Newborn Baby Product Checklist (+ checklist)

Baby clothes

Baby clothes sizes are organized by age, often as newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. But some brands do things differently, and can vary in their sizes. Look for clothes that also list weight or height guidelines to help you find the best fit for your baby.

Some babies go straight to 3 months and never need sizes for newborns, but that's hard to predict, so it doesn't hurt to have some newborn clothes. Also make sure you have a couple of outfits in the next size up before your child actually needs it – babies grow quickly!

In general, think comfort and ease. Look for soft, roomy, durable clothing. Choose well-made items that will hold up through frequent washings. Use a gentle, baby-friendly laundry detergent to prevent skin irritation.

Below are the basic cothings your baby will need in each size:

• Sleepers (7 to 10): They're super convenient, because babies nap so frequently. Look for ones that zip down the front and all the way down the leg – they offer easy access for diaper changes.

• Leggings or stretchy pants (5 to 7): Leggings make it easy to change one piece of dirty clothing without having to switch the whole outfit. An elastic waistband fits easily over your baby's diaper and belly – and expands as he or she gains weight.

• Bodysuits (5 to 7): Onesies are baby shirts (either short- or long-sleeved) that pull on over your baby's head and snap under his diaper. The stretchy neckline comes in handy after a diaper blow-out because you can pull the soiled bodysuit down instead of over your child's head.

• Outer layers (3 to 5): Look for zip-up sweaters, fleece jackets, and sweatshirts that are easy to put on and take off.

• Hats (2): A broad-brimmed sun hat for sunny days and a warm hat that covers the ears in the winter should do the trick.

• Socks or booties (5 to 7): Keep them on the inexpensive side, since you'll probably need to replace lost ones more than once.

• Pyjamas or nightgowns (5 to 7): avoid sleepwear that has a lot of snaps or is otherwise difficult to get on and off.

Nice-to-have clothing extras

• Special outfits (1 or 2): You may want a dress-up outfit or two for festive occasions, such as a wedding or holidays.

• Shoes: Itty-bitty shoes are adorable, but you may not need to buy real shoes during your baby's first year. Some experts recommend waiting until your child is a strong walker, because shoes can interfere with development.

• Hair accessories: Totally unnecessary, but so adorable. Even if your baby has little to no hair, a colourful hairband or bow will amp up the cuteness factor. Make sure the hair accessory isn't too tight or scratchy, though.

• Diaper covers: If your baby is wearing dresses or goes pants-free in the summer, an attractive cover to wear over diapers adds a nice touch.

Diapering

• Diapers: Whether you use cloth, disposable diapers, or something in between (like a diaper with a disposable lining and reusable cover), your baby probably will go through 10 to 12 diapers a day at first, so plan accordingly.

• Baby wipes: they are intended for one-time use. They're sold in packages with dispensers to make using them more convenient. Unscented wipes can be less irritating to your baby's skin.

• Diaper rash cream: You'll also want to keep a good diaper rash cream on hand, either to prevent diaper rash from occurring or to handle them when they occur.

• Diaper bag: Get a diaper bag that's big enough to hold diapers, wipes, an extra change of clothes for your baby, bottles (if you're using them), and more.

• Changing table or pad:

Nice-to-have diapering extras

• Baby wipes warmer: Warm wipes can help ease the surprise of a cold wipe on a bare tushie, especially in the middle of the night.

• Diaper sprayer: This accessory can be a godsend if you're using cloth diapers. It hooks up to your toilet's water supply line and allows you to rinse poop from a diaper into the toilet. Be sure that your plumbing can accommodate a sprayer before you go buy one.

Baby gear

• Baby carrier: Wearing your babymeans your little one gets to snuggle close to you, and you'll have two free hands to do everything else.

• Stroller: You'll need an easy way to take your baby out and about. Choosing the right stroller can make your life a lot easier.

• Car seat: A safe car seat is mandatory.

• Play yard: Use it for overnight stays at Grandma's or as a safe, contained place for your baby to play at home or while traveling. Some play yards come with a built-in diaper changing table, a removable bassinet, storage space, and other handy toos.

Nice-to-have baby gear extras

• Travel system: includes a stroller, an infant car seat, and a car seat base. You can buy your car seat and stroller separately, but some parents like the convenience of coordinating products.

• Baby backpack: Once your baby can hold her head up well for an extended period – at about 5 or 6 months – you might want to invest in a baby backpack, especially if you're a hiker or traveller.

• Stroller sack: If you live in a cold climate, these sleeping-bag-like sacks can help keep your baby warm in a car seat or when you're out and about with the stroller.

