Checklist for First–time Moms

Writer：MAKUKURelease time：2022-04-01

Preparing for the first-time mom checklist can be both stressful and overwhelming.

Put your fears aside and take time to write a checklist of essentials needed for your baby. From bathing to feeding, this comprehensive checklist includes items that every parent would do in preparation for the arrival of a newborn.

With this checklist as a guide, you'll be able to distinguish between the baby essentials and the nice-to-have items that can make day-to-day life with your baby a little easier.

What Do First-time Moms Need?

Find out here if you missed anything from your newborn baby needs to wellness essentials.

Handling a Newborn 

Newborns don’t have a strong immune system yet, so they're at risk of infection or viruses.

Make sure that everyone who handles your baby must be able to wash their hands and sanitize properly.

Support your baby’s head and neck when carrying the baby upright or laying them in bed.

Never shake your infant whether in play or in putting them to sleep – shaking might cause bleeding in the brain or even death. Tickle your baby gently on the feet or blow lightly on the cheek if you want to wake them up.

Lastly, make sure your baby is securely fastened into the car seat, carrier or stroller. Limit any bouncy or too rough activities during this time.   

Breastfeeding & Bottle feeding 

This is the most precious bonding experience you will have with your little angel soon. When your baby is placed on your chest, he or she will nuzzle you for the first nutritious feed or breastmilk.

While breastfeeding is the best option for your newborn's nutrition, your doctor may prescribe bottle feeding - either with expressed breastmilk or infant formula milk. Here’s a recommended list of supplies to make nursing easier and more comfortable: 

·Good breast-pump        

·Milk storage bags        

·Nursing pads        

·Nipple Cream        

·Nursing pillow        

·Milk Bottles        

·Bottle nipples or teats        

·Bottle brush        

·Bottle drying rack        

·Bibs        

·Sterilizer          

Sleeping Basics 

A newborn sleeps a lot during the first few months of his or her life. It’s important to always place the baby on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

As a result, you'll need to invest in the proper furniture to provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby.

Here are your newborn essentials for the nursery;

·Baby cot, crib, cradle or bassinet        

·Extra bedding set and mattress for cot        

·Nightlight        

·Dresser        

·Fitted crib sheets         

Other safe practices are not using blankets, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals and a lot of pillows to avoid suffocating the baby. Make sure to alternate the baby’s head position from night to night (left then right) to prevent development of a flat spot on one side of the head.

Bathing 

Bath time is one of the most enjoyable times for both baby and mother. Be prepared with these baby supplies to enjoy sponge to tub baths with your baby.

·Baby bathtub        

·Baby soap/body wash        

·Baby shampoo        

·Gentle lotion or moisturizer        

·Soft towels or hooded baby towels        

·Baby hairbrush        

·Soft washcloths        

·Gentle laundry detergent for washing baby’s clothes         

Remember to avoid more frequent bathing as it may be drying to the skin.

 All About Diapering

You'll notice that as much as your sweet baby sleeps, he or she also pees or poops a lot! One of the new skills you'll need to learn is diaper changing. It may appear difficult at first, but once you've mastered the technique, it's quite simple. Makuku recommends choosing diapers that’s breathable and leakage-free – such as Makuku Air diapers. Slim and comfort series diapers are made of three globally recognized polymer materials which offers massive absorption, yet light and breathable. Also, Makuku Air diapers are made with an ergonomic design and soft, velcro tape making it better fit and comfortable for babies.

Here is what you should buy for the changing needs of your baby:

·Newborn disposable diapers or cloth diapers        

·Changing table or cushioned changing pad        

·Diaper pail and liners        

·Diaper bag        

·Diaper rash cream        

·Cotton balls (if you opt to go old school and wash baby's butt with cotton and lukewarm water)    

·Wet wipes        

·Soft washcloths        

Building Baby’s Wardrobe

Minimize clothing options when it comes to your babies as they grow quickly and won’t stay in one size for long. Here are some essentials in baby’s clothing:

 ·Onesies or rompers with wide head openings (short-sleeved and long-sleeved)        

·One-piece pajamas        

·Socks        

·Baby cap or bonnet (to protect from the sun)        

Baby Gear

Taking your baby out for the first time can be a daunting experience unless you are well prepared. Whether you're going for a short walk in the park or a long road trip, these on-the-go items should be on your baby's travel checklist:

·Car seat (if you own a car)        

·Diaper bag        

·Stroller        

·Baby carrier for babywearing        

Aside from the items listed above, there are added must-haves to your baby essentials list in order to provide the best care possible for your little one:

·Baby nail clippers        

·Baby thermometer        

·First-aid kit        

·Rocking chair or armchair        

·Baby monitor        

·Swaddle cloth        

·Air purifier or humidifier in baby's room        

As you prepare to become a parent, the Makuku baby shops in the Philippines will have a variety of baby products that will make your life easier. We hope that this newborn baby products checklist will assist you in preparing for the arrival of your tiny-little-angel. Start with the basics, keep it simple, then work your way up. You’re going to be a great Mom!