NEWBORN BABY ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
(INDIAN CONTEXT)
SLEEPING ESSENTIALS
- Baby cot / cradle / palna
- Firm mattress with waterproof sheet or rubber mat
- 2-3 fitted cotton sheets
- 2-3 light cotton blankets or muslin cloths
- 1-2 baby quilts or blankets (for winter)
- Mosquito net (very important in most parts of India)
- Night lamp or dim light for late-night feeds
CLOTHING (0-3 MONTHS)
- 6-8 cotton jhablas or front-open shirts
- 4-6 onesies or rompers
- 4-6 cotton nappies/langots or reusable cloth diapers
- 2-3 pairs of soft leggings or pajamas or diaper pants
- 4-6 pairs of socks or booties
- 2-3 caps (cotton for summer, woolen for winter)
- 2 sweaters or sweater sets (for cooler weather)
- 2-3 muslin swaddles or cotton wraps
- 2-3 pairs of scratch mittens (MUST)
DIAPERING ESSENTIALS
- Cloth nappies (for home use)
- Disposable diapers (for night/outings)
- Diaper rash cream (or cold-pressed coconut oil)
- Baby wet wipes (alcohol/fragrance-free)
- Changing mat with plastic sheet
- Small bucket for soiled nappies
FEEDING ESSENTIALS
- 2-4 feeding bottles (BPA-free)
- Bottle cleaning brush
- Bottle sterilizer or pan for boiling
- Formula milk (only if recommended by doctor)
- Thermal flask for warm water (handy for travel)
- 3-4 burp cloths
- 4-6 bibs
- Nursing bras (2-3)
- Nipple cream or coconut oil
- Nursing/Breast pads (disposable or washable)
- Breast pump (manual or electric, optional)
- Breast milk storage containers or bottles
- Feeding pillow (optional but helpful)
BATHING AND GROOMING
- Baby bathtub or bath seat/bather
- Baby massage oil (coconut, almond, or Ayurvedic)
- Mild baby soap or liquid wash
- Baby shampoo (tear-free)
- Hooded towels (2-3)
- Soft washcloths (4-6)
- Baby lotion or moisturizer
- Baby comb and hair brush
- Nail cutter or electric nail trimmer
- Cotton balls and buds
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Digital thermometer
- Nasal aspirator (bulb or electric)
- Baby-safe mosquito repellent (patches or roll-on)
- First aid kit (as advised by paediatrician)
- Baby laundry detergent (mild, fragrance-free preferable liquid)
- Hand sanitizer for caregivers
- Room thermometer (optional)
TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR
- Rear-facing car seat
- Stroller or pram
- Baby carrier or sling (cotton)
- Diaper bag with compartments/pockets
- Extra clothes, wipes, and water-resistant pouch for soiled items
- Portable changing mat
PLAY AND DEVELOPMENT
- Soft rattles
- Cloth or board books
- Teething rings/Silicon Teether (BPA-free)
- Playmat or activity gym
- Hanging toys or cot mobile
OPTIONAL / NICE-TO-HAVE
- Lullaby mobile
- Pacifier
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Mosquito mesh for pram and cot
- Keepsake memory book / milestone cards
TRADITIONAL INDIAN ADD-ONS
- Kajal or kala tikka (optional, avoid near eyes)
- Nazariya (Bracelet/Bangle with black beads)
- Silver anklets or bangles
- Griha pravesh or naming ceremony set
- Soft floor mattress for tummy time
DOCUMENTS AND EXTRAS
- Birth certificate application
- Pediatrician's contact saved
- Vaccination record book
HAPPY BABY SHOPPING!!!