• Stroller rain cover: This clear plastic cover drapes over your stroller and shields your child from wind and rain.

• Baby floor seat: They help babies sit up and feature toys to play with. If you need to do chores, you can park your baby in the seat as you bustle around the room.

• Rocking chair or glider: comes in handy during all those nights spent awake feeding, in your baby's first year.

• Sunshades for the car windows: Shades help to protect your baby's eyes and skin from the glare of the sun.

Sleeping

• Crib and crib mattress:

• Bassinet: It is a great way to keep your new-born close during the first months at home. You can set your baby's bassinet right next to your bed for easier middle-of-the-night feedings, diaper changes, and check-ins.

• Bedding: All you really need are three to five fitted crib sheets, and a couple of washable crib mattress pads. Some are waterproof. The bumpers, pillows, quilts, and soft blankets that often come with baby bedding sets shouldn't go in your baby's crib because they increase the risk of accidental suffocation.

• Wearable blankets (2 or 3): They replace traditional blankets, which are unsafe for sleeping babies, because of the risk of SIDS.

• Baby swaddles (5 or 6): Many new-borns love swaddling, and having a few secure baby swaddles made just for this purpose can make your life much easier. Some swaddling blankets can also double as all-purpose blankets – for covering your baby while you're breastfeeding, for example.

• Baby monitor: They allow you to keep tabs on your baby while you're in another room or even away from home. You can choose a basic audio model or a more expensive video or wearable monitor.

Nice-to-have sleeping extras

• Nightlight: It's a soothing beacon in a dark room, and it provides just enough light for midnight diaper changes.

• Sound machine: Many babies sleep better, and fall asleep more easily, with a sound machine in the background.

Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

• Nursing or feeding pillow: These pillows can help you avoid straining your shoulders or neck. Nursing pillows are more convenient – and better at keeping your baby in position – than regular pillows.

• Burp cloths (6 to 12): catch spit-up and wipe up other baby fluids.

• Bibs (8 to 10): Even before your baby is eating solids, it's a good idea to have him wear a bib to keep his clothes dry, especially if he's a drooler.

Breastfeeding supplies

• Nipple cream: Relieve sore nipples.

• Nursing bras (2 to 3): Your breasts have changed, so you'll need a different fit to be comfortable.

• Nursing pads: It's normal for your breasts to leak while you're nursing, and nursing pads will keep you and your shirts nice and dry.

• Breast pump: Breast pumps can be as simple as a basic manual breast pump or as efficient as an double electric pump that allows you to pump from both breasts simultaneously.

• Breast milk bags: You can pump milk straight into a bottle, but many women prefer specially made plastic breastmilk storage bags, which don't take up much space in the freezer and can be defrosted easily.

• Nursing cover: If you prefer to be covered while nursing outside the home, a cover slips easily over you and your baby. Some nursing covers even double as an infant car seat cover.

Bottle-feeding supplies

• Bottles (6 to 12): New-borns usually start with 4-ounce bottles, but you'll need some 8-ounce bottles as your child begins to drink more. You'll also need at least as many nipples as bottles.

• Formula: If you aren't breastfeeding, you have lots of infant formula options to choose from. Stock up with enough formula for a few weeks.

• Bottle brushes (2): These are handy for thoroughly scrubbing small parts and crevices in bottles, bottle parts, and nipples.

• Insulated bottle carrier: Use one to keep bottles and/or breast milk warm or cool when you're on the go.

Nice-to-have bottle- and breastfeeding extras

• Bottle-drying rack: Is handy for drying bottles as well as nipples, pacifiers, teethers, and Sippy cups.

• Dishwasher basket: These are handy for keeping track of small items (like bottle parts) in the dishwasher.

• Bottle sterilizer: You can soak bottles (and other supplies) in boiling water to disinfect them, but some parents find a baby bottle sterilizer handy. Some are electric and some you pop in the microwave.

• Bottle warmer: You can use a bowl full of warm water to heat bottles of breast milk or formula, but a bottle warmer is more convenient.

• Warm or cold gel packs (3 to 4): These fit inside your bra and can soothe swollen or sore breasts. When you need to take breast milk or formula to-go, tuck the cold packs into an insulated bag.

Solid feeding

When your baby is ready for solid food, somewhere between 4 and 6 months of age, the following supplies can make the transition easier.

• Highchair: Look for a model with a seat cover that you can remove and clean, because you can totally count on food getting mushed into every crack.

• Bowls (2 to 3): Some parents like baby bowls with suction cups on the bottom that stick to the highchair tray (so they can't be flung to the floor easily). Suction or no suction, make sure they're unbreakable.

