What New Parents Need to Know

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! At Lake Country Pediatrics, S.C., we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re in your third trimester or counting down the final days, this Newborn Care Checklist will help ensure you’re ready for your little one’s big debut. 

Expecting parents preparing for newborn care by putting together crib as a form

Newborn Nursery Checklist

 Creating a safe, soothing environment for your baby helps with bonding, sleep, and early development. Here’s what to have ready before baby comes home: 

Safe Sleep Space 

  • Crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards
  • Firm mattress with fitted sheets
  • No loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib

Diapering Station 

  • Changing table or designated changing area
  • Diapers (newborn and size 1 to start)
  • Wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Diaper pail with liners

Storage & Organization 

  • Dresser or bins for baby clothes and essentials
  • Laundry hamper (babies go through a lot of clothes!)
  • Soft lighting or nightlight for middle-of-the-night changes

Comfort & Care 

  • Swaddle blankets or sleep sacks
  • White noise machine (optional, but helpful for sleep)
  • Rocking chair or glider for feeding and soothing
New mom holding newborn infant

Postnatal Care Checklist  

Your baby’s care is important, but so is yours. Prioritizing both helps ensure a healthy and happy transition for the whole family. 

Parental Recovery & Support 

  • Monitor your physical and emotional recovery. Be sure to rest, hydrate, and accept help
  • Know the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety
  • Schedule your postpartum check-up (usually 6 weeks after delivery)

Feeding Support 

Emergency Readiness 

  • Learn infant CPR

  • Choose a pediatrician and know how to reach us (hint: we’re just a call away!)

  • Save Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and your clinic number in your phone
Newborn clothing including a onesie, socks, sweater, and pants

Newborn Care Essentials Checklist 

You don’t need everything you see on social media, just the basics to start strong! 

Feeding 

  • Bottles and nipples (even if breastfeeding, good to have backup)
  • Formula (if not breastfeeding or as a supplement)
  • Breast pump and storage bags (if pumping)
  • Bottle sterilizer or method for safe cleaning
  • Variety of pacifiers to see what baby likes

Clothing & Linens 

  • Onesies and sleepers (6–8 of each)
  • Socks, mittens, and hats
  • Swaddle blankets and receiving blankets
  • Baby-safe laundry detergent (dye and scent free)

Bathing & Hygiene 

  • Baby bathtub or sink insert
  • Gentle baby wash and shampoo
  • Soft washcloths and hooded towels
  • Baby nail file or clippers

Health & Safety 

  • Digital rectal thermometer
  • Nasal aspirator or bulb syringe
  • Nasal Saline
  • Baby-safe lotion and diaper cream

On-the-Go Essentials 

  • Infant car seat (must-have to leave the hospital!)
  • Diaper bag with changing pad
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Extra outfit and burp cloths in the diaper bag
Mother taking infant to doctor for newborn care well visit

Newborn Well-Visit Schedule 

As your baby grows, regular well-child visits help track development, address any concerns, and stay on schedule with important immunizations. These checkups are an essential part of keeping your little one healthy during their first year. 

Birth–2 Weeks

  • Weight and feeding check
  • Jaundice screening (if needed)
  • Discussion of sleep patterns and routines
  • Newborn screening results and questions

2 Months 

  • Growth and developmental screening
  • Support for feeding, sleep, and bonding
  • Addressing fussiness, colic, and crying patterns
  • First set of vaccines (DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, Hep B, RV)

4 Months 

  • Continued growth monitoring
  • Tracking milestones like cooing and head control
  • Guidance on tummy time, play, and daily routines
  • Second set of vaccines

6 Months 

  • Introduction to solid foods
  • Developmental screening (rolling, sitting with support)
  • Teething guidance and sleep habits review
  • Third set of vaccines

9 Months 

  • Developmental screening (crawling, sitting, starting to pull up)
  • Nutrition and feeding advice
  • Stranger anxiety and social development
  • Review of safety at home (babyproofing tips)

12 Months 

  • First-year growth and development review
  • Language and motor skill check
  • Transitioning from bottle to cup and exploring new foods
  • First dose of MMR and Varicella vaccines

Explore the Well-Visit Schedule Learn More About Immunizations

Final Thoughts for Your New Journey

Dad holding smiling baby

 The newborn stage goes by fast, and it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. What matters most is a loving, safe, and supportive environment for your baby, and for you. If you ever have questions or concerns, we are here to help! And if you’re looking for the products that we trust most for your new baby, check out our recommended products and storefront! 

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From your first visit to your baby’s first steps all the way to college graduation, we’re honored to be your trusted partner in care!