Baby Clothes Checklist !
The moment you get pregnant, in addition to searching for a name for the baby, you are thinking and shopping for things for the baby. There is a lot of shopping to do and it takes a lot of time exploring your options and shopping for the best safest items and toys while keeping the cost low. Welcoming a new born baby requires many months to get yourself and your beautiful home ready for the new member to your family. It is always good to buy some of the baby things in advance to care of the baby during the early months. You will be busy in doing things like changing baby diapers, changing baby clothes and cleaning umbelical cord you will not have time to do detailed shopping. Here is a list that you will need to buy before the baby is born.
List of things for newborn babies:
1. Car seat: This is one of the time consuming things to shop for. I would advise buying a travel system that has both a car seat and a stroller. The main advantage is that the car seat fits into the stroller. So, when the baby is sleeping in the car seat, you don't have to wake up the baby to get into the stroller. You can just fit the car seat into the stroller and the baby's nap is undisturbed. I bought the Graco travel system which I have no complaints about. The rear facing car seat can be used up to 1 year or 22 pounds of your baby's weight. Follow the instructions for fitting the car seat and you can go to the local fire department if you need help.
Things for newborn babies
2. Crib: Crib is another thing to buy for your baby to sleep at night and shopping for a crib takes a lot of time. I bought a crib from JC Penny's website that has slats that are no more than 2 3/8" apart so that baby won't fall out from the crib. Most cribs do not come with the mattresses. You have to buy one separately. You can get good ones from Walmart for low prices. Pick out a mattress that has good back support. I bought the one that are not too soft. Buy the crib that comes with the drawer. It helps to store your baby's clothes and toys. Also, buy
- Crib linens
- 1 matress pad
- 2 crib sheets
- 2 waterproof mattress pads
- 2 light blankets to cover your baby.
3. Diaper related stuff: I bought the infant diapers at target. I like the pampers brand which is really good and do not leak easily.
Baby wipes: Try to use thick soft wipes to clean your baby's bottom. I like the huggies brand which is thick and really good. You can buy from Costco or Sam's club in bulk to save money. I prefer the unscented ones.
Changing pad: It helps to change your baby's diaper.
Diaper bag: I bought the back pack kind of diaper bag which is easy to carry, looks good and is very convenient. You can pack all your baby's things like formula food, bottles, diapers, wipes, clothes and toys. I bought the one that has a changing mat and bottle holder.
Diaper rash cream: I bought the A&D diaper rash ointment. You can also use this for baby's lip dryness.
Helpful tip: I have been using valuable free coupons from coolsavings.com successfully and saved quite some money.
4. Baby's clothes: As you know babies grow faster, try to spend less amount of money on clothing. I bought most of the baby clothes at Kohl's during their clearance sale. The clothes were of good quality and at very cheap prices. I got many marked down items for $1 each. You can also buy clothes from the outlet mall, if you have one nearby. Here are the clothes you need for baby.
- 7 onesies (0-3 months)
- 4 stretch suits
- 1 snow suit ( buy if the baby is born during the winter months )
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of mittens
- 2 hats
- 4 receiving blankets to cover your newborn baby
- 2 thick blankets
- 2 bibs
- 3 wash cloths
5. Bath items:
- Bath tub
- Buy packaged bath kits that contain many acessories like thermometer, comb, scissors, nail clippers.
- Shampoo: I personally like Johnson and Johnson's head to toe tear free baby shampoo to bath the baby.
- Baby lotion
- Baby oil: Again, I prefer Johnson's brand
- Aquaphor: For dry skin - I bought the aquaphor which is too oily. I heard that Eucerin is also good.
- Baby comb and nail clippers
- Towel: Always buy the one which is soft and gentle and wash before using.
- Laundry detergent: I like the Dreft brand laundry detergent
- New born first aid kit: I bought the safety 1st brand that comes with the comb, nail cutter, nasal aspirator and thermometer.
