As birth draws closer, you need to be prepared not just in terms of labour, but also for afterwards, and having a baby checklist of the things you will need will help you. These lists should be made before the baby is born so that you will be completely ready for your newborn baby.
To give you a general idea, we have prepared several lists of baby necessities for both you and your little one.
Portable Baby Changing Table
Maternity Checklist
Below is a list of items to have ready in your bag when you go to the hospital. This is an essential checklist that you should prepare a week or two before you are expected to go into labour to prevent a huge scramble before you have to leave:
Disposable underwear Maternity pads Deodorant Soap Shampoo Breast pads and nipple cream, if you plan on breastfeeding Maternity bra Dressing gown and/or sweater - many hospitals provide nightgowns, and it's better to use these at the beginning when you are bleeding heavily. However, you may still feel more comfortable and warm with your own dressing gown on top. Toothbrush and toothpaste. Face creams Cell phone Some loose change, but not too much cash. Some reading material for while you are on the ward A non-perishable snack and bottle of drink
Newborn Essentials Checklist
Coming home from the hospital, your home needs to ready to greet the newborn. Here's a list of baby needs that you should have in for as soon as you and the baby arrive:
A cot or crib, with at least three sets of sheets and blankets Baby wet wipes Disposable nappies Baby lotion and cream Baby shampoo and soap At least two sets of baby clothes A changing mat or table Disposable nappies A soft towel for baby A baby bath if you can, although that can wait as at the beginning you will probably be topping and tailing anyway A baby hat If it's the winter, an effective means of heating the baby's room If you are bottle-feeding, formula, bottles, and sterilisation equipment
If this is your first baby, you will need to get most baby equipment from scratch, whether new or second hand. If not, then you probably have some of them already.
Baby Travel Checklist
If you are travelling, you need to make a checklist of what you need for a baby on the move. Some of these items include things you should find out:
If sleeping over, is an available crib at your destination? If not, then take a carrycot or portable crib. What are the baby changing facilities like? Take a change mat with you for extra security. Disposable and cloth nappies Wet wipes Nappy bags Baby cream and lotion A small soft towel A hat A couple of extra blankets and sweaters Enough baby clothing to last you for your trip. If you are away for a few days, investigate the laundry facilities. Dummy Formula, bottles, and portable sterilisation equipment if you are bottle feeding.