The Ultimate Newborn Baby Checklist

Shopping for newborn baby products is one of those things that is often very stressful as you prepare to welcome your little one home. It is not uncommon for most people, especially first-time mums, to have a hard time with it. That’s why we decided to compile the Ultimate Newborn Baby Checklist.

In this guide, you’ll not only find a list of what newborn baby products to buy, but also why you will need each item. We hope that this list will guide you on exactly what you need to get. 

If you are here looking for things to buy for a new parent then you may want to read our Newborn Gift Set Ideas article too!

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of our Ultimate Newborn Baby Checklist, here is a quick summary of all the newborn baby products you’ll need:

Wardrobe Essentials:

• 4-8 onesies
• 4-6 outer layers
• 4-8 leggings or stretchy pants
• 4-8 sleepers
• 1-3 hats
• 1-3 no-scratch mittens
• 4-8 socks or booties
• 4-8 pyjamas or nightgowns

Nappy Essentials:

• Nappies
• Nappy bag
• Wipes
• Nappy rash cream
• Changing table or pad

Newborn Feeding Essentials:

• Nursing or a feeding pillow
• 2-4 nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• 6-10 bibs
• 6-12 burp cloths
• Breast pads
• Nursing cover
• 6-12 bottles
• Portable baby bottle warmer
• 1-2 bottle brushes
• Breast pump
• Breast milk bags
• Formula

Sleeping Essentials:

• Cot and mattress
• Bedding
• 1-3 wearable blankets
• 4-6 swaddling blankets
• Baby monitor

Bathtime Essentials:

• 4-6 washcloths
• Baby bathtub
• 1-3 infant bath towels
• Soap and shampoo

Essential Baby Gear:

• Car seat
• Baby carrier
• Baby swing or bouncer
• Pram

Baby Health Essentials:

• Nail clippers
• Nasal aspirator
• Soft-bristled baby hairbrush
• First-aid kit

Baby Play Essentials:

• Baby toys
• Books
• 4-6 dummies
• Activity Centre
• Playmat

What Newborn Baby Products Should You Buy? 

In this guide, we will categorise the large number of Newborn Baby Products that you need into 8 clusters of products.

These clusters are:

• Wardrobe essentials
• Nappy essentials
• Newborn feeding essentials
• Sleeping essentials
• Bathtime essentials
• Essential baby gear
• Baby health essentials
• Baby play essentials

Here is a closer look at each one, the products you need, why you need them, and our favourite recommendations. 

Wardrobe Essentials

Baby clothes are usually either categorised by age (newborn to 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months) or by height and weight requirements. Consider getting fewer newborn sizes and more 3-month sizes because your little one will grow up fast.

Here is a list of some of the most important wardrobe essentials to have:

• 4-8 onesies: Make sure to get a mix of short and long-sleeved onesies. Also, buy several footed onesies because they perfectly combine in one outfit onesies, pants, socks, and shoes!
• 4-6 outer layers: Get a good mix of sweatshirts, jackets, and zip-up sweaters.
• 4-8 leggings or stretchy pants: That your little one can grow into. Prioritise getting several pairs of comfortable cotton baby leggings that go perfectly with any onesie.
• 1-3 hats: Babies lose most of their body heat through their heads. Get several warm hats that they should wear as long as they are awake to keep them warm throughout the day.
• 1-3 no-scratch mittens: This will prevent your little one from accidentally scratching herself.
• 4-8 socks or booties: Perfect for newborns, they are an easy way to keep their feet warm when not wearing onesies.
• 4-8 pyjamas or nightgowns: Get footed pyjamas, which are great, especially over those first few weeks. They’ll keep your baby’s toes nice and toasty all night!

Additionally, the following extras would be nice to have:

• 1-4 special outfits for special occasions like holidays or weddings (an awesome idea for a Christmas present for a newborn!).
• Hair accessories like bows and headbands.
• Shoes (because they look cute in photos!).

Baby clothes make great newborn gifts because they come in standard sizes and even if you do not know the baby’s gender, you can always get gender-neutral ones.

Here are some other important things to consider when buying newborn baby clothes.

