Families For Life | New Baby Checklist: Preparing for Baby

What To Prepare for Your Newborn Baby

One of the most exciting things for expectant parents is getting ready the stuff – either second-hand or new – for your baby when he arrives.

You do not need to prepare a lot of things. It is most important to provide a safe place with a firm mattress that is not too far away from you for your baby to sleep.

Items You May Wish To Prepare

Below is a list to check off some of the other items you may wish to prepare before the baby’s arrival:​

  • Towels. Handkerchiefs, bath and face towels for the baby.

  • Wash basin. For bathing the baby.

  • Toiletries. Baby wash, nappy wipes, nappy rash cream.

  • Nappies. Cloth diapers are washable and cheaper over the long term. Some come with Velcro fasteners or you can use nappy pins. If you are using disposable diapers, buy just a few packs in “newborn” size; your baby may outgrow this size quickly.

  • A changing pad. More practical than buying a changing table as a pad is light and portable and allows you to change your baby’s diapers anywhere you want.

  • Baby clothes. Buy just enough to last him through each growth spurt. You may consider choosing one-piece body suits (or onesies) with an opening so that you can change diapers easily without having to undress your baby. Also prepare enough socks, booties and mittens.​

  • Small table lamp or night light. Very useful during night feeds.

  • Baby cot. The cot should be sturdy with smooth moving parts so that fingers or clothing would not get trapped. If you are recycling a borrowed or old cot, make sure you get a new firm mattress.

  • Cupboard and/or chest of drawers. Storage space for his clothes and toys.

  • Baby carrier. Baby carrier, also known as a sling, lets you carry your baby in front to keep him warm and close to you. This will allow you to manage your baby hands-free if you are out and about without a pram. Get one that has good support for his head and his back.

  • ​Stroller. Young babies need fully reclining seats. Check the adjustable sleeping positions that allow this.

Tips on selecting a baby cot:

  • ​The mattress and bedding should fit snugly in the cot to prevent the baby from getting tangled in the excess material.

  • The base should be adjustable so that you do not have to bend too far down to carry your baby during the early months.

  • As your baby grows, you should be able to lower the base so he cannot climb out of bed. One or both of the side rails should also be adjustable.

  • Side rails should be protected with​ a plastic covering. When the baby starts teething, he may chew on the side rails.

  • The distance between the slats should not be more than the width of a soda can so as to prevent the baby’s head from getting stuck in between.

  • There should be lockable castor rollers so that you can move the cot around.

Tips on selecting a stroller:

  • Look out for strollers with multiple functions. Some can convert from a pram (with the baby facing the mummy) to strollers. Others can transform from a pram to a bassinet and to a stroller. Some also come with a carry-cot fixed onto the pram, which can later be removed and converted into a stroller when the baby outgrows it. Always ensure that the parts are well anchored and not loose.

  • Make sure the brakes are working well.

  • If you take public transport, consider the weight and ease of opening/closing. Mothers who usually travel alone with their baby may prefer a stroller with one-hand easy-fold mechanism. If you drive, make sure that the stroller can fit into your boot when it is folded up.

Preparing the Hospital Bag

  • Letter of admission

  • Documents for birth registration. Births should be registered within 14 days from the date of birth. Some hospitals have a birth registration centre so if you intend to do it there, prepare both parents’ identity cards, your marriage certificate and the Notification of Live Birth issued by the hospital.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and facial care products

  • Comb or hairbrush

  • Nursing gowns that open in front to facilitate breastfeeding

  • Slippers

  • Cardigan and socks to keep you warm

  • Nursing bras and nursing pads

  • Maternity sanitary pads

  • ​Underwear. Some mums prefer disposables or pack your old undies which can be thrown out after wear.

  • An outfit to wear home. Your body won’t go back to your pre-pregnancy size instantly so pick clothes that you can fit into. Mums who are doing a caesarean section (C-section) may prefer something loose around the waist.

  • A new set of clothes for the baby

  • Music, magazines and books to help you relax

  • Breast pump (optional)


Contributed by:
HealthHub

Newborn care