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Newborn essentials

Just to make sure you have everything you need before you bring your baby home. Here is a check list to help ease your mind.
Clothing:

6-8 undershirts (buy side-tying or button or snap front for the first few days; once the cord falls off, you may want to have some “diaper shirts” that snap closed at the crotch
6-8 one-piece stretchy sleepers
2 or 3 hats
2 or 3 “outfits” for dressing up
4 or 5 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
1 or 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
1 or 2 sweaters or jackets, more in winter
bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby

Blankets:
1 or 2 large cotton blankets
10 – 12 receiving blankets (also good as burp cloths)

Feeding:
If you are breastfeeding, no equipment is needed! Some nursing mothers like to have these optional items:
breast pump
milk storage containers
nursing pillow (really is worth the buy)
nursing bras (if buying prenatally, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
breast pads (disposable or washable)
If you are formula feeding:
6 to 10 four ounce bottles with nipples
4 to 6 eight ounce bottles with nipples
bottle and nipple brush
formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)

Diapering:
If you are using cloth diapers:
2 to 4 dozen diapers
6 to 8 waterproof covers
Vaseline or other barrier cream
1 or 2 dozen wash cloths for cleaning baby’s bottom (or disposable wipes)
If you are using disposable diapers:
buy 1 or 2 boxes of newborn size diapers – it is better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly

Bath time:
1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
6 to 8 wash cloths, not used on baby’s bottom
baby shampoo, soap or cleanser
baby soft-bristled hair brush

Bedtime:
If you are using a crib:
approved crib and crib mattress
2 or 3 waterproof mattress covers
3 or 4 fitted crib sheets
3 or 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
If baby will sleep with you:
firm mattress (not a waterbed)
2 or 3 waterproof pads to place under baby

Other items:
nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
baby thermometer
eye dropper or medicine spoon
approved infant car seat
stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
diaper bag
1 or 2 change pads
change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)

Other optional items:
pacifiers
1 diaper pail (helps your house not smell)
sling or baby carrier
baby swing
bouncy baby seat
mobiles
rattles and other baby toys

Newborn essentials

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