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Printable checklists

Three lists every mom ends up making — already made. Tick things off here (progress saves on this device) or hit print for a clean paper copy.

🏥 Hospital bag checklist 🍼 Newborn essentials checklist 🔒 Babyproofing checklist

Hospital bag checklist

Pack around week 35–36 so it is ready by the door. One bag for you, one for baby works well.

For mom

ID, insurance card, and birth plan (if you have one)
Phone charger with an extra-long cable
Comfortable robe, nursing bras, and loose going-home outfit
Toiletries: lip balm, hair ties, dry shampoo, toothbrush
Heavy-flow maternity pads and disposable or high-waisted underwear
Snacks and a refillable water bottle
Glasses (even if you usually wear contacts)

For baby

Rear-facing infant car seat (installed ahead of time!)
2–3 bodysuits in newborn and 0–3 month sizes
Going-home outfit and a weather-appropriate layer
Swaddle blanket and a couple of muslin cloths
Newborn hat and socks or booties

For your partner

Change of clothes and basic toiletries
Snacks (hospital cafeterias close!)
Pillow and small blanket for the pull-out chair

Newborn essentials checklist

The realistic list — what you will actually use in the first three months, minus the gadgets.

Sleeping

Safe sleep space: crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress
2–3 fitted sheets for the crib or bassinet mattress
3–4 swaddles or sleep sacks (no loose blankets in the sleep space)
White noise machine (optional but beloved)

Feeding

If nursing: nursing pillow, nipple cream, breast pads
If pumping: pump, milk storage bags, bottle brush
If formula feeding: formula, 4–6 bottles, sterilizing method
Lots of burp cloths — more than you think

Diapering & bathing

Newborn diapers (one box) and size 1 diapers (more boxes)
Fragrance-free wipes and diaper rash cream
Changing pad with 2 covers
Baby bathtub or bath support and 2–3 soft towels
Gentle, fragrance-free baby wash

Health & getting around

Digital thermometer (rectal is most accurate for newborns)
Nasal aspirator and saline drops
Baby nail file or clippers
Infant car seat and stroller or baby carrier

Babyproofing checklist

Start before your baby is mobile — crawling has a way of arriving overnight. Work room by room.

Whole house

Anchor furniture and TVs to the wall (tip-over kits)
Cover electrical outlets within reach
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
Move cleaning products, medicines, and batteries up high or lock them
Set water heater to 120°F (49°C) or below
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Tie up blind and curtain cords out of reach

Kitchen & bathroom

Latch cabinets with knives, glass, and chemicals
Use back burners and turn pot handles inward
Keep the dishwasher latched; unload sharp items promptly
Never leave standing water in tubs or buckets
Store razors and hot tools unplugged and out of reach

Living areas & nursery

Pad or remove sharp furniture corners
Keep small objects (choking hazards) off the floor — toilet-paper-roll test
Move the crib away from windows, cords, and shelves
Lower the crib mattress before baby can pull to stand
Secure heavy books and decor on low shelves

These lists are general suggestions — adapt them to your family, home, and what your care team recommends.

Mothering101

Gentle, practical tips and tricks for mothers at every stage — written with warmth, backed by common sense.

Content on this site is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician about your specific situation.

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