6. Breast feeding equipment
- Breast pump to pump your milk into the bottle
- Nursing bras if you are breast feeding
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream
7. Bottle feeding items
- 6 bottles and sterilizing equipment
- 1 bottle brush
- 1 bottle warmer
- Infant formula milk: always check the expiration date and ask your doctor first.
8. Medicines
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs (for the umbelical cord)
- Infant tylenol - for fever (you will need it when the baby gets immunization shots)
- Mylicon for gas relief
- optional: Gripe water. A great way to treat your baby's stomach problems. Babies cry a lot and sometimes it could be due to stomach problems. Giving a spoon of gripe water in the morning helps the baby's digestion. You can get gripe water in many Indian grocery stores or at Amazon. You should always consult with a pediatrician before giving medicines to your baby..
9. Other miscellaneous things
- Bouncer: I bought the one that comes with the music, toys and vibrating massager. It helps to keep the baby happy. This is a great way to keep the baby entertained so you will have some time to do other things also.
- 2 pacifiers
The following Baby Clothes Checklist will really help you to get organised. Print a copy and check the items off of your checklist !
6-8 undershirts / vests
2-4 receiving blankets
1-2 double receiving blankets
4-6 sleepers
1-2 sweaters
1-2 shawl or cotton blanket
1-2 pairs booties
1-2 caps
4-6 pairs socks
1-2 pairs scratch mittens
1-2 Side-snap tees
1-2 Bodysuits
2-4 Rompers
2-4 Bibs
6-8 Hangers
1 Dozen Cloth Diapers - see Diaper section
Baby Toys ChecklistBaby gym
Crib mobile
Stuffed animals
Doorway jumper
Walker
Puzzles
Bouncer
Rattles
Board books
Play yard
Activity mat
Letter blocks
Swing
Activity center
Rattle
Music / Cassette tapes
Tape player
Soft / material books
Toy Box
Wooden Toy
Development Chart to select Baby Toys
Age in Months | What babies are able to appreciate Mental and Movement skills Choose an appropriate Educational or Interactive Toys |
Newborn - 1 month | Soft Music - High contrast patterns and faces - Will cry if over or under stimulated. Will be alert for every one in ten hours. |
1 - 2 | Soft Music - Visual stimulation - Follows sounds and objects |
2 - 3 | Recognises faces and sounds - Discovers hands and feet - ability to grip objects developing - likes high contrast images |
3 - 4 | Starts to explore by taste - follows moving objects - able to bear some weight on legs |
4 - 5 | Shows interest in colors - Starts to show preferences - Grips and moves objects |
5 - 6 | Able to concentrate on one toy at a time - can roll over |
6 - 7 | Starts to understand what to do with objects. Can shake a rattle or other toys - Responds to himself in a mirror - rolls in both directions |
7 - 8 | Realises that an object may be behind something - loves playing peek-a-boo - sits independently - reaches out for objects - tries to crawl |
8 - 9 | Starts to crawl - Understands the concept of building objects - moves an item from one hand to the other - starts to imitate sounds |
9 - 10 | Understanding some language phrases - starts to build, stack and disassemble toys - points - stands with support |
10 - 11 | Understanding of words continues - starts to build, stack and disassemble toys - able to pick up smaller items - walks holding on to furniture - likes to play hand games |
11 - 12 | Understanding of words continues - able to climb - enjoys and initiates play with others |
6 - 8 4oz. Bottles
6 - 8 8oz. Bottles
Fast Flow Nipples
Slow Flow Nipples
1 - 2 Bottle brushes
4-6 Bibs
4-6 Burp pads
1 Sterilizer Kit
1 Bottle Warmer
2 - 3 Disposable Bottle Kit
1 Food Grinder/blender
1 case of formula
Breast Feeding
1 Breast Pump
1 Nipple lotion
2-5 pairs breast pads
2-3 nursing bras
2 - 3 Bottles for storing milk
1 - 2 Bottle brush
Solid Feeds
1 - 2 Feeding Fork
1 - 2 Feeding Spoon
1 - 2 Feeding Bowl
1 - 2 Training cup
1 - 2 Feeding bowl
Useful information about Breast FeedingSome useful information about breast feeding:
- Many babies are hungry every two hours. Breast-feed every 2-3 hours or on demand
- Milk production - The more your baby breast feeds the more milk you will produce
- A healthy diet. You need 400 to 500 more calories than you did to maintain your pre-pregnancy weight.
