Newborn Checklist
The Final Preparations

Do not leave everything to the last minute. A newborn checklist will help you to be prepared for the birth of your adorable baby.

You have to plan ahead; do not wait until your baby arrives to address all those tasks that you have accumulated in your head. It is better to pay attention your baby those first weeks than paying the bills or going for grocery shopping.

But what are your newborn needs? Your baby will be born soon; you must prepare in advance his/her "nest". The most urgent need for birth is his/her clothes. You have to dress him just after the birth. You must feed and bathe him, and even you have to carry your baby in car.

And what about you Mom? Do you know what to take with you to the hospital for your own care?

If you have already thought of everything you need for your newborn baby and for yourself, a brief reminder of newborn checklist is worth, right?

In my opinion there are three aspects you should consider:

1. The Maternity Bag to carry with you to the hospital. If you have plans to have your baby at home, either way you need to be prepared for your baby's first days. You may be interested in homebirth stories.
2. Your Newborn Needs for the first days at home.

   Very important Mom! I am sure someone in your family or a friend will take care of your baby shower. Many of your newborn needs will be given to you at this party.

3. And finally, resolve all the Outstanding at Home and make some other additional preparations. You will need time to spend with your baby.

Maternity bag

Sometimes the hospital might give you some things for your baby, but do not trust, it is better to be prepared than say sorry, so it is best to have your suitcase ready according to your newborn checklist.

When do you have to prepare your maternity bag? It could, and sometimes must be prepared even during the seventh month of pregnancy. Why? Some women may have symptoms of premature labor, and even give birth during the seventh month. So I recommend you prepare your maternity bag between two months and 20 days before the planned date of birth.

Remember, do not leave for the last day these preparations, because when it comes the moment, it will be difficult for you to be relaxed and remember everything you need.

You should take into account that you will be two to four days in the hospital and up to 7 days if you have a caesarean section, so be prepared with your newborn baby checklist.

For you Mom: Your newborn checklist should contain the following:

The documentation for admission to the hospital

The results of the last clinical analysis

Your personal care products such as soap, a comb, brush teeth and toothpaste, and all the creams you use

Two nightshirts with buttons in front and short sleeves so you can breastfeed your baby

Two bath towels and gloves

Two cotton underwear. If you prefer they may be disposable

Warm socks

A postpartum belt that can hold your abdomen gently and it can be regulated when the stomach loses its volume

Two nursing bras and protective pads

A complete dressing change to go back home

For your Baby: Your newborn checklist should contain the following:

Six little shirt or six "bodies” soft cloth (preferably one per day). You may also need a couple of shorts

Three sleep suits

Three pairs of socks for baby

Six bibs

Bootees

Newborn diapers. If the hospital provides them, no problem, keep them for your house, you will need them

Warm cloths for leaving the maternity hospital, including a newborn hat

Do not forget the infant car seat to take your baby home

For you Dad: Your newborn baby checklist should contain the following:

A suitcase with clothes for all days that you're with your partner

A camera

Change for drinks machines

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Newborn Checklist for your baby's first days at home

Clothing:

10 undershirts or (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)

6 pairs of pants

newborn hats, as many as you want

2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face

6 pairs of socks or booties

In case of winter, bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby

Blankets, as many as you want. You may have some of them gifted in your baby shower

4 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)

Sleep sack

Breastfeed: If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you may not require the following list, but I recommend you to include them in your newborn checklist. It is better to have them, than having the urgency in the last minute:

3 four-ounce bottles with nipples

3 eight-ounce bottles with nipples

Burp cloths

Breast pump

Milk storage containers

Nursing pillow

Nursing bras

Breast pads

Lotion or cream for sore nipples

Formula. Ask you pediatrician for a recommended one

Thermal bottle carrier

Disposable diapers are very handy:

One box of newborn diapers. You may need the next size if your baby grows quickly

Baby barrier cream to prevent rash

A changing pad. It is very useful when you are out of home

Bathing: Showtime! Do not forget in your newborn checklist one of the sweetest moments. You’ll love that! and prepare your camera.

A plastic infant tub

Many washcloths

Baby shampoo

Baby soap or cleanser

Baby soft-bristled hair brush

Soft-hooded towels

Other useful things that you will definitely use:

A stroller. There are many types. Get one that fits your needs

Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous

Nail clippers or scissors. I used to bite off baby’s nails as needed. I was scare of using scissors

Baby thermometer

Diaper bag

Plastic bag hangers. I used them for diapers

Sun shade for car windows. I am sure you would not want the sun to hit directly in the face of your baby, right?

Some baby toys are handy

A night light is very useful specially the first month when you need to feed your baby at night

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Other Preparations

• Contact your pediatrician. Have in hand the name, address and phone for any emergency. Your baby is coming and you must feel confident that there is an expert who can care for your baby immediately.
• Sign up for cord-blood-bank service.
• If you have children:
  • Prepare them for your absence. Explain them very well the reason for your absence and the arrival of the new baby.
  • You may want to arrange for a babysitter, preferably a relative in order for your children to feel less sad.
• Your husband also has an important role in the newborn checklist:
  • He has to go for grocery shopping, a lot of food, and has to fill the refrigerator. Both will be absent at least 3 days of maternity leave and you will feel very tired after giving birth when you return home. Maybe your husband has to work and there will not be much time for homework. Your husband has to help to prepare the daily meals. Maybe simple healthy meals are good enough for those first days.
  • He has to pay outstanding bills. You should not get stressed, you have to put all the attention to your baby.
• You should have on hand the telephone numbers of doctor, hospital or clinic and the closest relatives. Try to have everything on hand.

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A newborn baby checklist is very useful for those moments when the only important thing is the health of your baby and you do not have to worry about anything else that caring your baby.

If you are having your baby in the hospital, put the maternity bag close the exit door or even inside the car.

I am sure that in your baby shower you will receive many gifts. It is likely that your newborn checklist will be almost complete with all those gifts.