Parenting Checklists
New Parents' Checklist Preparing for a new baby can be quite a daunting task. To make that task a little easier, we've listed the essentials by category. After adding a product to your registry, you can check it off your list. Gear Rear-facing infant car seat or infant-toddler (convertible) car seat Portable crib or playard Sling or soft carrier Stroller (look for one with full recline) Safety Monitor Safety gate Diapering Diapers If cloth diapers, plastic pants and/or Velcro covers (6 to 12) Diaper bag Diaper pail and liners Rash ointment and powder Wipes (at least 2 packs at all times) Layette (for newborn to 6 months) Absorbent bibs (4 to 8) Booties or socks (3 to 6 pairs) Gowns or stretchies (5 to 7) Hats (2 to 4) Homecoming outfit One-piece, footed rompers or tops/pant sets (5 to 7) Shirts and one pieces (6 to 8) Receiving blankets (4 to 6) Sweaters (2) Snowsuit or bunting and warm hat (for winter babies) T-shirts or kimonos (3 to 4) Nursery Changing pads (2 to 4) Changing table Crib or bassinet Crib bedding set Crib blankets (4 to 8) Crib mattress Dresser/armoire Fitted sheets (2 to 4, cotton and/or flannel) Fleece blanket (1 more if you live in a cold climate) Glider and ottoman or rocker Hamper Mattress pad (2) Mobile Waterproof crib liner Baby Care Brush and comb First aid supplies Nail clippers Thermometer Humidifier/vaporizer Toys & Activity Bouncer seat Stroller, crib, or car-seat toys (2 to 3) Swing Rattles and Teethers (2 or more) Developmental Toys Gym or playmat Jumper or stationary entertainer Feeding Bottles (6 to 8 of various sizes) and nipples Breast pads, shields, and cream Lap pads (4 to 6) and burp cloths (3 to 4) Breast pump Dishwasher caddy Highchair (not needed until your child is eating solids at approximately 4 to 6 months) Infant spoons (3 to 4) Nursing pillow Spill-proof cups (1 to 2) Bottle sterilizer Bathing Baby lotion Bathtub or contoured sponge (to fit in standard bath tub) Bath (or waterproof) toys Gentle shampoo or body wash Hooded terry cloth towels (2) Washcloths (2 to 3) Books, Music & More Books on pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting Colorful board books for baby Classical or lullaby music Camera (digital, video, or film) Baby book or journal
Must-Haves for Grandparents A checklist of essentials for new grandparents Your time and wisdom are the two most precious things you can give your grandchild. However, depending on the amount of time your grandbaby spends at your house, you may need some of these items to make your home the perfect retreat for this special child. Keep in mind, this is a suggested checklist of essentials and should be adjusted to your grandparenting lifestyle. Safe and Sound Baby monitor Safety gates Latches and locks Outlet covers Corner cushions Cord shorteners Night-lights Toilet locks Doorknob covers Isn't It Yummy? Burping cloths Bottles Bibs Pacifiers Formula (if applicable) Highchair Feeding seat Booster seat Baby Care Brush and comb Digital/ear thermometer First-aid kit Diapers Diaper pail Wipes Wipe warmer Bathtime Baby bathtub Hooded bath towels Washcloths Shampoos Lotion Baby oil Cotton swabs Baby wipes Diaper ointment Petroleum jelly Cotton balls Bath toys Soft Wear Gowns Bodysuits Hats Socks Footed coveralls Receiving blankets Bedtime Cradle/bassinet Crib Travel yard Sound soother Mattress (for cradle, bassinet, or crib) Bedding sets and sheets Playtime Activity toys Baby gym Rattles Playmats Music Teethers On the Go Infant car seat Convertible car seat Booster car seat Sunshade Roller shade Convenience stroller Toys for both the car seat and stroller Diaper bag Baby mirror Infant carrier That's Entertainment Swing Mobile walker Stationary entertainer Bouncer Boppy pillow
For the Nursery Checklist Decorating your nursery may be one of the most enjoyable things you do in preparation for baby. Here are all the things your nursery will need. Baby monitor Bassinet or cradle Changing table Changing-table pad Crib Crib-bedding set Crib toy Diaper pail Dresser Glider and ottoman Mattress Mattress pad and cover Mobile or sleep soother Night-light Nursing stool Playmat Rug Sheet saver Toy chest Window valance
What to Pack for the Hospital Checklist What will you need for the big day? Use our handy checklist to help pack for your hospital stay. Keep in mind that every mom is different, so you may find some items are essential and others just "nice-to-haves." For You Two to three nightgowns, front closing if you plan to breastfeed Slippers with nonslip soles Robe Two bras (nursing) Breast pads Toiletries (comb, brush, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, shampoo, cosmetics, sanitary pads) Socks Headband or ponytail holders Glasses and/or contact lens supplies Panties or disposable panties (at least three to four pairs) Loose-fitting clothing for your trip home Lip balm and hard candies to keep your mouth moist Photo or object to use as focal point during labor Tennis ball or back massager Diversions (books, magazines, journal, announcements) A watch with second hand to time contractions Snacks such as Jello, popsicles Water bottles with straws For Dad or Coach Oil for massage Music (tapes or CDs and player) Pencil and pad Labor handbook Phone numbers and long distance calling card Camera and/or camcorder Hospital preregistration, health insurance info, birth plan (if you have one) Check or credit card if prepayment for anesthesia is required Coins for phones and vending machines Snack food and drinks Change of clothes Toiletries (razor, toothbrush and paste, comb) For Baby Clothes for the trip home: undershirt, sleeper, and outerwear Receiving blankets Rear-facing car seat Socks or booties Hat Heavy blanket for cold weather Diapers and wipes (most hospitals provide them, for a fee) Pacifier (optional)
Traveling with Baby Checklist Now that you have a baby, you'll have to take a few more things along for the ride. Use our handy checklist to make sure you don't leave home without the essentials. Diapers Diaper bag If cloth, vinyl covers (two to three) Wipes (lots) Diaper rash cream Bibs (two) Plastic baggies Car seat Carrier, sling, or backpack Powder, shampoo/wash, and lotion (sample/travel size) Pacifier (plus one extra), if needed Tissues First-aid kit Clothes (two outfits per day) Hat (sun or winter, depending on season) Socks or booties Food, formula, water, and/or juice Spoons, cups, and bowl Medication (if needed) Night-light Playard Lightweight, collapsible stroller Blankets (two to three) An extra $20 (just in case) Toy and/or book (or two)
Babyproofing Essentials Checklist Of course you want to keep your baby safe and sound. The items below will help you do that. Safety gate Monitor Choking hazard gauge Outlet covers Cord wind-ups Corner guards Window guards Tub temperature gauge Door/cabinet/appliance safety locks Fireplace guard Furniture safety straps Doorknob covers Rail guard Stove guards Bed Rails
