Checklist for Expecting Mothers

by Robert Meyer
If you are expecting you may want to start preparing early for the arrival of your new baby. Below is a checklist of things you will need when the baby arrives. I found this list in Consumer Reports and thought it would be helpful. You might want to start shopping early so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time. It would also save some money if you had a baby shower and shared the list with friends and family.
Here is a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.
Tooling around
_____Car seat
_____Stroller
Beds and linens
_____Crib
_____Crib mattress
_____Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away)
_____Two to three fitted crib sheets
_____Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby
_____Two mattress pads
_____One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet).
Diaper duty
_____Diapers. Disposable or cloth
_____Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables)
_____Diaper bag Dressing baby
_____Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet
_____Six side-snap T-shirts
_____Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch
_____A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)
_____Six pairs socks/booties
_____Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits. Get only a few items in newborn size. Then,
go for clothing in the 6-month size--your baby will grow into it quickly. But don't buy baby
sleepwear that's too big; it'sa fire hazard
_____Cotton sweater or light jacket
Summer babies
_____Brimmed hat Winter babies
Winter babies
_____Snowsuit or heavy bunting
_____Heavy stroller blanket
_____Warm knit hat
Feeding time
If you're planning to breast-feed:
_____Two or three nursing bras
_____A box of washable or disposable breast pads
_____Breast pump if you expect to use one
_____Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk
_____Bottle drying tree
_____Bottle brush
_____Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)
_____Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths.
If you're planning to bottle-feed
_____Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher
Bathing/grooming
_____Three soft hooded towels
_____Two packs of baby washcloths
_____ Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo
_____Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers
_____Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment
_____Infant bathtub
_____Soft brush and comb
_____Mild laundry detergent
Medicine chest essentials
_____A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor,
such as Infant's Tylenol
_____Cotton pads/swabs
_____Nasal aspirator
_____Digital thermometer
_____Rubbing alcohol
_____Petroleum jelly
Keeping baby happy
_____Pacifiers
Extras: Nice but optional
_____Monitor
_____Changing table
_____A rocker or glider
_____Soft carrier
_____Swing
In addition to shopping so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time you should also do some price comparison research on the internet to save some money. My favorite site is http://www.bestbabythingsonline.com.
The author operates a website
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American Baby Company Waterproof Fitted Quilted Bassinet Mattress Pad List Price: $12.99 Sale Price: $12.49 |
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Fitted Bassinet (15"x33") Waterproof Quilted Mattress Pads. Top: 100% Cotton Onion Quilt, Middle Layer: Soft Polyester Filler, Back: 100% Waterproof Vinyl |
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The First Years Carry Me Near 5 In 1 Bassinet, Ivory List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $120.28 |
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The Carry Me Near in Sleep System is a portable sleeper bassinet bedside sleeper play seat and changing table all in one convenient product The three sleep modes allow you to keep your sleeping baby close to you wherever you go Thanks to the ergonomically designed handle you can confidently carry your sleeping baby from room to room in the portable sleeper The handles are battery operated It produces gentle vibrations five peaceful audio selections and a nightlight |
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Badger Basket Natural Moses Basket with Hood, Sage Gingham Bedding List Price: $76.00 Sale Price: $29.74 |
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Perfect for when you're at home or visiting friends, this basket gives your infant a comfy cradle for sleeping. And when Baby outgrows the Moses Basket, use it to store stuffed animals or linens. It can even be used as a bed for dolls or small pets!A charming hood shades your baby, and is removable when not in use... |
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Sage Gingham Bedding Liner Only for a Bassinet (Bassinet NOT Included!) Sale Price: $29.97 |
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Bassinet is sold separately! Bedding is also available in pink, blue, or white with sage, pink and blue gingham ribbons. |
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Elegance Round Bassinet Extra Sheets - 2 pk - Ecru List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.95 |
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Includes a set of two sheets for the Badger Basket Elegance Round Baby Bassinet. Features: Poly/cotton blend Machine wash and tumble dry; warm iron if needed Fits ROUND mattress pads of approximately 29... |
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Badger Basket Company Tranquility Baby Bassinet Cherry Frame with Pink Dots Bedding List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $126.95 |
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Badger Basket Company Tranquility Bassinet is lightweight and simple, yet generously sized inside and out. The suspended bassinet responds to baby's movements to reassure and comfort your little one during sleep... |
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Jumbo Bassinet: Three-Tier Eyelet Bassinet Bedding Set Sale Price: $45.99 |
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This graceful, long skirt is crafted of pretty white eyelet. Ensemble is completed with a matching hood cover and a sheet. Sweet pink and blue bows add a finishing touch. It fully lines the interior of the bassinet with floor-length, three-tier layered skirt attached... |
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American Baby Company Waterproof Bassinet Sheeting Pad List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $7.99 |
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Argington Organic Bam Bassinet Bumper, White List Price: $38.50 Sale Price: $38.50 |
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As an accessory, Argington offers a bumper especially made to fit our bassinet. The solid white quilted bumper is made of soft organic unbleached cotton and has ties to secure bumper to bassinet. Machine washable... |
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The First Years Airflow Sleep Positioner List Price: $10.99 Sale Price: $10.00 |
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Designed for proper sleep position and greater air circulation for your baby. It helps keep sleeping infants on their backs as recommended, to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)... |




