- Drink at least eight, but no more than 12 cups of liquid a day
- Diluted Juices are introduced at the age of 1 month
- Undiluted Juices are introduced at the age of 2 months
- Introduce semi-solid foods at the age of 4 months or weighs 6kg or by the age four months
- First introduce rice cereal at 4 months
- Introduce mashed fruits at 4-5 months
- Introduce mashed vegetables by 5-6 months
- When solid feeding is established ensure a daily intake of 500 -750ml milk
- Introduce Yolk of egg by 6 - 7 months
- Introduce minced meat and fish by 9 - 10 months
Toilet locks
Non slip mats
1 Water thermometer
1 pair Blunt nail scissors
1 Toothbrush
1 Comb & brush
1 First-aid kit
Disinfecting hand soap
Bathing Baby
Bathing
1 Infant Plastic Bathtub
5 - 6 Hooded towels
2 - 4 Washcloths for bathing baby
1 Bath mat
1 container Bathing baby body wash
1 Baby Bathing lotion
1 Baby Bathing oil
1 Baby shampoo
Assortment of Bathing Toys
Bathing Baby
Bathing Health and CareThe Health and care of your baby boy or girl will be a major priority. The bathing related items listed above will ensure that your bathroom has all of the basic requirements to help you with the health and bathing care of your new arrival. Telephone numbers of Doctors and other Health care professionals need to be at hand for any emergencies - It might help to put a copy of these in your medicine cabinet.
Health and Baby Bathing Safety Considerations
Detailed below are various Bathing Safety Considerations which must be adhered to in the bathroom and when bathing babies:
- Water Temperature - Make sure the hot water heater is set at 120 F or below to avoid any risk of burning or scalding when bathing
- When water or bathing is involved there is always a risk of drowning. Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub
- Slipping and falling - Place a bath mat on the bottom of the tub to reduce this risk
- Risk of cuts - Use a soft cover for the faucet to reduce this risk
- Stinging eyes - Use a shampoo shield to reduce this risk
- Accidents - Use locks on the toilet and cabinets
- Poison Hazards - Put all medicines and tablets on a high shelf or cabinet and for extra safety put a lock on the bathroom cabinet
- Bathing Baby
The following Travel Checklist will really help you to get organised. Print a copy and check the items off of your checklist !
Car Seat / Infant Seat
Front/back Carrier
Stroller
Car / travel toys
Portable travel crib
Diaper bag
Car sun shades
Child view mirror
Travel toy organizer
Head support
Car seat strap covers
Diaper bag
Snack containers
Baby Safety and Home Protection Checklist !
The following Safety and Home Protection Checklist will really help you to get organised. Print a copy and check the items off of your checklist ! A new arrival in the family means that you will have to start looking at your home with a keen eye for Baby Safety and Home Protection. Detailed below are Household items which will assist you in this task. This important aspect of parenting can sometimes be overlooked as so many elements of Safety and Home Protection do not apply until the baby starts to become mobile - but just by glancing at the checklist you will see that this is not necessarily so. Put aside just an hour of your time and look at your home and its potential pitfalls and dangers and concentrate on what you will need to do to ensure you have done everything in relation to Baby Safety and Home Protection.
