The Ultimate New Parent Checklist

Are you anxiously awaiting the arrival of your little one? Is this your first time becoming a parent? First-time parents experience a bevvy of emotions that range from joy and happiness to sheer terror and stress over how they will do as a parent. A big part of that stress is the fact they don’t know what to expect. They want to prepare for their little one, but how do they do that when they’ve never experienced parenthood before?

There’s no need for all the anxiety in terms of preparedness as we’ve got just the list that you can work from. This ultimate new parent checklist covers all the essentials you’ll need.

No Need to Overdo It with Clothing

It’s very common for new parents to want to stock up on adorable newborn clothing the minute they learn they are pregnant, but that’s not necessarily a great plan. Chances are the newborn clothing will only fit for a very short while, and parents should be more focused on keeping the baby comfortable, and in clothing that is easy to remove for nappy changes. In other words, there’s no need to overdo it with clothing.

Some of the most important pieces you’ll want multiples of include:

• Short-sleeved bodysuits – excellent for layering
• Long-sleeved bodysuits – excellent for layering
• Teddy suit (for babies arriving during the cooler months)
• Muslins and blankets
• Baby grows
• Sleeping bags

Outfitting the Nursery with the Must-Have Furniture

The good news is that when it comes to furniture, you don't need many items. You'll need a bassinet and cot for the beginning weeks/months, a crib (consider a convertible one that grows with them), a nursing chair, and a changing table. You may also want to purchase a dresser to store the clothing and other essentials in.

Don’t forget to also purchase bedding (sheets) for their bassinet and crib. You want to purchase enough sheets that you always have at least a couple clean for when one becomes soiled.

Bottle and/or Breastfeeding Items Can Be Bought in Advance

Feeding accessories can be a big mystery for new parents, which is understandable. The fact is that you can have plans to breastfeed only, bottle feed only, use a particular premade formula and so forth, but until your little one arrives you won’t know for sure what will work.

This is why it makes sense to stock the essentials so you’re prepared for anything in those first few weeks. Feeding accessories should include things such as bottles meant for newborns, a dry formula mix, a bottle scrubbing brush, a variety of nipples, and a bottle drying rack. And for moms who want to try breastfeeding, you'll also need nursing pads, a breast pump, breast milk storage pouches, and a breastfeeding, and nursing cover.

Don’t forget another handy feeding accessory – several bibs that are easy to launder. Bamboo is a great material to pick up as it’s lightweight for your little one, yet holds up well to washing.

Nappy Changing Essentials to Stock Up On

Nappies will be one of the most used items in the first few weeks and months with your little ones. New parents are often amazed at just how many nappy changes are required in a day. Generally speaking, newborns require changing about once every 1-3 hours. As they get older the frequency will slow down, but it will still be a while before you need significantly fewer nappies.

Be sure to have It's wise to purchase nappies before your little one arrives, but don't purchase too many in size 1. These will only fit your baby for the first few weeks. If your baby is a bit bigger, it could be less. Instead, it can make more sense to stock up on size two and only one or two packs of size one.

Other nappy-changing essentials include:

• Baby wipes
• Rash barrier cream
• Nappy waste bin
• Waterproof changing pad

Baby Equipment You'll Need When Leaving the House

Sure, you may plan on spending a lot of time at home in the initial days and weeks after your baby arrives, but you will need to leave the house eventually. That means you need baby equipment meant for transporting them. You’ll need a pram, and a newborn car seat (if applicable).

We recommend taking the time to research both before making a purchase, as there are so many features offered nowadays. You want to be sure you get something that meets your needs and wants.

Miscellaneous Items That Still Make the List

And while the category of “miscellaneous items” may not seem important, in terms of preparing for a baby they are very important items. Each of these items will add to your baby’s comfort, security, and safety.

Here’s a look at some of the essential miscellaneous items:

• Baby monitor(s)
• Sound machine for the nursery
• Nightlight for the nursery
• Baby bouncer
• Bath bathing essentials (soap, towels, washcloths, baby bath, and water toys)
• Dummies
• Thermometer
• Baby nail clippers
• Toys and rattles

Being Prepared Will Help to Settle the Nerves

Following this checklist will help you better prepare for the arrival of your baby, which will in turn help to settle your nerves.