Newborn Baby Checklist

You may be asking yourself why a newborn baby checklist?

With your new bundle of joy on the way, it's time to start thinking of what your baby will need. This can all be very overwhelming - not to mention expensive.

Being experienced moms, we have made this newborn baby checklist to help guide you. That's the list we wish we would have been given. We would have wasted a lot less time and money.

Maybe you will be fortunate enough to have a baby shower where everything on the list will be bought for you.

If not, that is still okay. You really do not need as much as you may think. Based on experience - and a little common sense - we have broken the newborn baby checklist into 3 categories:

Must haves

Optional

Don't need at all, but can use

Newborn Baby Checklist: Must Haves

Diapers and Wipes

This is obvious...unless you plan on spending all of your time potty training your newborn from birth...

However, you do need to decide: natural disposables, "regular" disposables or cloth diapers. The regular wipes or washable wipes. Disposables are obviously easier, however homemade are cheaper and healthier.

For a full review of your diaper choices click here.

If you choose cloth diapers, we do advise for you to have a handful of newborn diapers on hand (the disposable kind_) as meconium - your baby's very first stool - is very tar like...sticky and very, very hard to wash.

The meconium has a tendency to act like glue and the cloth diaper will stick to your baby's bottom. Also we do advise to rub your baby's bottom in some oil - almond oil is a good choice or the diaper cream we recommend. It'll make cleaning your baby much easier.

Onesies and Pajamas

Your baby has to have something to wear.

Onesies usually come in a pack: plain white or decorative. Your baby can wear them anytime, anyplace: in the summer with nothing else and in the winter under the pajamas.

Onesies also help keep the diaper in place and from leaking. They are our favorite piece of clothing and we own them in all color and sizes. Truly no mom - or baby - should be without them.

Pajamas are also a must.

Our summer newborn babies only wore onesies for months - and you guest it - our winter babies wore onesies plus a pair of pajamas...no need for a fancy wardrobe...babies hate being changed in all kinds of various outfits.

Blankets

No matter where you live, your baby will get cold at some point.

Receiving blankets can also double as spit-up cloths. And if you have a home birth, your baby will be dried up with receiving blankets. Moreover some breast-feeding moms feel more comfortable having one on hand for outings.

Receiving blankets are made out of soft flannel material and come in various colors and designs.

Baby Slings and Carriers

Moby Wrap	Ergo

It's great - and many times necessary - to have your hands free...especially when you don't have an extra pair around to help you out...like Florence's children.

Moreover, baby wearing is wonderful for baby and you as well.

If money is tight a homemade Moby-wrap is perfect...or if you have a little to spend, an Ergo is the ultimate.

For more information on various carriers please click here.

Lansinoh

Not only is Lansinoh great for keeping your breastfeeding nipples from cracking, but it makes an awesome lip moisturizer too!!

We recommended that you start using Lansinoh in the last few weeks of your pregnancy to soften your nipples.

It is endorsed by La Leche League and has been around for a long time with a perfect track record.

Diaper Bag or Backpack

With a new little one, you will need something to carry diapers, wipes, extra clothes - in case they get pooped or spit up on - any remedies if they are teething, any snacks as they get older, and a slew of other items.

Baby Bath

"Adult" shampoos and body washes can be too strong for the little one, even if it's organic. Commercial baby products aren't any better and actually are much worse.

Have you ever wondered what makes a baby shampoo "tear free?"

A vary famous brand actually has a drug - a Novocain like compound - so basically it still burns your baby's eyes...he just can't feel it.

The natural brands that we have used and love are Weleda, Burt's Bees and Nature's Baby Organics.

Diaper Cream

Even when breastfed and in cloth diapers, diaper rashes can - and will - occur.

Again, we stay natural...and the best one so far has been Country Comfort.

Nursing Bra and Breast Pads

Over the years nursing bras have become "cuter" - if you will. But regardless of looks, they are by far the most convenient for nursing...

We would recommend cotton nursing bras as cotton allows your skin to breathe and reduces the risk of breast infections and dry nipples.

Nursing pads help for those embarrassing, yet almost unpreventable, leaks that will occur. But why buy them disposable - and add to our waste - when you can buy cotton and flannel ones you can easily toss with the rest of your laundry and reuse?

If you are handy with a sewing machine or serger, you can make some rather cheaply all you need is some cotton and flannel material.

Car Seat

For obvious reasons, your baby needs a car seat.

The one you pick is up to you. All car seats must meet the same safety and legal criteria. But if you buy a used car seat - on Ebay or as such - know that they actually have an expiration date on the bottom of the car seat and the base.

Natural Remedies

Homeopathy	Herbal Remedies	Essential Oils	Flower Remedies

With all the obvious concerns over children's pharmaceutical drugs - especially in the last couple of years - you may want something that will help your child without side-effects and with just as much efficiency - or more!

Cord Care

Your baby's umbilical cord can look a bit nasty.

