“The List” For A Newborn

[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Modern Consumerism tells you that what you need to bring home baby is a list about two pages long.  We are here to tell you, that’s not the case. Mothers in Finland receive a “Maternity Package”, which is literally a box filled with items they would need for prenatal care.  Originally the box itself was meant as the crib, but you know, safety and all.  We’ve tapped our professionals’ minds on what you actually need when you have a baby.

Here is “The List”:

• Car seat (must have one to be discharged from hospital with baby, see carseatlady for recommendations)

• Sling/baby carrier:

  • 1 wrap-style carrier, stretchy or woven (Moby, Didymos, Hug a Bub, etc.)

  • 1 adjustable ring sling carrier (Maya Wrap), avoid pouch style for newborns

  • Ergo, Beco or other structured carrier (best for 15 lbs/3-4 months and up)

• Co-sleeper or bassinet so baby can sleep near parent(s) in early months per AAP

• Crib, mattress & 2-3 fitted sheets (if not exclusively co-sleeping)

• A book about newborns (The Baby Book by Dr. Sears or Baby 411 for basics)

• Baby bathtub

• For bathing: unscented baby soap/shampoo, soft terry cloth washcloths and hooded towels

• Diapers

  • If disposable nice to have 1-2 packages of newborn size

  • If cloth, at least 6 covers and 10-20 inserts and Snappis if needed

  • 1 package of sensitive wipes (no alcohol or perfumes) or washcloths or Viva paper towels and a thermos of warm water to use as wipes

  • Diaper cream or coconut oil

• Plan for where to change baby; could be:

  • Changing table with changing table pad

  • Dresser with wide enough top for changing table pad

  • Or just a changing pad for a “mobile” changing area!

• Burp cloths/receiving blankets (“Chinese prefold” cloth diapers work well)

• Swaddling blankets (lightweight muslin Aden & Anais are good and/or Miracle Blanket or ErgoBaby Swaddler)

• Newborn and 0-3 month size outfits for baby (approximately 10 onesies/kimono shirts; 5 sleeping gowns; 5 long-sleeved onesies/sleepers)

• Newborn first aid kit (thermometer, nail clippers, nail files, baby acetaminophen, bulb suction/Nose Frida, etc.)

• Stroller

  • Consider lightweight easily foldable options

  • May not need stroller for months

  • Can use car seat in low-cost, lightweight Snap n’ Go base

• Diaper bag or backpack

• Optional: bouncy chair, baby swing

• If nursing:

  • A few nursing bras (no underwire) and breast pads (either cotton or disposable)

  • Pumping bustier if pumping frequently (Simple Wishes, PumpEase or Easy Expressions are all good)

  • Vitamin D drops (Carlson for Babies Vitamin D)

  • Breast pump (double electric pump recommended if you plan to pump frequently, check with your insurance company about getting a free pump)

  • Breastmilk storage bags (like Lansinoh brand)

  • 4 oz. bottles & nipples (slow flow silicone) like Dr. Brown’s narrow, Playtex Ventaire narrow, Evenflo Classic Silicone, Truvent Evenflo or Nuby Parent’s Choice

  • A book about breastfeeding (The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is recommended)

• If formula feeding:

  • 4oz and 8oz bottles and nipples

  • Bottle warmer

  • Formula

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