Newborn Baby Checklist: What You Need for Your Newborn

Newborn Baby Checklist: What You Need for Your Newborn

Babies might be small but they sure need a lot of stuff, as you’ll find out when you start compiling your newborn baby checklist.

That said, there are plenty of things you can do without, especially in the first few months while you’re still figuring out your routine and your baby’s preferences. Often it’s a case of getting the balance right and preparing yourself with just the essentials. After all, you don’t want a house full of unnecessary baby supplies, but then you don’t want to be constantly heading out to stock up on items you overlooked either.

So, what does a baby need exactly? Read on to find out our tips for new parents when shopping for baby essentials.

The Must-Have Baby Essentials

If you’re having your first child, resources such as baby shortlist offer invaluable advice on the best baby products. At first, you’ll find your newborn won’t need too many things. But stocking up on the following baby essentials will make life a lot easier.

Nursery Items

Newborns can sleep up to 16 hours a day. To provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for them you’ll need:

• Crib
• Crib mattress
• Fitted sheets
• 2-4 sleepsacks
• 2 baby blankets

Clothing

While essential baby clothing can vary a lot depending on your due date, these items should all be on every newborn checklist:

• 4-6 onesies
• 4-8 pajama sets
• 6-8 pairs of socks
• 4 pairs of stretch cotton pants
• 4 soft cotton zip hoodies or cardigans

It’s also a good idea to have a couple of seasonally-appropriate outfits for going out, as well as a snowsuit or warm coat for winter babies.

Feeding Supplies

Depending on your feeding plans, you’ll need:

• 6-8 cotton bibs
• 4 muslin cloths – these can serve as bibs, burp cloths, thin blankets, or for covering up when nursing in public
• Newborn formula
• 2-4 newborn bottles
• Bottle-cleaning brush
• Breast pump
• 2-4 nursing bras
• Nipple cream

Diapering Gear

Whether you plan to use disposable or washable diapers – or a mixture of the two – you’ll need at least most of the following items:

• Diaper bag
• Changing mat
• Diaper cream
• 10-20 washable diapers with inserts
• 2 packs of newborn diapers
• 2 packs of baby wipes

Bathing & Grooming Supplies

As well as a couple of toys to make bath time more fun, you’ll need these newborn washing and grooming essentials:

• Plastic infant tub – we recommend a dual-position standing bathtub for optimal comfort and ease
• Baby bath gel
• 2-3 washcloths
• Baby lotion
• 2 soft hooded towels
• Soft hairbrush
• Nail set

Travel Gear

You’ll want to show your newborn off to the world, which means the following items are all must-haves:

• Stroller
• Car seat
• Front-carrier

One of our top tips for new parents is to make sure these items are all suitable for newborns if you plan on using them straight away. Many carriers, for example, are for three months and onwards, while some car seats have a minimum weight of 20 lbs. 

Compiling Your Newborn Baby Checklist

If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, we hope this newborn baby checklist helps you feel more prepared for having your first child. Aside from lots of love and cuddles, this checklist has more than enough of everything your baby will need for a happy and healthy first few months.

For more of the best parenting news and advice, make sure to check out our other blog posts!

| Guest Article.