What To Consider When Buying Newborn Baby Clothes

Here are the most important factors to keep in mind when buying newborn baby clothes:

• Material: Your baby has very sensitive skin. Get clothes that are made using comfortable fabrics that are highly breathable like cotton.
• Style and functionality: Keep it practical. Ensure that your little one’s clothes are comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
• Size: Your baby’s clothes should fit her well. You also need to account for their fast growth rate. When in doubt, buy the larger size.
• Cost: Budgets are good to have, but never compromise on quality for the price! If money is tight, get clothes that come in a newborn gift set to save some cash on your overall purchase.
• Safety: Avoid anything frilly or with handling bits of fabric like ribbons or drawstrings.
• Season: What time of year will your baby be born? Try to think ahead and get season-appropriate clothes.

Nappy Essentials

Next up is nappies.

Your baby will probably poop after every meal for the first few weeks, so you can expect to change lots of nappies. Here is a list of all the most important nappy essentials:

• Nappies: While you are going to need a lot of them, don’t overbuy them before your baby is born because you still have no idea what size she will be. Get one pack of newborn size nappies and a larger in one size up. Once your baby gets here, you can stock up on more nappies in her actual size.
• Nappy bag: Get a nappy bag that is big enough to accommodate nappies, wipes, an extra outfit, and a few of your essentials.
• Wipes: You can’t have enough wipes, especially during the first few months after birth. You’ll need them for everything, so stock up on lots and lots of them.
• Nappy rash cream: Most babies get nappy rash at some point within the first six months. Having some nappy rash cream will give your little one some much-needed relief when that happens.
• Changing table or mat.

Other nappy add-ons that are nice to have but not essential:

• Baby wipe warmer: Get one because warm wipes are nicer than cold ones! Baby wipe warmers also make great newborn presents!
• Non-talc powder: to dry the nappy area faster.

Newborn Feeding Essentials

Apart from crying and sleeping, your newborn will spend most of her time eating. Therefore, you need to invest in all the right feeding products. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, here are some of the most important things you’ll need:

General Feeding Essentials

• 10-16 four- and eight-ounce bottles and nipples: If you are planning to exclusively bottle-feed your little one, she will go through about 10 of the 4-ounce size bottles per day. Start your newborn off with the 4-ounce baby bottles then move her on to the 8-ounce bottles. Make sure to also buy at least the same number of nipples as bottles.
• Bottle warmer warmer: Having a Portable Baby Bottle Warmer will help you reduce the number of times you have to make trips to and from the kitchen at night to warm your baby’s bottles. Super handy!
• Bottle sterilizer: You can skip this one if your dishwasher has this feature as most modern ones do. With a bottle sterilizer, you will be able to disinfect your bottles (and other supplies) via steam or UV radiation. Some bottle sterilizers are electric, while others are microwaveable.
• Brushes for cleaning the bottles: The best way to clean all those hard-to-reach areas in the bottles and bottle parts and also to clean nipples thoroughly.
• 4 to 8 bibs: Get a few even if your little one has not started her solids yet. A bib will keep her clothes nice and dry when she drools or spits up.
• Burp cloths: You can’t have enough of them as you will go through at least a couple every day. Done By Deer make some lovely Burp Cloths.
• A breast pump: Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, a breast pump will help you deal with engorgement. You can choose to get a manual breast pump or an electric one. If you are looking for a newborn mum gift, a fancy rechargeable electric dual breast pump is the perfect luxury newborn gift that will knock her socks off!
• Milk storage bags: If you are pumping, be sure to get enough milk storage bags. They are a great way to store pumped breast milk, and they take up little freezer space and are simple to defrost. Buy one box then add more depending on how frequently you'll be pumping.
• Formula: if formula feeding.
• 2-4 dummies

Nursing Mum Essentials

Some of the best newborn gifts are gifts that help make the little one’s mum’s life a little easier, like these nursing mum essentials:

• At least 3 well-fitting nursing bras: They will make breastfeeding a more comfortable experience for you and your little one.
• Nursing pads: Your breasts may leak every once in a while especially if you are breastfeeding. Nursing pads will help keep you and your clothes dry. You can either get disposable or reusable ones.
• Nipple cream for cracked and sore nipples: Nipple pain sucks. Nipple lotions and balms can help you deal with that discomfort.
• A nursing pillow: Nursing pillows are designed to support your baby while you're nursing or bottle-feeding. They also help reduce the strain on your shoulders and neck.
• Nursing cover: A nursing cover is a must if you wish to cover up when nursing in public. Some nursing covers also double up as a baby car seat cover!

