Pregnancy and preparing for a baby can be fun and also a little overwhelming.  There are so many great products out there for your newborn and there are also a lot of unnecessary products.  Determining what you will need for your new arrival can be a bit of a challenge.  We will go over some must-haves and some nice-to-have items.  

Ultimate Checklist: Things you will need before the baby arrives.

Feeding

For Nursing Mothers

• Bibs
• Burp cloths
• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers 
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads (disposable or washable)
• Lotion for nipple care

Formula Feeding

• Bibs
• Burp cloths
• Bottles
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Formula (be sure to check the expiration date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
• Thermal bottle carrier

Diaper Station 

For reusable cloth diapers

• 48 to 60 cloth or reusable diapers
• 8 waterproof covers
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or another barrier cream to prevent rash
• Snaps, velcro, or safety pins to secure reusable diapers
• Disposable wipes or 24 (or more) washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

For disposable diapers

• Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (be careful not to overbuy one size of diapers – babies grow quickly)
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or another barrier cream to prevent rash
• Disposable wipes or 24 (or more) washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

Clothing

• 8 undershirts or onesies (short sleeve & long sleeve)
• 5 nightgowns
• 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (try to find sleepers with zippers – snaps can be difficult for those nighttime diaper changes)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens (to help prevent the baby from scratching their face
• 2 cardigans or jackets (depending on the time of year)
• Bunting bag or snowsuit (if you will be experiencing frigid winters)
• Laundry detergent for infants

Blankets

• 3 large cotton blankets
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make good burp cloths)

Bathtime

• 1 infant tub 
• 12 washcloths, not to be used on baby’s bottom
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Baby soft-bristle hairbrush
• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

For Cribs

• Approved crib and crib mattress
• 3 waterproof mattress covers
• 4 fitted crib sheets
• 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
• Sleepsack

For co-sleeping

• Firm mattress
• 4 fitted crib sheets
• 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
• Light comforter (keep away from baby’s head)
• Sleepsack

Other necessities

• Approved infant car seat
• A stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
• Nail clippers or scissors
• Bulb syringe 
• Baby thermometer
• Eyedropper or medicine spoon
• Medication in case of fever
• Baby monitor

Nice-to-have items

• Changing table (or a changing pad on top of a dresser or bed)
• Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
• Playpen or portable play yard
• Sling or baby carrier
• Diaper bags
• 1 or 2 changing pads
• Plastic hangers for closet
• Sunshade for car windows
• 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use pacifiers)
• Rattles and other baby toys
• Mobiles
• Nightlight
• Outfits for dressing up

Becoming a parent is a major life change and it helps to have some guidance. There are so many great resources to help new parents prepare for their newest family member.  If you like that feeling of being a part of a community, you may want to try a parenting forum.  Also, check into what child safety classes are offered in your area.  Do not be afraid to ask questions.  Talk to your family and friends that are also parents to discuss what to expect with a newborn baby.    Websites like BabyCenter help new parents with so many topics in regards to pregnancy and being a parent.  Want to know what other parents wish they knew before bringing their newborn home?  Check out this article that shares perspectives from both moms and dads.

It is okay to not feel completely “ready” for your baby’s arrival.  If you want to feel a little more emotionally ready for your baby, there are some tips to help.  Talk to your doctor for other local resources that are helpful to new parents.  Make your to-do lists and do not be afraid to ask for help and say yes to those close to you that offer help.  You may feel like you can do it all and you probably can.  However, you are going to need breaks, and taking those breaks are beneficial to you and your baby.  Last but not least, have your hospital bag ready – try to have it ready on week 36 or week 37 of your pregnancy.  

You may have heard that time flies once you become a parent and it is definitely true.  Take it all in and enjoy this special journey you are on.