Baby Safety and Home Protection - Health and CareThe Health and care of your infant boy or girl will be a major priority. The items listed above will ensure that your home is filled with all of the basic requirements to help you with the Baby Safety and Home Protection of your new arrival. Telephone numbers of Doctors and other Health care professionals need to be at hand for any emergencies - It might help to put a copy of these in your medicine cabinet. The following Safety and Home Protection Checklist will really help you to get organised. Print a copy and check the items off of your checklist ! A new arrival in the family means that you will have to start looking at your home with a keen eye for Baby Safety and Home Protection. Detailed below are Household items which will assist you in this task. This important aspect of parenting can sometimes be overlooked as so many elements of Safety and Home Protection do not apply until the baby starts to become mobile - but just by glancing at the checklist you will see that this is not necessarily so. Put aside just an hour of your time and look at your home and its potential pitfalls and dangers and concentrate on what you will need to do to ensure you have done everything in relation to Baby Safety and Home Protection.
Safety and Home Protection - Helpful HintsEvery room in your house has a potential safety hazard. We have therefore put together a selection of hints under various categories related to your home.
Baby Safety and Home Protection - Stairs
Should your home have stairs there are some basic Safety and Home Protection criteria that you should apply :
- Ensure that there are no loose carpet fittings and that the stair rails are secure - do not forget the risks to anyone carrying the baby (Never carry hot drinks when carrying a child )
- Install mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs - do not install the old style accordion gates as a baby could get caught in these
- Remember there are other areas that might be hazardous - for instance a laundry room or an older child's bedroom
- Install a Smoke detector
- Install plexiglas on stairs to prevent a child from squeezing through
- Baby Safety and Home Protection
- Heaters. Do not place portable heaters near the crib
- Install a Smoke detector
- Install carbon monoxide detectors at least 15 feet away from fuel burning appliances
- Windows. Do not place a crib next to a window that has blinds and therefore cords once again the possibility of strangulation must be considered
- Loose objects such as lamps, plants or ornaments. Do not place a crib near any objects that the baby could pull on top of him
- Check all furniture and lamps for stability
- Shelves. Do not place a crib under shelves - once again loose objects could fall on her
- Ensure the crib and crib mattress fits snugly
- Ensure the crib meets the regulated safety standards
- You should only be able to slide one finger between the mattress and the rails
- Set the mattress on the lowest level of the crib to prevent a growing infant from climbing out
- Crib bumper - ensure it is secure on all sides to avoid any possibility of baby's head getting caught.
- Remove the bumper when baby's able to stand
- Any type of crib attachment should be installed on the wall side of the crib
- Never put pillows or stuffed animals in the crib
- Mobiles should be removed when the baby is 5 - 7 months old
- Use plugs in unused outlets
- Place guards on windows
- Cords from all electrical equipment such as phones and lamps should be safely out of reach
- Baby Safety and Home Protection
Detailed below are various Baby Safety and Home Protection considerations which must be adhered to in the bathroom and when bathing babies:
- Water Temperature - Make sure the hot water heater is set at 120 F or below to avoid any risk of burning or scalding when bathing
- When water or bathing is involved there is always a risk of drowning. Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub
- Slipping and falling - Place a bath mat on the bottom of the tub to reduce this risk
- Risk of cuts - Use a soft cover for the faucet to reduce this risk
- Stinging eyes - Use a shampoo shield to reduce this risk
- Accidents - Use locks on the toilet and cabinets - Toilet lids should be locked closed
- Poison Hazards - Put all medicines and tablets on a high shelf or cabinet and for extra safety put a lock on the bathroom cabinet
- Remove all soaps, razors and shampoos from around the edge of the bathtub
- Make sure bathroom doors can be unlocked from the outside in case your child locks one from within
- Never leave a bath tub with water in it
- Baby Safety and Home Protection
4-6 waterproof covers
1 diaper-pail
3 packs disposable baby wipes
4 - 6 safety pins
1-2 dozen washable liners
1 changing table with waterproof pad
10 plastic pants
1 Diaper-rash ointment
3 - gallon diaper pail
Travel Tote bag / kit
Disposable diapers3 packs disposable diapers
3 packs disposable baby wipes
Safety pins
Vinyl pants
1 Diaper-rash ointment
Disposal system
1 changing table with waterproof pad
Travel Tote bag / kit
A supply of Cloth diapers is also recommended
Diaper changing frequency
Changing frequency will obviously vary but a good guideline is that typical baby uses between 8 - 12 per day. Change baby's diaper's each time he or she wets. The frequency required for diaper change can be used as a good basis to determine the minimum amount of diapers required if there are budget constraints. It is also useful when determining a cloth diaper's washing schedule. The change frequency relates to both cloth and disposable diapers.
