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Newborn Checklist: Preparing for the baby’s arrival

Newborn Checklist: Preparing for the baby’s arrival

Newborn essentials checklist

Our ultimate newborn essentials checklist to make sure you’re ready for the baby’s arrival. You may also like our guide to Preparing for the baby’s arrival in your third trimester of pregnancy.

Nappies

  • Tiny humans poop (a lot!), so have a good supply of nappies at the ready. Choose size 1-2 Rascal + Friends premium nappies for your little one. Made with seriously good features, such as feather soft materials, no nasties and up to 12 hour leak protection, they’re the perfect addition to your newborn nursery.
  • Changing mat or table
  • Baby ointment or lotions
  • Plenty of baby wipes for your changing table, around the house and your nappy bag. Rascal + Friends sensitive wipes are perfect for cleaning those little (and not so little!) messes. Made with a plant-based cloth and 99% natural formula, they’re dermatologically certified to be safe and ultra gentle on sensitive skin.

Clothing

Your little one will grow in and out of clothing sizes, fast! Rather than buy everything at once, you may like to have these basics on hand:

  • 8-10 undershirts or onesies (a mix of short and long sleeve)
  • 5 pairs of pants
  • 2 newborn hats
  • 8-10 pairs of socks or booties
  • 3 pairs of scratch mittens
  • 3 cardigans or jackets

Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding:

  • Lots of bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • Breast pump
  • Milk storage containers
  • Nursing pillow
  • Nursing bras (if you’re buying before the baby is born, purchase one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
  • Breast pads (disposable or washable)
  • Lotion for sore nipples

If you’re formula feeding:

  • Lots of bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • Bottle and nipple brush
  • Formula
  • Thermal bottle carrier

Setting up the nursery

  • Crib, mattress and fitted crib sheets
  • A few light blankets that you can layer in the crib
  • Waterproof mattress covers
  • Sleep sack
  • Baby monitor
  • Coat hangers
  • Night light
  • Rocking or reclining chair for feeding
  • Pacifiers
  • 10+ muslin cloths

Bathtime

  • 12 washcloths
  • Baby soap or cleanser
  • Baby soft-bristled hair brush
  • 3 soft-hooded towels

 Other essentials

  • Infant safety car seat
  • Sun shade for car windows
  • Stroller
  • Medication in case of fever
  • Medicine spoon
  • Baby thermometer
  • Nail clippers or scissors

Preparing for the hospital

As your due date approaches, starting preparing a bag for your hospital stay. While you want to be prepared, less is more. Most of the essentials will be provided for you at the hospital. A plan/map of the best route to the hospital is also a helpful step in your preparation. That way there’s no need to panic when the time comes!

Download and print our FREE hospital bag checklist

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