in charge with bottles of frozen milk for the baby)
- nursing pillow (The Boppy® Feeding and Infant Support Pillow not only lifts babies to a more ergonomic position for comfortable feedings, but also transitions to support them as they grow offering the perfect spot for propping, tummy time, or sitting!)
- baby formula (obviously essential to bottle-feeding moms)
- pacifiers (optional, of course)
And perhaps the biggest set of newborn essentials is in the baby gear category. You never realize how much your baby needs until you start looking for that perfect car seat!
Baby Gear Checklist:
- infant/convertible car seat (convertible car seats can convert from rear-facing to forward-facing and accommodate toddlers up to 30- to 40-pounds)
- stroller
- baby carrier (There are several to choose from, but only one Dad Shirt™! The Lalabu Dad Shirt is the first babywearing shirt designed exclusively for dads. On its own, it’s a sporty V-neck t-shirt. Slide baby into the cozy pouch, and it’s a new dad’s easiest way to bond with baby!)
- baby rocker/swing
- baby bouncer
- high chair
- playard
- tummy mat
Whew! Alright, now here are a few optional (based on your thoughts or research), yet still relatively practical items you may want to add to your registry or wish list for your newborn baby:
Additional Items:
- swaddler
- cool mist humidifier
- newborn hats
- no-scratch mittens
- plastic hangers
- nursing/car seat cover
- infant toys
- mobile
- night light
- medicine spoon
- travel-size wipes holder
- insulated bottle holder
- pacifier clip or WubbaNub
Most importantly though, shower that baby with lots of love and affection. Other than changing, feeding, and sleeping, it’s all your baby really needs!
Baby at 6 Weeks
At six weeks old, your baby is starting to become more aware of the world around them. They may be able to track moving objects with their eyes and will start to reach out and grab things. This is an exciting time for you and your baby as they start to explore their surroundings.
There are a few things you should keep in mind during this time to make sure your baby is safe and comfortable.
First, continue to provide plenty of TLC. Babies this age still need a lot of love and attention. They will thrive with plenty of cuddles and kisses.
Next, be sure to watch your baby’s crib or bassinet for any loose bedding or objects that could pose a hazards. Also, keep an eye out for any cords or strings that could become wrapped around your baby’s neck.
Finally, it is important to keep your baby’s play area clean and free of any small objects that they could choke on.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your six-week-old baby has a happy and healthy start to life.
Baby’s Essentials List
A newborn baby brings a lot of joy, but also a lot of new challenges. You want to make sure you’re prepared for everything, but it can be hard to know what you really need.
This newborn checklist will help you make sure you have everything you need for those first 6 weeks.
The first and most important thing on any newborn checklist is a good car seat. You’ll need one that’s specifically designed for newborns, and it should be installed properly in your car.
Next, you’ll need a safe place for your baby to sleep. A crib or bassinet is ideal, but you can also use a Moses basket or an infant travel bed. Make sure the sleeping surface is firm and that there are no pillows or blankets that could pose a suffocation risk.
You’ll also need a few basics for taking care of your baby, like diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. A few sets of soft, comfortable clothing are also essential, along with a going-home outfit.
And if you’re formula-feeding, you’ll need to stock up on bottles and formula.
Finally, don’t forget the little things that will make your life a bit easier, like a burp cloth and a baby carrier. Mostly though, enjoy your new baby!