Newborn Checklist: Essentials You Need Before Your Baby Arrives

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Expecting a new baby is an exciting time in many parents’ lives due to the chance to welcome a new life into the world. According to Baby Center, just under 4 million babies are born in American annually. There is no shortage of advice for expectant parents regarding getting ready to receive their bundle of joy. Nevertheless, there are some bare essentials you will need for starters to prepare for your child. So, if you’re keen to find out which needs to be in place prior to your baby arriving, take a look at these points.

1. A crib

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Securing a sleeping place for your child is perhaps the most essential arrangement you have to sort out before the baby arrives. Bassinet cradles and three-sided cribs are ideal for the first few months. Many cribs come without mattresses, so you must buy quality, comfortable, and fitting ones. Double-sided mattresses are popular among parents because you can use them for the baby and toddler years, giving a little extra "mileage" in usability. Alternatively, you can choose a certified mattress as a more sustainable choice for your baby. Consider getting more comfort items like crib sheets, light blankets, a sleep sack, and waterproof mattress covers.

2. Diapering

Reusable cloth nappies and disposable diapers are the options available to parents for their child's diapering needs. Cloth nappies are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a great choice if you are big on sustainability. Also, cloth diapers are more pocket-friendly, considering that a whopping 27.4 billion disposable diapers are used in the US annually! While the idea of using cloth nappies may be new to you, you will get used to them after a while. And even though disposable diapers may seem more convenient, they are costly, more likely to rip during changes, and are less environmentally friendly. Therefore, consider which diapering options will best suit you and invest accordingly.

3. Clothing

Some experts think you should secure at least six “onesies," about four infant gowns, and three blankets wide enough to swaddle the baby as a start to welcoming your child. You will also need about five pairs of pants, eight stretchy sleepers, a sweater and cap, and about six pairs of socks or booties, scratch mittens (to keep the baby from scratching his or her face), and some cardigans for winter. Experts suggest that you consider the fabric, safety, size, and comfort of your baby’s clothes when making your choices, so keep this in mind while shopping.

4. Feeding

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Many nursing mothers will agree that bibs, burp cloths, nursing pillows, etc., are essentials for feeding your baby, whether you are breastfeeding or not. So, invest in these items before the baby arrives. You will likely need breast pumps and milk storage containers for convenience in case you have to be at work or somewhere else urgently. Should you choose not to breastfeed, you would need supplies like formula, bottles, and pacifiers. Also, a bottle brush and dishwasher basket will help clean your feeding items, so prioritize this when shopping.

5. A Baby Support Pillow

Baby support pillows, like the ones sold by the topponcino company are a must-have for any nursery. They ensure that your baby is safe, comfortable and cozy whenever you have to put him or her down for a while. You can also use them to wrap your baby up while you hold him or her for extra support during those first vital months of nursing.