Parenting Info/Newborn Checklist
Newborn Checklist
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is a wonderful experience. Chatting with friends who have children can be helpful to narrow down the list of ‘must have’ items, and hospitals usually provide thorough start-up lists of what to stock. Ensuring that all products are safe is crucial, and the Australian Consumers' Association is a great place to pick up reports on product safety. The SIDS Safe Sleeping Guidelines also provide important information to ensure baby’s safety.
Sleeping/Changing/Bathing
- Cot and cot mattress
- Cot Sheet sets (3 sets)
- Mattress protector
- Blankets (3 sets)
- Baby bath with plug
- Change table (or change mat for the top of a table/dresser)
- Towel (3)
- Face washers (5+)
- Nappies# (buy enough for at least 2 weeks post returning home with baby – see more information below about nappies)
- Wipes
Clothing
Stick to the basics here until you know the sex and size of your baby, and consider recommendations from the hospital in terms of what to pack and prepare. The below is a good starting point:
- Singlets (5+)
- Short sleeve one piece suits (5+)
- Long sleeve one piece suits (5+)
- Leggings (3+)
- Cardigans (2+)
- Socks (5+)
- Mittens (2+)
- Beanies (2+)
- Muslin or other wraps (5+)
Feeding
If you are planning to breast feed then you should find the following handy:
- Firm backed chair
- U shaped feeding cushion
- Breast pads (gel pads can be effective)
- Terry cloth nappies (useful as general rags during feeding)
- If not breast feeding or mixed feeding then the following equipment is useful:
- Breast pump (electric or manual – electric pumps can be hired from local chemists)
- Bottles
- Sterilizer
- Formula
- Toiletries and medical
- Nappy rash cream (good quality)
- Electronic thermometer suitable for babies
- Blunt nail scissors
- Baby wash and cream
Out and about
- Pram (consider the quality and safety of the pram. Also consider how the pram will be used and therefore what style of pram will be most suitable
- Baby carrier/sling (bear in mind how and when the sling might be used to buy the most suitable)
- Car seat (ensure the car seat is properly fitted and complies with safety requirements
Nappy bag
- Nappies and Nappy Creams
There are essentially four styles of nappies – cloth, a hybrid cloth (which comes with a disposable insert), disposable nappies and disposable swimmer nappies. Maternity ward nurses are a terrific wealth of advice insofar as how to treat nappy rash, but also tips that might help prevent it in the first place.
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is a wonderful experience. Chatting with friends who have children can be helpful to narrow down the list of ‘must have’ items, and hospitals usually provide thorough start-up lists of what to stock. Ensuring that all products are safe is crucial, and the Australian Consumers' Association is a great place to pick up reports on product safety. The SIDS Safe Sleeping Guidelines also provide important information to ensure baby’s safety.
