Your new baby checklist

With both new or used items alike, think about safety first.

• Before buying or accepting any secondhand gear for your baby, make sure that it meets current safety guidelines. If possible, avoid buying or borrowing a used car seat (you cannot use a car seat if it has previously been involved in an accident).
• Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the latest information about toys and baby products that are considered dangerous and/or have been recalled.
• Be sure that you and anyone else who is going to care for your baby are prepared for an emergency. Find health classes on infant CPR and baby care in your area.

Car seat — the law requires that you use a car seat to transport your baby. Infants should ride rear-facing in the back seat until they are at least 12 months old or reach the maximum height and weight for the car seat.

Bassinet or crib and crib mattress

Tightly fitted crib sheets (do not use standard bed sheets in a crib)

Waterproof crib mattress pads

Small blankets to wrap around the baby (receiving blankets)

Baby bathtub

Washcloths

Breast pump and breast milk storage bags, and nursing bras for you

Burp cloths (cloth diapers also make good burp cloths)

Bibs

Bottles, nipples, and formula (if bottle-feeding)

Disposable or cloth diapers (enough for 10 to 12 diaper changes per day for the first few months)

Alcohol-free baby wipes

Ointment or powder (to help with diaper rash)

Changing table or dresser top with diaper changing pad

Tip: It’s easy to end up with too much clothing in sizes for newborns (0 to 3 months). Your baby will quickly outgrow them, so shop for a range of sizes. Make sure the clothes will be appropriate for the season your baby will be wearing them.

One-piece outfits that snap or zip down in the front (to make diaper changes easier)

Sleep sacks or blanket sleepers

Undershirts or “onesies” with a snap at the crotch

Hats for warmth and to protect from the sun

Socks or booties

Mittens (to protect baby from scratching his or her face)

Baby nail clippers

Nasal bulb syringe (to help clear a stuffy nose)

Sterile cotton balls (for wiping baby’s eyes)

Rectal thermometer

First aid kit

Stroller (lock the wheels before placing baby in)

Rocking chair or glider

Infant carrier (sling or front pack)

Baby swing

Baby monitor

Teethers and pacifiers (be sure not to hang these around your baby’s neck)

Travel bed or playpen

Breastfeeding pillow

Diaper bag