If you are breastfeeding, ensure that you also have your lactation consultant’s contact info on hand for when you encounter a challenge while breastfeeding. If you are formula feeding, be sure to discuss formula brands with your doctor before settling on any of them. Your doctor will tell you how much formula to have before your baby comes home.

Other bottle-feeding and breastfeeding products that are nice to have are:

• Disposable bottle liners
• A bottle drying rack that can be used to dry bottles, nipples, pacifiers, teethers, and sippy cups.
• 3 to 4 warm or cold gel packs for when you have sore breasts. All you have to do is fit them inside your bra for some instant relief!
• Dishwasher basket for keeping track of smaller items when washing them in the dishwasher
• An insulated bottle carrier: These are available in sizes ranging from one to a half-dozen bottles. Exactly what you need to keep bottles and/or breast milk warm or chilly on the go.

If you are thinking about what to buy a new mum for their baby read our super helpful blog post on the Best Gifts For New Mums.

Feeding Solids Essentials

When your baby is ready to transition to solid foods, here are some of the products she will need:

• Seating: You have several options here. You can get a freestanding high chair, a portable high chair, a seat that attaches to a counter or table, or a booster that attaches to a standard chair. Go for a full-size high chair with a tray if convenience is important to you as they are the easiest to clean and move around. Look for a model with a removable and washable seat cover.
• 2-3 bowls: Get Baby Bowls That Come With Suction Cups on the bottom that allow them to stick to the highchair tray. This will stop them from being easily hurled to the floor. Read more about the importance of suctions bowls and weaning off in our super helpful Weaning Off Tips.
• 3 to 5 baby spoons: Get rubber-tipped spoons that are gentle on your baby's gums while also fitting comfortably in her mouth.
• 3-5 sippy cups: These come with a lid and a spout to make drinking an easy process. They will not spill when knocked over, so that’s a plus. Get a version with double handles.
• 5-10 waterproof bibs: Ensure that you get quick-drying bibs. Some versions come with a bottom pocket to collect dropped food.
• An anti-mess mat: To make cleaning up an easy process and protect your flooring. Place it under your little one’s high chair.
• A baby food maker: This will help you make your baby food at home.

Sleeping Essentials

Your baby will spend most of her time sleeping. Here are some of the most important things she needs:

• Cot and mattress
• Bedding
• 1-3 wearable blankets
• 4-6 swaddling blankets
• Baby monitor

How Should I Dress My Newborn For Sleep?

Your baby controls her body temperature mainly through her head and face. Put her to sleep on her back with her head and face uncovered. Ensure that she is in one more layer than you would wear to bed. You also want to avoid any loose sheets and blankets, so add an extra layer of clothing for warmth.

Position your baby with her feet at the bottom of the cot or bassinet. Any sheets or blankets should be firmly tucked in to prevent your baby from wriggling free or overheating.

Apply this general advice in rooms that are within the ideal sleeping temperature for babies (64-72°F / 18-22°C). If your room runs a little warmer or cooler, adjust accordingly by adding or removing layers as needed.

Should You Swaddle?

Newborns love being swaddled. Swaddling helps them feel safe and soothed. To swaddle your baby, use a cotton or muslin material. They are easy to wrap, lightweight, and breathable.

If you are not confident in your swaddling skills, use a swaddle suit instead. When your baby starts to roll over, you can stop swaddling them and start using a sleeping bag combined with weather-appropriate sleepwear.