• Baby spoons (3 to 5): A rubber-tipped or plastic spoon is easier on your baby's gums and small enough to fit comfortably into a little mouth.

• Sippy cups (3 to 5): Cups with handles will probably be easiest for your child to manage at first.

• Waterproof bibs (5 to 10): Quick-drying bibs are useful, as are bibs with a pocket at the bottom to catch falling food.

Nice-to-have extras for feeding solids

• Mess mat: Place one under the highchair to protect your flooring and make the clean-up process easier.

Baby food maker: For making your own baby food.

Bathing

• Baby bathtub: A good baby bathtub will make bathing your baby much easier. Many are designed to grow with your baby from when they are new-borns to age 1.

• Soap and shampoo: Look for no-tears baby wash and shampoo formulas that are easier on your baby's skin and eyes. Choose brands that don't list "fragrance" as an ingredient if you want to avoid phthalates in your baby's shampoo or soap.

• Infant bath towels (2 to 3): A soft, hooded infant towel works well for wrapping up your baby and drying him after his bath.

• Washcloths (4 to 6): You can always find uses for baby washcloths. If you also use washcloths for diaper changes, designate a specific colour for those so you can keep them separate.

Nice-to-have bathing extras

• Bath thermometer: This isn't necessary if you're comfortable testing bath water with your wrist, but if you're unsure, a thermometer might be a tool worth investing in.

• Bath toys: Toys that float and engage your child in water play as she gets older can make bath time a fun activity.

Baby soothers, toys, and entertainment

• Pacifiers (3 to 5): Some babies love them, some don't. Baby pacifiers aren't a necessity by any means, but for some parents and babies soothers are essential.

• Bouncer seat: These baby seats bounce up and down when your little one kicks or moves. It's a handy, safe place to put your baby down (thanks to the attached straps), and many babies love the motion.

• Toys: Your baby doesn't need a lot of fancy playthings, but it's nice to have a few rattles, musical toys, and soft toys.

• Books: Chunky board books are a fine way to introduce reading to your baby. Washable cloth or vinyl books are a good bet, as well.

Nice-to-have baby entertainment extras

• Baby swing: Another favorite for babies who love to be on the move, freestanding baby swings provide rhythmic motion. Some are electric, some battery-powered, some have head-to-toe swinging, and others rock side to side.

• Play mat: These are soft mats with baby toys that dangle from overhead. Babies who aren't mobile yet can have a ball batting at the toys. Fancy play mats feature lights and sounds.

• Activity center: Baby activity centers keep older babies propped up safely in one place while they grab and manipulate various attached toys. Some convert to retainyour baby's interest as they grow.

• Toy box or storage baskets: A box will keep toys out of sight when put away, but be sure it doesn't have a lid that will slam on little fingers once your baby gets old enough to retrieve her own toys. Baskets allow for easy pickup. You might put one in each room your baby plays in.

Safety

A few pieces of safety equipment can help protect your baby from many common hazards:

• Safety gates: If you have stairs, invest in safety gates for the top and bottom. You can also use a gate to block off areas of the house that might be perilous, such as the bathroom or the kitchen.

• Outlet covers: Exposed outlets are an almost irresistible attraction to curious explorers. Bottom line: Keep them covered.

• Cupboard and drawer latches: Choose from the several available types, including ones that latch or twist open and close. Tug at them to make sure they can withstand the numerous tries of a determined toddler.

• Toilet seat locks: Babies can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, so keep your baby and his toys out of the toilet with a lock. The lock fastens on top of a closed seat and requires you to press a button or undo a latch to open it.

• Anti-tip straps and wall anchors: These will keep your baby from pulling the television and furniture over, once she's toddling around the house.

Health

• First-aid kit: A baby first-aid kit contains helpful health and safety items that you'll need if your baby is sick or injured, such as a thermometer, antiseptic ointment, and bandages. Many also include baby grooming tools like nail clippers and a hair brush.

• Nasal aspirator: You can combine a nasal aspirator with saline drops to clear your baby's stuffy nose.

• Teething toys: Chewing on a ring made of firm rubber can ease your baby's discomfort during the teething period.

• Humidifier: Running a humidifier in your baby's room can help ease congestion. Because it adds moisture to the air, it can also help with dry, chapped skin. Be sure to clean the machine often so you don't introduce mold into the air.

• Baby nail scissors, clippers, nail file, or emery board: These help you trim and smooth your baby's nails safely.

