Newborn checklist for expecting moms in Kathmandu

Looking at this checklist and starting to collect these items from the second trimester is helpful since there are always items you leave till the last minute and most expecting moms find it harder to move around in the third trimester when the bump grows bigger and the backaches often intensify to accommodate the growing baby. The checklist includes a list of items that experienced moms have found helpful that you can use as you prepare for your baby’s birth.

Read on to check what is on the list and click here for a downloadable file:

Newborn-Essentials-Checklist_Yoma

A. For the newborn

A.1. Feeding

As long as the baby is fed adequately it is okay – fed is best, whether it is breastfeeding or formula feeding or a combination of both.

 If you are solely breastfeeding:

1. Breast milk storage bag
   Click here for the link: (Breast milk storage bag)
2. Nursing pillow (it is recommended to take this to the hospital since it makes breastfeeding much easier and less strenuous on the back – in case of a C-section delivery, the nursing pillow serves as a buffer and prevents putting pressure on the c-section scar)
3. Nursing bras(if you are buying nursing bras before the baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
4. Breast pads (disposable or washable); or use soft washcloths as breast pads and change it multiple times a day
5. Nipple cream
6. Pump
   • Electric breast pump, and/ or
   • Manual breast pump, and/ or
   • Silicone latch on a pump like the Hakka (this is not available in Nepal yet) or the Naturebond Silicone Pump, which is available in Nepal. Click here for the link: Silicon Latch on a Pump

If you are breastfeeding and pumping your milk and/or formula feeding you will need:

1. Bottle sterilizer
2. Bottle warmer
3. Bottle wash
4. Newborn bottle
5. Bottle cleaning brush and brush for cleaning bottle’s nipple
6. Thermos
7. Formula
8. Formula dispenser container

A.2. Diapering

If you are using disposable diapers:

1. Newborn-size diapers (around 4 packets)
   (Mamy Poko, Pampers are both good brands- it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
2. A waterproof urine mat – it is helpful to get at least two urine mats –one to keep in the diaper bag and another for the diaper changing station. Click here for the link:(A waterproof urine mat)

1. Baby ointment or other barrier creams to prevent rash like Vaseline/coconut oil/ Sudocrem/ Aquaphor
2. Disposable baby wipes
3. Dustbin to dispose of diapers, and plastics to line dustbin

If you are using reusable cloth diapers (icha):

1. Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or reusable diapers
2. 8 waterproof covers
3. Snaps/ velcro to secure re-usable diapers

Although newborn diapers are easily available in Kathmandu now, some moms choose to use reusable cloth diapers to save costs and be environmentally friendly. Even if you do use cloth diapers during the day, it is more convenient to use disposable diapers during the night. Disposable diapers have much better absorption capacity and the baby will not wake up from just wetting the diaper.

A.3. Clothing

1. 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
2. 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers as you don’t’ want to be buttoning 10 buttons during the middle of the night wake-ups. If you do find, get sleepsuits with mittens, since the mittens that you put on separately are easily taken out by the baby)
3. 5 pairs of pants
4. 2 newborn hats
5. 2 pairs of mittens
6. Laundry detergent for infant
7. Thin cotton blankets
8. Thicker blankets
9. Bibs and burp cloths
10. For babies being born during winter
    • 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
    • Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
    • Fleece sleepsuits for winter

Newborn skin is very delicate so all new clothing and bedding must be pre-washed using baby-friendly detergent. If clothes are hung outside to dry, it is best to iron the baby clothes to ensure that there is nothing stuck on baby clothing that could irritate the infant (hair, wooden splinter, etc).

A.4. Baby Toiletries -Bath time

1. 1 plastic infant tub
2. 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
3. Baby soap or baby body wash
4. Baby shampoo
5. Baby soft-bristled hairbrush
6. Soft-hooded towels
7. Olive oil, coconut oil for baby massage
8. Baby-friendly detergent (Kodomo or Farlin brands are available in Bhatbhateni/Saleways/Big Mart)
9. Bottle wash (Kodomo and Farlin brands are available in Bhatbhateni/Saleways/Big Mart)

A.5. Bedtime

1. Cot and cot mattress
2. Waterproof mattress covers
3. Crib sheets
4. Light blankets that fit in the crib

A.6. Other useful items

1. Car Seat
2. Electric thermos
3. Stroller – only keep newborns on a stroller that reclines fully flat.
4. Nail clippers for babies
5. Bulb syringe/ Nose Frieda for suctioning mucus
6. Infrared thermometer
7. Medicine dropper (it also comes with the most baby medication you buy) But this one is really helpful to measure the exact medicine dose and to feed the baby.  Click here for the link: Farlin Medicine Feeder
8. Medication in case of fever
9. Baby monitor
10. Sling or baby carrier
11. Diaper bag
12. Pacifiers/teethers
13. Cot mobile
14. Rattles and other baby toys
15. Night light
16. Plastic hangers for closet
17. White noise machine or download it on your phone from YouTube

B. For the mom

1. Olive oil or coconut oil for massage
2. Disposable underwear
3. Perineal water bottle for those undergoing normal delivery
4. Gown
5. If making kurthas make ones with a front zipper, and pants that have a loose elastic

Credits:

https://www.todaysparent.com/checklists/newborn-checklist/