Other newborn sleep safety tips to keep in mind:

• Your baby should always sleep on her back on a firm sleeping surface with her head and face uncovered
• Keep your little one’s sleeping area free of loose bedding and toys.
• If you can, consider having your baby sleep in your room separately from your bed for at least 6 months.
• Install a fan in the baby’s room to keep them cool as they sleep
• Do not swaddle a baby who can roll over

Bathing Essentials

Baby bathing products are yet another great gift idea for newborns.

Here is a list of all the most important newborn bathing essentials every baby needs:

• A baby bathtub: Get your newborn her tub. Look for one with a slight angle; not too upright or too flat. It should also have a non-slip surface and safety posts where your baby’s limbs go to prevent her from slipping under the water.
• Cotton wool/ soft sponge or soft flannels: For the first few days after your baby is born, consider using the top and tail technique to clean her. This is where you only wash her face, neck, hands, and bottom.
• Baby shampoo and soap: Get a gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby shampoo and soap. Avoid products that have a lot of extra ingredients and chemicals and instead opt for more natural products.
• Rinsing cup: Babies hate it when water gets in their faces. You can avoid this by using a rinsing cup. There are lots of options to choose from, including some that have rinse spouts that control water flow ensuring a steady stream, or some that have soft, contoured rims that hold against your baby’s forehead to keep water out of her face.
• Soft hooded baby towels: This will allow you to quickly dry your baby after you finish bathing her to prevent her body temperature from dropping.
• Bath toys: Adding lots of bath toys to bath time will make it more fun. Get bath toys in bright colours and fun shapes to keep her engaged as you scrub her down.
• Bath toy organizer: This will help keep your bathroom neat. A bath toy organizer also makes it easier to clean your baby’s bath toys when she is done with them.
• Faucet cover: This will keep any hard metal faucets covered to prevent accidents, which can be common once your baby starts becoming mobile.

Essential Baby Gear

Some of the top newborn gifts are baby gear. A lot of baby gear is subjective: it may be important to you but not so much to the next mum. That said, here are some universally important baby gear products that will make life with your newborn a lot easier:

• Car seat
• Baby carrier
• Play-pen
• Baby swing or bouncer
• Pram

Baby Health Essentials

Next, you need to be able to properly groom your little one. Here are some of the things you’ll need to help you do that:

• Nail clippers
• Nasal aspirator
• Soft-bristled baby hairbrush
• First-aid kit (with antiseptic ointment, a thermometer, bandages)

Baby Play Essentials

Finally, these baby play essentials will help soothe your little one when she gets fussy:

• Newborn Baby Toys
• Books (you should read to your baby right from birth!)
• 4-6 dummies
• Activity Centre
• Playmat

When To Introduce Toys To Your Baby

The short and sweet answer to this question is this: it’s never too early to introduce Newborn Baby Toys to your baby!

However, things can get a bit tricky when trying to figure out what toys to introduce to your baby. While there are toys designed for babies of all ages, you need to make sure that the toy you buy for your little one is appropriate for her age. It is especially important to get buying newborn baby toys right.

Playtime is especially important for newborns for a large number of reasons. It is through playtime that your baby will learn more about the world around her, developing vital skills as she goes. Additionally, playtime is a great way to bond with your baby. It helps you become a better parent!

When you introduce toys to the equation, playtime becomes more fun for your baby. Toys make playtime more engaging, and getting the right age-appropriate toys will allow your child to enjoy longer stretches of playtime because the toys will hold her attention for longer.

What Materials To Get For Newborn Baby Toys

Newborn Baby Toys come in many different materials.

There are soft toys, hard plastic toys, and Wooden Toys For Newborn Babies. Perhaps the most popular of these are wooden toys. And for good reason, because wooden baby toys are:

As you can see, you simply cannot go wrong with choosing wooden toys for your newborn!

Final Thoughts

The list of newborn baby products is massive. However, once you know exactly where to start and what to get, shopping for them becomes an easy, stress-free process.

We hope that this very detailed guide will make your experience shopping for your little one a lot more fun. And if you have been simply looking for the best presents for newborns, we hope that this guide has given you lots of unique newborn gift ideas to consider!

You can find all our Blog posts including parenting tips and tricks here.