Baby Essentials Checklist

Now that your new little bundle of joy is almost here, you’re frantically trying to remember if you’ve gotten all the baby essentials you need. This ultimate baby essentials checklist can help you be sure that you’re prepared as you get ready for your new baby’s birth.

Nursery Checklist

Crib

A crib should be at the top of your baby essentials checklist since newborns sleep for 16 hours a day - or more! Some cribs can convert to toddler beds, then to a daybed so that they can last for years. It’s always recommended to buy a new crib so it will meet all the latest safety standards.

Crib Mattress

Firm mattresses are best for newborns, and it needs to fit inside the crib perfectly.

Bedding

For newborns, you’ll need a waterproof mattress cover and a few fitted sheets. Not having top sheets or blanks, bumper pads, and toys can help reduce the risk of suffocation.

Baby Monitor

Baby monitors let you keep an eye on your baby as you go through your normal day-to-day. Smart baby monitors work over WiFi, so you can hear and see what’s going on in the nursery while also tracking the humidity and room temperature.

Nightlight

Nightlights are more for when you need to go in for middle of the night feedings.

White Noise Machine

White noise machines can provide comfort to your newborn and help them fall asleep.

Humidifier

Babies have sensitive respiratory systems, so having a humidifier to moisturize the air can help keep them comfortable, especially if they have a cough.

Clothes Storage

Anything to store your baby’s clothes in, such as a closet, dresser, or storage tubs, is needed.

Rocking Chair

Having a comfortable chair in the room is excellent for midnight feedings, storytime, and the last little cuddles before sleep, while the rocking motion can calm your baby.

Pacifier

Babies will suck on things to soothe themselves. Keep in mind, though, that pacifiers have a habit of going missing, so you’ll want plenty of the right size on hand.

Feeding Checklist

Burp Cloths

These will protect your clothing when burping your newborn after feeding.

Nursing Cover

Nursing covers will provide privacy for breastfeeding if you’re out in public.

Receiving Blankets

These thin blankets are versatile and can be used as a nursing cover or burp cloth in a pinch.

Nursing Pillow

These U-shaped pillows are great to prop your newborn on while feeding.

Bibs

These protect your baby’s clothes from formula, milk, and drool.

Bottles and Nipples

Whether your breastfeeding or bottle feeding, having extra bottles and nipples on hand will be useful. The nipple sizes change based on your baby’s size, so make sure you have an array of sizes.

Breast Pump

If you’re going to be away from your baby for an extended period of time (even more than a few hours), consider getting a breast pump to extract your milk.

Formula

There are many types of formulas available, but you should discuss what type with your baby’s doctor.

Bottle Warmer

When you’re giving your baby a bottle, getting to the right temperature might be tricky, and having a bottle warmer can help with that.

Milk Storage Bags

These bags will help store your breast milk or formula, and you can usually pump right into the bag.

Bottle Brush

These help thoroughly clean the inside of your baby’s bottles.

Diapering Checklist

Changing Table

Changing tables are a safe area to change your baby and usually come with drawers or shelves so you can easily reach wipes, diapers, and new clothing without leaving your baby’s side.

Changing Pad

These pads will keep your baby more comfortable during the changing process and can usually be wiped clean or come with removable covers.

Diapers

Your newborn can go through about 70 diapers a week. You should buy small packs of a couple of different sizes, and when the baby is born, you’ll know what size you need to stock up on.

Wipes

With wipes, you’ll be able to gently clean up your baby’s diaper area during changing.

Washcloths

For bigger messes, having a washcloth with warm water on hand can help.

Diaper Rash Cream

Babies will get diaper rash once in a while, so you should have a tube at your changing station.

Diaper Pail

You’ll want to have a place to throw away your baby’s dirty diapers that will contain any odors, and diaper pails prevent the smells from leaking out.

Clothing Checklist

Swaddle Blanket

Swaddling during the first few weeks to keep your baby more comfortable since they’re accustomed to being in your womb.