Cloth or Disposable Diapers ?
The answer is that you will probably use both types on your baby but will have a preference for either the cloth or the disposable types. Factors to take into consideration when making your decision:
- Cost
- Convenience
- Environmental and chemical issues - disposable diapers
- Washing and soaking requirements - schedules and time factor
- Flat cloth diapers - Least expensive, fits all sizes
- Pre-folded diapers - Saves time
- Fitted diapers - Easy to use, requires different sizes
- All-in-one daipers - Simplest to use, do not require separate covers, requires different sizes
- Disposable diapers disadvantages - More expensive than cloth, requires different sizes, buying and storage issues, disposal issues
- Disposable diapers Advantages - Greater convenience, faster to change diaper, saves time and chores
Diapers - How many changes?
Babies will require a change about 7000 times over a 2 year period!
Babies will require a change about 7000 times over a 2 year period!
- Number of diapers per day - Varies between 8 and 12, average about 10 diapers per day
- Number of diapers over a 2 year period - Approx 7,200 !
- Cloth Costs - Varies according to type and quality of cloth - Approx $150 - $580
- Disposable Costs - Varies according to type - Approx cost per month $60 - $70 Over a 2 year period approx cost $1550
| Cost comparison - Diaper Service There are various Service companies available in many locations. The usual service offers a weekly pick-up. The diapers are washed, dried and folded. Return Delivery. |
Diaper Change
Changing baby. How to change a Diaper? The method of changing is dependent on the type of diaper's used - the easiest and quickest change is by using a disposable.
Changing baby. How to change a Diaper? The method of changing is dependent on the type of diaper's used - the easiest and quickest change is by using a disposable.
- Prepare all items required for the change and clothing change, if required
- Make sure all items to hand
- Place baby on changing mat
- Remove lower clothing
- Remove soiled diaper
- Clean baby
- Apply diaper rash ointment
- Put diaper on baby
- Dispose of soiled items
This kind of rash is an extremely common problem but can be distressing as the rash looks so incredibly sore.
- What is diaper-rash? - It's a reddening of the skin in the diaper-area
- What produces the rash? Bacteria which develops in the moist, warm conditions
- What effect does the bacteria have? Urine and bacteria mix to create ammonia which burns the baby
- Does the type of diaper's have any effect? No, diaper-rash occurs in both cloth and disposable diapers
- What causes the rash? The rash may be caused by any number of things such as perfumed soaps, detergents and some citrus fruits
Diaper Rash - Prevention and TreatmentThe following routines can be followed to reduce the instances of diaper-rash:
- Change baby's diaper each time he or she wets
- Avoid perfumed detergents or fabric softeners in your wash
- Avoid perfumed soaps
- Wash your hands after every change to prevent the spread of infection
- Use plain warm water to clean the infant after each change
- Ensure complete dryness before applying a clean diaper
- Use stay- dry liners
- Ensure that the baby is given a couple of hours each day without lower clothing to allow the air to dry the skin and reduce irritation from diapers
- Apply diaper-rash ointment as per the instructions
- If the rash persists after period indicated on the diaper-rash ointment instructions consult your doctor or medical professional
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