vinyl bath mat

Newborn Checklist

Before Harper was born, I was completely at a loss as to what I would need when she arrived. I mean, I knew she needed clothes, some diapers, a crib (?) etc., but I was stressed to the max worried about what I was missing. Of course, it all came together just fine, but I really wished I’d had a comprehensive list like this one to help calm my fears.

Sure, there are other lists on the web, but in my opinion, many of them tell you way too much stuff to get. Plus, they don’t explain from an experiential standpoint why certain items are (or aren’t) needed. So, I kept detailed notes on everything so I could send my list to several girlfriends who were having babies shortly after I was.

Lucky for you, here is that list!

Crib or cosleeper – This depends on if you plan on sleeping with the baby. I LOVE sleeping with Harper, but it is difficult with both Scott and me in a queen-size bed. Good for late-night nursing and cuddling but otherwise kind of a bummer. I put her in the crib most of the time at night until early morning when I’m not so sound asleep that I might crush or smother her. I got my crib at Ikea for about $70. Crib mattress – I got an organic one from Baby Natura that was pricey – about $500, but I made up for it with the cheap crib and changing table. Sheets – I accidentally bought four sheets from Ikea but really only need two. Two is plenty in my opinion – one on the bed, one in the wash. Waterproof cover for mattress – I have two. When one’s washing, the other one’s on. Waterproof cover or pad for YOUR mattress if you plan to let the baby sleep or nap with you. You will not be happy with pee/spitup/poop on your bed. Trust me. Also, your boobs will be pretty leaky in the beginning. I would often wake up in a pool of milk if I forgot to put on a nursing bra and pad. Changing table – I got a cool antique one at DI for $5. I was going to strip and refinish it, but ultimately, I just cleaned it. Time didn’t allow for anything more. The changing table isn’t really necessary, but mine has storage shelves which are really nice. Bending over the crib constantly to change the baby makes your back hurt. And it’s just nice to have a spot with all your crap organized. Receiving blankets – I made a bunch of these out of flannel (just serged the edges), but you can buy them cheaply. These are great in the early days, but Harper has already grown out of them for swaddling. Now I just use them to cover her legs when she’s playing or in the stroller. I would say five or so of them is plenty. Fleece blankets – these come in handy when swaddling the baby, putting her down to sleep, etc. I think I have about five that I rotate. You can also just make them out of fleece bought at Joann’s or something. You can finish the edges however you like. I crocheted around mine but it won’t ravel regardless. The edges will just curl. Of course, you could just buy a few. Onesies – The newborn size only fit for a week or two. She was quickly in 0-3 mos and was already in 3-6 months at 5 weeks old and 9.5 pounds. However, we use cloth diapers which are pretty bulky. Footed pajamas – for night, obviously. I always give her a bath around 8pm and put one of these on her before rocking her/nursing her to sleep. Pants – buy a few pair to go with the onesies if it’s chilly. Shirts – you can get buy with just onesies, but I like shirts so sometimes she can just wear her diaper with a shirt. It’s easier to change her that way, and cooler in the warm months. Shirts do ride up though, and that is a pain. They are nice if you are cloth diapering because onesies tend to be a little short for the bulky bottom. Socks, especially if your baby will be born in the cooler months. I bought a pack at TJ Maxx for pretty cheap, or you could get them at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Babies grow out of these quickly, so don’t stock up on tiny sizes. Baby tub – I have the Whale of a Tub from Fisher Price and love it. I just put it over the kitchen sink. Bathcloths – you only need 3-5 of these. I do laundry every night, so I really rotate two of them for the most part. Occasionally I will give her a rag bath in between real baths, so a few more are handy. OR, you can just use adult bathcloths if you already have them. There’s not much difference except the baby ones are a little thinner. Baby shampoo/soap – I use California Baby . It’s sort of pricey, but it lasts a long time and smells nice. It’s also super gentle on the skin. My midwife told me that Baby Magic etc. are bad for the baby. I looked it up here on the Cosmetics Database and confirmed her warning. I also use the California Baby products on her butt when changing her. You can buy it at Whole Foods, Target or on their website. Alcohol – to clean the belly button area Q-tips – to clean the belly button area, ears, etc. Brush – optional. I am vain and like to brush my baby’s hair. She had a lot of it. Nail clippers – I didn’t use these much at first because Harper’s nails were paper thin, and I could just pull them off. I did use it a lot after the first month or two though. Nasal aspirator – good for removing boogers. I know, I know. Gross. But it happens. Burp cloths – OR, if you are cloth diapering, just use diapers or wipes. I usually just use a diaper. If you aren’t cloth diapering, you could still get some cloth diapers for this purpose. Car seat – D U H. You have a few options here – you can get a travel set with a stroller, or you can get a car seat that will last from birth all the way up to toddlerhood. We opted to get a used travel set off of Craigslist, and we’ll upgrade to a bigger carseat when Harper hits 22 pounds. (She is now almost six months and about 18 pounds, so we will be upgrading soon.) Towels – don’t waste your money on the hooded ones specifically for babies. We have some of those but always use our regular adult ones. Stroller – we got a travel set off of Craigslist for $95. It’s a Babytrend jogger complete with infant carseat. Works just fine for us. Baby wrap – I loved the

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Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Bathroom, Bedroom and Garage

Bathroom Install  safety rails  in the tub or shower to make entrances and exits safe and easy, particularly for children and the elderly.

Be sure to install the rails directly into a stud behind the tub/shower wall, not just into drywall or a vinyl tub/shower surround. The safety bar must be sturdy enough to withstand a sudden, sharp pull.

Never lean or pull on towel bars or soap dishes.

Use  non-slip decals or strips  in the bottom of the tub or shower. Some of the newer models have a “grippable” surface built in ­ remember this important safety feature if you are shopping for a replacement tub or shower kit. Make sure faucets and showerheads have  anti-scald features  that prevent sudden bursts of very hot water. Most new bathroom fixtures integrate these features, but houses with old plumbing may not have them. This is particularly important in bathrooms used by small children and the elderly ­ both...