Getting ready to welcome a new baby is an exciting time, but there’s no denying that it can be stressful as well.
One of the most frequently asked questions from expectant parents is ‘what do we need for our new baby?’ From diapers to nursing pillows to breast pumps, it sometimes seems like the more you research, the more unprepared you feel for your new arrival!
Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled all the items you will need for your new baby into one simple, easy-to-follow list, so you don’t need to consult multiple sources when it comes to your baby preparations.
Just tick off everything on this list, and you’ll be ready for the next step in your journey!
Top tip: put as many of these items as you can on the registry for your baby shower.
This will save you a lot of money and give your friends and family the opportunity to show their love and support for you by helping you get ready for the baby’s arrival.
Newborn Baby Checklist
Nursery Set-Up
Your baby should have a comfortable, fully-furnished environment to sleep in. This means that you will need the following essential items for your baby’s nursery:
One of the most regular and demanding tasks when it comes to looking after a newborn is diaper changing.
Having all of your diapering essentials ready ahead of time will make your life as a new parent much easier.
Disposable baby diapers
Reusable baby diapers
Skin-safe baby wipes
Cream for diaper rash
Diaper bag
Diaper pail
Liners for diaper pail
Bathing
You will need to bathe your baby roughly 3 times a week while they are still in newborn development stages.
Therefore, you’ll need to have everything you need to keep your baby clean and free from rashes or skin irritation.
Baby bath tub
Bath kneeling cushion
Baby towels (with hoods)
Baby-safe body wash
Baby shampoo
Soft washcloths
Gentle baby lotion
Bath toys
Storage bins for bath toys
Clothing
When preparing your new baby’s wardrobe, it’s important to ensure that you have plenty of clothing in newborn sizes.
However, babies grow very quickly, so we recommend also ensuring you have baby clothes in sizes 0 to 3 months as well as 3 to 6 months.
Outfit for coming home
Newborn-size onesies
0-3 month onesies
3-6 month onesies
0-3 month sleep ‘n play suits
3-6 month sleep ‘n play suits
0-3 month baby pants
3-6 month baby pants
0-3 month sleeping gown
3-6 month sleeping gown
Socks
Mittens
Hats
Closet dividers
Travel And Transport
For the first few weeks after the birth, you may not be going out very much, but eventually, you will need to take your baby with you on your errands and excursions.
To do this in a safe, stress-free way, you will need:
Baby car seat
Stroller
Stroller attachments
Travel-friendly crib
Fitted sheets for traveling
Baby carrier/sling
Baby bouncer
Baby cover for shopping cart
Safety And Health
Keeping your baby safe and healthy extends beyond feeding and changing them.
It’s a good idea to have other tools at your disposal to ensure the health and wellbeing of your baby, such as:
Air humidifier
Baby gates
Baby grooming kit
Thermometer
Aspirator
Safety straps for furniture
Baby monitor
Power outlet guards
Night light
White noise machine
Entertainment
Your baby’s need for entertainment isn’t limited to bath time! Toys help to keep new babies happy while also teaching them important motor skills.
In addition to toys, newborn entertainment can take the form of books and baby gyms, as well as other playtime accessories.
Playmat
Teething toys
Baby books
Rattles
Baby-safe mobile
Activity gym
Mom’s Self-Care
Of course, taking care of a newborn can take a physical and mental toll on new parents.
You need to make sure that you are looking after yourself properly if you want to be your best self for your little one.
Nursing pads
Nursing bras/camisoles
Nipple cream
Coming home clothes
Birthing gown
Maternity pads
Postpartum underwear
Final Thoughts
The above list is a fairly comprehensive checklist of everything you will need when you bring home your new family member.
It’s important to have all of these things prepared before the due date so that you don’t have to arrange deliveries or errands while taking care of a newborn.
Bear in mind that you may not need every single item on this list. For example, if you’re planning to formula-feed, you won’t need a nursing pillow.
While there are many things to consider when planning for a new baby, don’t forget about yourself!
Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and making sure you’re feeling comfortable before you welcome your bundle of joy into your family.
Carly Link, a 33-year old mother of two toddlers. She is a parent and goes through a lot of the usual parenting difficulties herself. Carly shares all her experiences and knowledge about the best baby products through this blog.