• Baby-friendly laundry detergent: Some brands are specially formulated to be gentle on baby skin, although brands for sensitive skin are fine too.

• Soft-bristled baby hair brush: This is especially helpful for handling cradle cap.

Tips for a fast c-section recovery:

Childbirth is an important event in everyone’s lives. If you had a c-section you’ll need more time to recover than you would after a vaginal delivery. It usually takes around six weeks to recover from a c-section but this also depends on your individual health and situation. Below are some tips to help you recover faster:

First thing to do is get as much as rest as possible. A caesarean is a major abdominal surgery. And just like with any other surgery, your body needs time to heal and recover. Give your body from 6 to 8 weeks’ time to fully heal. Sleep whenever the baby sleeps is a good advice to follow. Ask for help from your partner or relatives regarding housework so you can rest as much as you can.

Ask your doctor for all the pain medication you can take to relieve your pain. Especially if you have decided to breastfeed your baby. Depending on your level of discomfort, your doctor will prescribe you the best medication to take. Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicines. Your midwife may give you painkillers, such as paracetamol, to take at home.

It’s important to take your pain relief medication regularly and on time,as prescribed, even if you don’t have pain at that moment. If you are still having pain with the painkillers, speak to your midwife, pharmacist or GP.

In addition to pain medication, you can use a heating pad to relieve discomfort at your incision site. This leads to the next advice, eating proper food and focusing on good nutrition. Good nutrition is just as important in the months after you deliver as it was while you were pregnant.

Eating a variety of foods will help your body to heal faster. Also, if you’re breastfeeding, you’re your baby’s primary source of nutrition. Remember to drink plenty of water. Water helps you to avoid constipation but also boost your milk supply.

Taking a walk also reduces the risk of blood clots and other heart or blood vessel issues. Some new parents like walking with other new parents as part of a group, or meeting up with a neighbor to push their babies in their strollers.

The transition to parenthood can be difficult, especially when someone is recovering from a major surgery. A supportive family or group of friends, caring medical staff, and reasonable expectations can make the recovery journey and the transition to parenthood feel more manageable.

Recovery from a vaginal birth:

Your delivery may have been complicated or easy. You may have labored for a few hours or a few days. No matter what your delivery looked like, your body has been through a trauma just the same. It is going to need time to recover. Your postpartum recovery won’t take just a few days. While many women feel mostly recovered by 6-8 weeks, it may take longer than this to feel like yourself again. During this time, you may feel as though your body has turned against you. Try not to get frustrated. Remember that your body is not aware of your timelines and expectations. The best thing you can do for it is rest, eat well, and give yourself a break. It took your body the better part of a year to grow and have a baby. Take comfort in knowing that, for the most part, you will begin to feel like yourself much sooner than that. As you begin to feel better, resist the temptation to do more. Overdoing things at this point can set you back in your recovery. Concentrate on nourishing your body with good food, drinking plenty of water (especially if you are breastfeeding), and getting enough rest.

If you had a vaginal tear during delivery or your doctor made an incision, the wound might hurt for a few weeks. Extensive tears might take longer to heal. To ease discomfort while you're recovering:

· Sit on a pillow or padded ring.

· Cool the area with an ice pack, or place a chilled witch hazel pad between a sanitary napkin and the area between your vaginal opening and anus (perineum).

· Use a squeeze bottle to pour warm water over the perineum as you're passing urine.

· Sit in a warm bath just deep enough to cover your buttocks and hips for five minutes. Use cold water if you find it more soothing.

· Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ask your health care provider about a numbing spray or cream, if needed.

· Talk to your health care provider about using a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation.

Tell your health care provider if you're experiencing severe, persistent or increasing pain, which can be a sign of infection.

After delivery, you'll begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Your vaginal discharge will be made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. The discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white.

Contact your health care provider if you have heavy vaginal bleeding — soaking a pad in less than an hour — especially if it's accompanied by pelvic pain, a fever or tenderness.

You might feel occasional contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after delivery. These contractions — which often resemble menstrual cramps — help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Afterpains are common during breast-feeding, due to the release of the hormone, oxytocin. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Pregnancy, labor and a vaginal delivery can stretch or injure your pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and rectum. This might cause you to leak a few drops of urine while sneezing, laughing or coughing. These problems usually improve within weeks but they may persist for longer.

In the meantime, wear sanitary pads and do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to help tone your pelvic floor muscles and control your bladder. To do Kegels, imagine you are sitting on a marble and tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're lifting the marble. Try it for three seconds at a time, then relax for a count of three. Work up to doing the exercise 10 to 15 times in a row, at least three times a day.