New Mom Checklist

New Mom Shopping Checklist

Everything You’ll Need as a New Mom

Sure, there are tons of things you will buy for your baby before the bundle of joy arrives, but what about for you? While preparing for your newborn, don’t forget to plan ahead for the early weeks of intense childcare and birth recovery. When you return from the hospital, you’ll be getting used to a new schedule with your newborn. This means a lack of sleep combined with the physical recovery your body will need to make after giving birth. It is important to practice good self-care through this time so that you can maintain your physical health and emotional stability, especially through those early and difficult weeks.

There are many ways you can prepare for your time at home with a newborn. Have lots of easy to prepare foods and meals and ask for help!  It may be a while before you feel like you have time to prepare a home-cooked meal.

You’ll definitely want to make sure you have plenty of comfy house clothes, like pajamas, sweats, and yoga pants. Don’t feel bad if this is your uniform for the first couple weeks! You’ll want to feel relaxed and comfortable. In addition to your attire, here are a few other things you can make sure you have at home before you return from the hospital.

Here are the must haves for every new mother:

Shopping List for New Moms

A list of essentials for all new Moms.

For Mom:

Postpartum Recovery Essentials:

  • Maxi pads (heavy flow)
  • Peri bottle
  • Comfortable underwear (high-waisted)
  • Nursing pads (disposable or reusable)
  • Nipple cream
  • Sitz bath (optional)
  • Ice packs (for perineal area)
  • Pain relievers (safe for breastfeeding)

Breastfeeding Supplies (if applicable):

  • Nursing bras
  • Nursing pillow
  • Breast pump (manual or electric)
  • Milk storage bags or containers
  • Bottle brush

Comfort Items:

  • Robe and slippers
  • Comfortable clothes (loose-fitting)
  • Water bottle (with straw)
  • Snacks (easy to grab)

For Baby:

Diapering

  • Diapers (newborn size)
  • Wipes
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Changing pad or mat
  • Diaper pail (optional)

Feeding

  • Bottles (if bottle-feeding)
  • Formula (if formula-feeding)
  • Burp cloths

Clothing

  • Onesies (newborn and 0-3 months)
  • Sleepers
  • Swaddles
  • Hats
  • Socks or booties
  • Mittens (optional)

Bathing & Grooming

  • Baby bathtub
  • Baby wash and shampoo
  • Soft washcloths
  • Hooded towels
  • Baby nail clippers or scissors
  • Baby brush and comb

Sleeping

  • Crib or bassinet with a firm mattress
  • Fitted sheets (2-3)
  • Wearable blankets or sleep sacks
  • Baby monitor (optional)

Travel

  • Car seat
  • Stroller
  • Baby carrier

Other Essentials:

First Aid

  • Infant thermometer (rectal or temporal)
  • Infant pain reliever/fever reducer
  • Saline nose drops
  • Bulb syringe
  • First aid kit (with infant supplies)

Around the House

  • Baby swing or bouncer
  • Play mat or activity gym
  • Baby toys (rattles, teethers)
  • Baby laundry detergent

Additional Notes:

  • It’s a good idea to have some of these items on hand before the baby arrives, especially diapering, feeding, and clothing essentials.
  • Consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing items.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends, especially in the early weeks.

Remember, every baby and family is different, so adjust this checklist to fit your specific situation. Congratulations on your new arrival!

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