Newborn Checklist: 4 Things to Prepare Before Your Baby Arrives

There is a lot to get ready while you wait for your baby to arrive. For expecting parents, welcoming a little one brings excitement, but also some confusion. That's because there are several items you need to have on hand to care for a newborn.

Checklist of Newborn Essentials to Prepare

1. Baby Clothes

Baby clothes are the first thing to prepare, and many moms buy them well ahead of time. When choosing clothes, don't go by cute designs alone. Think about how comfortable the clothes will be to wear.

That means paying attention to the fabric used for newborn clothing. At the very least, your baby will need 4 to 8 pairs of pants, onesies and shirts, plus one-piece pajamas. A newborn also needs socks and a hat. A jacket or sweater and a blanket are needed for cold weather.

2. Baby Diapers

Along with clothes, newborn care calls for the right diapers. Having plenty of supplies will help you manage faster. You can buy about 8 to 10 dozen cloth diapers and diaper covers. Don't forget a diaper bag and baby wipes formulated specifically for newborn care.

3. Nursing Supplies

This item is often skipped, yet it is just as important as baby clothes. Even when you breastfeed directly, you still need a few extra tools, such as bottles, a nursing pillow and a breast pump. A woman who has just given birth often doesn't have much milk yet.

These tools also let you store breast milk. When your baby cries at night, your husband can help by feeding breast milk with a bottle. Don't forget a few tools for sterilizing the bottles your little one will use.

4. Bath Supplies

The next thing to prepare for newborn care is bath supplies. These include 1 baby bathtub, a soft washcloth, 2 baby towels, and soap along with baby shampoo. Because your little one may be bathed often, keep these items somewhere easy to reach.

When choosing these items, look at safety and comfort as well as quality. That matters most for soap and shampoo, which touch the baby's skin directly. You can pick products made specifically for newborns, such as Mitu Baby, whose quality is not in doubt.