New Mom Checklist: The Must-Have Baby Essentials
Expecting your first child is one of the most exciting and emotional times of your life. The baby industry is full of every gadget and gizmo you could ever want for your bundle of joy, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed when preparing for your newborn’s arrival.
How can you break through all the noise to figure out what’s essential, what’s nice to have, and what’s a waste of money? In this article, we’ll go over the must-have newborn items to have on hand before your baby arrives! It’ll be one less thing you have to worry about.
Baby Diapering Must-Have Items
- Diapers: Disposable diapers (newborn or size 1) or cloth diapers and waterproof diaper covers are such a no-brainer, this almost goes without saying!
- Baby wipes: Disposable baby wipes like Nice 'N CLEAN® BABY Wipes make diaper changes easier and more convenient. You’ll be changing dirty diapers around the clock so make sure you’re always well stocked! Baby wipes come in various types, including scented, unscented, fragrance-free, and sensitive.
- Diaper cream: Wet diapers and frequent diaper changes can lead to diaper rashes. Red, irritated skin can be soothed with diaper rash cream. Popular brands include Desitin and Aquaphor.
- Diaper bag: You’ll need a large tote bag for baby outings so you can take baby essentials with you on walks and trips. Our Nice 'N CLEAN® Diaper Bag is a tough and durable boat tote specially designed to carry all of your baby essentials in a stylish and comfortable way.
Nice-to-have items: portable changing pad, diaper pail, baby wipe warmer
Baby Clothing Must-Have Items
- Onesies: New mom tip - the envelope-like shoulder flaps are not a fashion statement; they’re made so you can take the onesie off by pulling it down, instead of over your baby’s head. This makes for a more hygienic diaper change, especially if it involves a diaper blowout. (Check out our Nice 'N CLEAN® Onesie!)
- Shirts: Kimono-type shirts are convenient for skin-to-skin bonding.
- Pants: Get some with footies so you don’t have to worry about socks.
- Nightgowns
- One-piece footie pajamas
- Socks
- Mittens: These prevent your baby from scratching their face with their surprisingly razor-sharp fingernails. You can also find onesies with special sleeves that fold-over their hands as mittens. In a pinch, socks will also work!
- Hats
Nice-to-have items: Baby hangers, dress-up outfits (for photos!)
Baby Bath Must-Have Items
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo
- Baby body wash
- Washcloths
- Hooded baby towels
Nice-to-have items: baby lotion, baby bath toys
Baby Feeding Must-Have Items
If you’re planning to breastfeed and pump breast milk, here are your essentials:
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags and bottles
- Baby bottles and nipples
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads (disposable or washable)
- Nipple cream
If you’re planning to formula feed, here are your essentials:
- Formula
- Baby bottles and nipples
- Bottle and nipple brush
General baby feeding essentials:
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
Nice-to-have items: nursing pillow; bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, dishwasher basket for small dishwasher-safe items; breast pump travel bag (if you plan to pump at work); baby food maker appliance, breastfeeding cover
Baby Nursery Must-Have Items
- Crib with firm, flat mattress that fits snugly
- Fitted crib sheets: Get 3 or 4 so you have extras in case of spit-ups or diaper blowouts.
- Changing pad: It may be helpful to have an extra one in the living room so you have more location options for changing diapers.
- Baby monitor
- Blankets: Get a mix of thin and thick cotton blankets.
Nice-to-have items: changing table, rocking chair or glider, white noise machine, cool-mist humidifier, diaper pail, pacifiers, sleep sack, swaddles, crib mobile, night light
Baby Health Must-Have Items
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby thermometer
- Bulb syringe (or another product that suctions mucous)
- Antibacterial wipes: Wet wipes that kill 99.9% of the most common bacteria like Nice 'N CLEAN® Sani-Hands® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are great to have at home and in your diaper bag for the times you don’t have easy access to soap and water.
- Disinfecting wipes: Killing bacteria and viruses at home with disinfectant wipes like Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes will help you provide a cleaner and safer environment for your baby.
- Petroleum jelly: Products like Vaseline and Aquaphor can help soothe diaper rashes or calm other skin irritations, including eczema.
- First aid kit
- Laundry detergent: Select a fragrance-free or sensitive skin formula to minimize skin irritation
Baby Gear Must-Have Items
- Infant car seat
- Baby carrier
- Stroller
Nice-to-have items: baby swing, baby bouncer, play mat, baby playpen, baby carrier
We hope you feel better prepared for your newborn to arrive! Remember that the Nice 'N CLEAN® brand offers baby wipes, antibacterial hand wipes, and disinfecting wipes -- all of which can help make parenthood easier and more convenient. You’ve got this!
Resources:
https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/817540/best-newborn-necessities/
https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/new-mom-must-haves