You will want to keep it clean until it dries and falls off - usually within a week.

We believe alcohol is too drying for your baby's very sensitive skin. You may use hydrogen peroxide instead - or even better - Lavender, Myrrh or Frankincense Essential Oils.

Not only do they help your baby to smell good, but essential oils have antibacterial properties as well.

Newborn Baby Checklist: Optional

Stroller

If you have a wrap - sling or carrier - you can carry your baby until they get too big for you...with an Ergo, it'll be a long time.

Baby wearing also helps with bonding.

Strollers can be expensive, so unless you are disabled in some way - or have multiple children - the stroller can wait.

Toys

You will find that kids have more fun with the box - or paper - that the toy that came in it. It is so true. It is not unusual for your baby to play with the paper at Christmas time and totally ignore the toys!

It takes a few months for a baby to express interest in a toy anyway...so why waste more money. Moreover, yard sales and second hand stores are great. Buy only toys that can be washed thoroughly.

Comb and Brush

Many babies are born with little or no hair...a brush - or comb - is unnecessary until later.

Unless you baby has lots of hair, a brush of the hand and voila...their do is in place!

Bouncy seat

While they can be life-savers - especially with multiples - when you need to get stuff done, babies obviously did without them for thousands of years. A carrier - or sling - comes in handy when you want to get something done and your baby will enjoy this much more

Bunch of "Cute" Outfits

As much fun as it can be when you see all those tiny outfits in the aisles (especially for baby girls) how often do you think your little one will wear them - or as a matter even want to be changed into them?

Quite frankly, your baby will grow out of them so fast you won't even believe it. For newborns...onesies and pajamas.

Newborn Baby Checklist: Not Needed

Bottles

Unless you are not breastfeeding what do you need bottles for? Water? Your breastmilk will supply it... Formula? Okay, maybe, but why?

And if you are breastfeeding there is no need to supplement...

If you pump, sure but a couple will do just fine...

Pacifier

Is this for the baby or for the care giver?

Again, babies did without them for thousands of years...and just think, if you get them "hooked" you will find yourself breaking a habit down the road... from what we have heard, not fun!!

Moreover, there have been health concerns with pacifiers since they are made of plastic which in turn is made of chemicals. Also some dentists hate them as they can interfere with proper teeth placement and other dental issues.

Also, pacifiers can - and do - interfere with breastfeeding. Some babies once hooked on a pacifier will refuse the breast. And since babies are not born with a manual no one can predict what your baby will be like.

Those who benefit from pacifiers and bottles the most..,the manufacturers who leads us to believe those items are "needed."

Another thing to think about...as mom you carry to pacifiers with you at all times!

Crib

If you are a fan of bed-sharing this is obviously not needed...if you are not a fan yet maybe you can give it a try. Science is actually proving it is good for mom and baby.

Diaper Pail

If you breastfeed, the diapers will not be unbearably stinky as long as your baby is 100% breastfed. However, if you do not use cloth, a diaper pail does come in handy down the line when food comes into the picture.

Baby Laundry Detergent

We read somewhere that this is no different than just using a little less of your regular detergent. So you can stick with what you already have...and if you are still concerned just do an extra rinse.

We have never had any problems with rashes or anything of the sort...but it's up to you. However, you may want to consider dye and perfume free or even a natural detergent.

Swing

Again, while convenient for mom, a swing can actually do more harm than good. Soon you may find the baby "requires" swinging to fall asleep...sleep patterns will change...you may forget to - or just postpone - feeding or diaper changes because "baby is being so peaceful."

Baby Monitor

If you are bed sharing you won't need them...but later on, if it makes you feel better, go ahead and get them.

Tylenol

Again, with all the dangers...there is nothing that homeopathic remedies and the like cannot do for your baby...minus the side effects!

Baby Food

Where did we get the idea that babies need to eat food at such a young age...let us tell you, someone is making a pretty penny off it!!!

Breastmilk is best and can sustain your growing baby for a long time. Our babies were breastfed solely for over 9 months and were - still are - very healthy kids.

40 years ago, we were told to start babies on solids at 3 weeks....to be told later it was wrong.

15 years ago, we were told to start babies on solids at 3 months...to be told later it was wrong.

Now we are told to start babies on solids at 6 months...to be....you get the point.

Maybe babies should start on solids when they can sit and feed themselves!!!! This happens around 9 months when they are able to grasp.

Baby Bath Tub

Just use common sense here...not too much water...never leave baby unattended...and baby usually doesn't like to play in the water till they are a little older anyway, so just wash 'em and get 'em out...

By the way...the kitchen sink works great and is easier on the back...

Nursing Gowns

Useful...pretty...but not a must

Nanny

Not needed when there is mom.

You can click here for a printable version of "Newborn Baby Checklist."

Your comments, stories, input, questions are welcome and you may leave them Here

Read others' comments and reviews.

Newborn Baby Checklist: Reviews

Any thoughts? A comment or a story? A suggestion? Share with us!