A Simple Guide to Newborn Essentials

Having a new baby is exciting and fun, but can be stressful at the same time. Especially if this is your first, you may feel overwhelmed with the amount of things that need to get done.

One of the best ways to eliminate stress is by being prepared. We can’t prepare for all the bumps along the way, but being prepared for what we need makes the transition from in your belly to in your arms a lot smoother.

Make a list of the essential things that you will need for your baby early on. It may seem like the list is never ending, but focus on the essentials. Work throughout your pregnancy to acquire the things that you’ll need when you bring your baby home.

It may be hard to determine what the essentials are! How can you determine what you need vs. what you want? Here is a great list from thebump.com that can help you know the “bare-bone essentials” are for your new baby.

- Infant or convertible car seat

- Undershirts or Onesies (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)

- One-piece pajamas

- Rompers or other dress-up outfits

- Socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)

- Hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)

- Crib, cradle or bassinet

• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart

• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame

• No cutouts in headboard or footboard

• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

- Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)

- Fitted crib sheets

- Soft, light receiving blankets

- Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing

- Changing table pad

- Diaper cream

- Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)

- Soft washcloths

- Cloth diapers and diaper covers, or boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers

- Baby soap

- Bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)

- Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)

- Formula (if not nursing)

- Pump (If you plan to breastfeed. Most insurances will cover this at no cost.)

- Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)

- Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors

- Baby thermometer

- Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)

Remember that it isn’t possible to prepare for everything that comes with having a new baby, but doing what you can will help make the process more enjoyable for everyone.

What other things have you done to prepare for a new baby? Share your ideas below in the comments!

                                                                                     

photo credit