Pajamas or Sleeping Sacks

Since babies sleep a lot, stock up on newborn pajamas. Getting ones that cover their feet can help keep them warm since you won’t have blankets in the crib.

Onesies

Onesies are like undershirts for babies. They’re made of soft cotton material, so if you put clothes on top of it, it won’t irritate the baby.

T-Shirts and Leggings

If you’re going to dress your baby, you should pick up a few t-shirts and stretchy pants or leggings to keep them comfortable.

Jacket or Sweater

In the colder months, having a jacket or sweater is one of the baby essentials.

Socks and Booties

Stock up on socks, because you’ll need a lot of them! Since your baby won’t need shoes until they’re walking, booties are great.

Hats

You’ll want a hat with a brim to protect your baby from the sun and a knit cap for when it’s cold to ensure they stay warm.

Snowsuit and Mittens

These are more cold-weather items you should have to keep your baby warm. Some snowsuits even come with mittens attached.

Bath Time Checklist

Baby Bath Seat or Tub

Although you’ll be sponge-bathing your newborn until the cord stump falls off, you’ll want some sort of infant bath seat or tub for when you start giving them real baths.

Shampoo

If your baby has hair, you’ll want a shampoo specifically meant for babies.

Soap

Newborns have very sensitive skin, so always choose a mild soap.

Cup

You’ll want a cup to gently and carefully rinse the shampoo out of your baby’s hair.

Towels

Try to get the softest towel - and ones with hoods are easier for drying.

Washcloths

You’ll want to use a washcloth with soap to wash your baby.

Baby Moisturizer

You typically won’t need to put lotion on your baby unless they have drier patches of skin. It would be best if you got a moisturizer that is free of dyes and perfumes.

On-the-Go Checklist

Car Seat

You’ll want a car seat for the first trip home and every trip afterward. Getting a rear-facing seat that meets all safety standards and fits your baby’s size and weight is ideal. Make sure the car seat is installed correctly before you’re due to give birth.

Stroller

With the many strollers available, always make sure whatever one you choose adheres to the latest safety standards.

Baby Carrier or Wrap

Baby wraps keep your baby wrapped to your body, so your hands and arms are free.

Diaper Bag

Having a diaper bag and keeping it fully stocked with everything you’ll need from feedings to diaper changes is one of the baby essentials you’ll need.

Sunshade for Car Windows

You should keep your baby out of direct sunlight, so having a sunshade can help during car rides.

Portable Crib

If you plan on traveling with your baby, having a portable crib can help your newborn sleep comfortably.

Portable Changing Pad

Like the portable crib, wherever you go for an extended period of time, you should consider having a portable changing pad.

Disposable Diaper Pail

These will store your baby’s dirty diapers - no matter where you are.

Stroller Rain Cover

When buying a stroller, consider a stroller rain cover in case you get caught in a rainstorm while you’re out with your baby.

Health and Safety Checklist

First-Aid Kit

Having the basics like a baby thermometer, antibiotic cream, bandaids, petroleum jelly, and tweezers in one place is helpful. You should have one at home, in the car, and your diaper bag.

Bulb Syringe

These can gently remove mucus from your newborn’s nose.

Nail Clippers or a Soft Emery Board

When you need to trim your baby’s nails, you’ll want tiny nail clippers and a soft emery board, so they don’t scratch themselves.

Soft-Bristle Hairbrush

Even if your baby doesn’t have a full head of hair, regular brushing can help loosen scales if your baby gets cradle cap.

Sunscreen

While your baby should be kept out of direct sunlight for the first six months, if it’s impossible, always use baby-specific sunscreen if the adequate shade isn’t available.

Gentle Detergent

Using a gentle detergent on your baby’s clothing and bedding is helpful because their skin is so sensitive. You may even find you’ll need hypoallergenic detergent.

While you’re putting together your baby shower registry or trying to pick up some last-minute items, this baby essentials checklist should help you get through the first few months of baby’s life.