New baby basics

A master list for new moms and dads

Here's a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives

Tooling around

_x_ Soft sling carrier

_x_ Stroller (Pram/Stroller)

_x_ Car seat

Beds and linens

_x_ Crib

_x_ Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away)

_x_ Two mattress pads

_x_ Crib mattress

_x_ Two to three fitted crib sheets

_x_ Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby

_x_ One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet)

Diaper duty

_x_ 24 Cloth Diapers

_x_ Diaper liners

_x_ Diaper bag

_x_ 1 Package (Tushies Gel-Free Disposables for travelling - from health food stores)

_x_ Diaper pail for dirty cloth diapers

Dressing baby

_x_ Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet

_x_ Six side-snap T-shirts

_x_ Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch

_x_ Small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)

_x_ Six pairs socks

_x_ Cotton sweater or light jacket

_x_ 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's a fire hazard

Winter babies

_x_ Snowsuit or heavy bunting

_x_ Warm knit hat

_x_ Heavy stroller blanket

Feeding time

_x_ Two or three nursing bras

_x_ Breast pump if you expect to use one

_x_ Box of LilyPadz, washable or disposable breast pads

_x_ Boppy support pillow

_x_ Four small glass baby bottles with silicone newborn nipples

_x_ Bottle brush

_x_ Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)

_x_ Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths

Bathing/grooming

_x_ Two packs of baby washcloths

_x_ Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers

_x_ Infant bathtub

_x_ Three soft hooded towels

_x_ Soft brush and comb

_x_ Natural Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo

_x_ Natural Diaper ointment

_x_ Natural Mild laundry detergent

Medicine chest essentials

_x_ Digital thermometer

_x_ Nasal aspirator

___ Pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor, such as Infant's Tylenol
___ Cotton pads/swabs
___ Rubbing alcohol

Keeping baby happy

_x_ Pacifiers

Extras: Nice but optional

_x_ Changing table

_x_ Rocker/glider

_x_ Swing