Newborn Essentials Checklist: All You Need to Buy Before Your Baby Arrives

Updated 03 December 2018 |

Published 30 November 2018

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

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As you prepare for the newborn’s arrival, take advantage of other mothers’ experiences to prepare clothes, furniture, and care products that are perfect for the little one.

Clothes (regardless of the season)

The little one’s first clothes should be comfortable, soft, safe, and made from natural fabrics. Don’t buy too many things because newborns grow and gain weight fast.

• Diapers (disposable and reusable)
• Onesies (both long- and short-sleeved): 6 pcs.
• Sleepsuits: 3–5 pcs.
• Rompers: 5–6 pcs.
• A cotton sweater
• A zip-up sweatshirt
• Hats: 2–3 pcs.
• Socks: 6 pairs
• Soft baby booties: 2 pairs
• Anti-scratch mittens: 2 pairs.

Things you’ll need in the summer

• A light jumpsuit for the outdoors
• A brimmed boonie hat (to protect the baby’s eyes from the sun)
• A cotton cover for the stroller and car seat
• A stroller curtain
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (be sure to consult your pediatrician first).

Things you'll need in winter

• A blanket
• Flannel diapers
• Warm sleepsuits
• Warm rompers and a sweater
• Wool hats and booties
• A warm jumpsuit for outdoors.

Nursing

The list can be modified depending on whether you’ve chosen to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby.

• Nursing bras: 2–3 pcs.
• Comfortable nursing nightwear
• Nipple cream to prevent cracked nipples
• Breast pads so your clothes don’t get stained
• A breast pump (if you plan to express your breast milk)
• Baby scales
• A sterilizer for pacifiers and bottles for use during the baby’s first year
• Baby bottles: 6 pcs. Pay attention to anti-colic ones to reduce the amount of air the baby swallows while feeding. The bottles should be made from quality materials that can withstand high temperatures.
• Baby bottle brushes: After each feeding session, thoroughly clean the bottle and remove milk or formula residue.
• A vacuum flask or water heater: they help maintain optimal water temperature for preparing formula.
• Muslin bibs: 4 pcs.
• A nursing pillow.

The baby’s sleeping area

It is recommended that the newborn sleep in the mother’s room during the first months of life, so try to arrange a sleeping area for your baby in advance.

• A soft-sided crib or cradle
• A firm mattress
• Mattress toppers or swim diapers: 2 pcs.
• A thin (not puffy) baby blanket: 2–3 pcs.
• Bed linen made from natural fabrics: 3–4 sets
• A crib mobile
• A mosquito net and ultrasonic pest repellent (if necessary)
• A baby monitor to watch over your little one, especially when they are asleep
• A humidifier
• A bedside lamp with soft, dim light.

Baby care

• A changing table
• Disposable diapers: a few packs. Choose a hypoallergenic brand that works best for you.
• Reusable cotton diapers (optional): a safe alternative for sensitive baby skin prone to allergies.
• Swim diapers: 4 pcs.
• Baby wipes for gentle skin cleansing (with a dispenser, if possible)
• Diaper rash cream
• Cotton pads
• Trash bags.

Bathing

• A baby bathtub (it may come with a stand)
• Cotton hooded towels: 3 pcs.
• Fragrance-free baby shampoo
• Baby soap with a dispenser
• Bath sponges: 2 pcs.
• A soft brush or comb
• Round-tip baby nail scissors
• Baby moisturizer
• Massage oil.

Things for going outdoors

• A car seat
• A stroller
• A stroller rain cover
• A diaper bag
• Car sunshades
• A baby sling.

Your first-aid kit

• A digital thermometer
• A medicine dropper
• A nasal aspirator
• Sterile gauze and cotton wool
• 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• Vaseline
• Antibacterial cream
• Nasal drops
• Baby antipyretics
• Syringes
• An inhaler.

On the final note

If you already have kids, the newborn is likely to inherit some things from their older siblings.

By the time another baby arrives, parents normally will have already tried out a lot and know whether or not certain items make everyday life easier. In this case, analyze the provided checklist and modify it to meet your needs.

If you are expecting your first baby, you may have to get a standard set.

Talk to your friends who already have children, read reviews on various baby product manufacturers, and explore the personal experience of becoming a new mom.

History of updates

Current version (03 December 2018)

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

Published (30 November 2018)