Nursery Checklist

‘Must haves’ and ‘nice to have’ items will help bring the baby home easily:

Below, you will find a basic nursery checklist. The new baby does not need very much to begin with, but there are many items that can make care much easier.

ESSENTIALS FOR THE NURSERY

• __   A safe place for the baby to sleep, whether it’s a bassinet, crib, or bedside sleeper. You may also opt to purchase a crib that grows with your baby and can be used into toddlerhood and beyond. IMPORTANT! If you decide on a crib bumper, choose one that allows babies to breathe through it if they accidentally roll over face-first into or against it.
• __  Diapers in both Newborn and size 1. Cloth or disposable is your option. A newborn can go through about 8-12 diapers a day. Give yourself a three-week supply of newborn size and a month’s worth of size 1. (Tip: diaper sizes are based on the baby’s weight. Let this guide you in what size you will need.) Wipes for cleaning up. Zinc A&D skin cream and corn or potato starch powder for diaper rash. A changing table is nice if you have space. Also, find some sturdy baskets to hold and organize the diapering essentials.
• __  Two soft, warm blankets, minimum. You will most likely have more. Just be sure you have enough bedding and blankets to allow for washing one while the other is being used.
• __  Thermometer. It’s difficult to read the temperature of a fussy baby! New thermometers are available that scan their forehead or read the ear temperature. If your baby is really inclined toward sucking a pacifier, they even have pacifier thermometers.
• __ Storage drawers or shelving for baby clothing and other items. If you choose one that is the right height and width, this piece of furniture can also double as a changing table.

NICE TO HAVE NURSERY ITEMS

• __  Gliding Rocking Chair and side table. This will be such a comfort during the first few weeks of sleepless nights. Add a lamp for even more convenience.
• __  Night light. Check on the baby without having to wake everyone. Changing a diaper in a darkened room is a piece of cake with a night light. Some wipe-warmers have night lights.
• __   Nipple Cream/ Ointment. If you are breastfeeding, make sure to have some of this on hand. You should not need much. Choose something safe for the baby to ingest. TIP: You can also use your breast milk to help heal cracked nipples. If bottle feeding, have at least four bottles on hand, extra nipples, and a bottle brush.
• __ A notebook, calendar, or journal. Having one of these handy will help you keep track of diapers and feedings. You will need to keep track of this for the first few weeks. Your pediatrician may want this information. A journal will also allow you to write down any inspirational thoughts you have while watching your baby sleep. Or, list reminders for things to do later. (There are several helpful downloads available in our member’s area to help track things like feeding, diapering, etc.)
• __ Bouncy Seat/Swing. Try to find one that allows you to hang interesting toys on it. Some varieties also vibrate and play music. These are great for both soothing a baby and containing a baby while you shower or otherwise need hands free. They are not meant for long-term use as they do not allow the baby to practice their motor skills and work through primitive and postural reflexes.
• __ Diaper pail. For added benefit, have a natural air freshener inside or near the diaper pail. Baking soda is one option, as is a mist of citrus oil. Diaper pails are optional. They can get pretty stinky. Some parents opt to simply toss dirty diapers into the regular (most frequently changed) rubbish bin.
• __ Blackout curtains. Nothing says nap time like a dark room. Help baby sleep better day and night by covering windows well when it is time to sleep.

BABY BASICS FOR THE NURSERY

• __ Spit-up rags. At least 20 or so if they are small. You will use these often. They can double as washcloths later.
• __  Bathing items – Mild, natural shampoo/ soap in one, Coconut oil or another natural moisturizer, and soft washcloths. There are some great baby bath options, but a clean sink and mama’s arms work well, too. Soap is not a required item. Plain, warm water is usually all that is required for the young baby until they become more mobile. There are several great baby bather options that allow you to safely handle your web baby. There are stand-alone and sink options.
• __ Baby fingernail clippers and hand mitts. Baby fingernails grow very fast and are very soft. You may choose to gently peel them with your fingernails or find an infant nail clipper. If you are nervous about clipping your baby’s nails, there are clippers available that have a tiny window in them that allows you to see exactly what you are clipping. You may also choose a clipper that has a magnifying glass on it. Your baby can wear small gloves at night for the first week or two to help avoid scratching themselves. It is good to let your baby explore textures with his hands without the gloves on, however. Only use them if needed.

Remember this; the only two things that absolutely, positively have to be accomplished with a newborn is this: Keep one end fed and the other end clean!

-All the best!

Major Dad Official