Your Ultimate Checklist of Baby Essentials
Among all the to-dos on your plate when prepping for baby’s arrival, shopping for baby essentials is likely high on your list—after all, you’re going to want all your gear the minute baby makes their big arrival. Between setting up the nursery and ensuring you have the necessary items for sleeping, eating and diapering, it’s easy to keep busy buying baby must-haves. Plus, the amount of baby supplies a newborn needs (or can have) might surprise any parent-to-be. Wondering how to figure out which are the baby items to skip and which are the essential baby items you can’t live without? Don’t stress! Keep reading for a complete list of things you need for a new baby.
In this article:
Baby wardrobe essentials
Baby nursery essentials
Baby diapering essentials
Baby bath essentials
Baby feeding essentials
Baby health essentials
It doesn’t get much cuter than tiny baby clothes, but you’ll want to pick out practical baby things that’ll keep your newborn comfy and cozy. When it comes to clothing, these are the baby must-haves:
- 4-8 onesies (envelope folds at the shoulders and snaps at the crotch)
- 4-8 shirts (kimono-style with snaps or envelope folds at the shoulders)
- 4-8 pants (footies can be a great option)
- 4-8 one-piece pajamas
- 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
- 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)
- 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby starts walking)
- 1-3 newborn hats (broad-brimmed for a summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for a winter baby)
- No-scratch mittens (optional)
- 2-3 swaddles
- Bunting bag or fleece suit for the winter
- Lightweight and heavy stroller blankets
- Gentle laundry detergent
A baby’s room calls for adorable decor for sure, but you’ll also need furniture and baby bedding that will make infant care all the easier (and safer). Here are the baby essentials for any nursery:
- Crib, mini crib or bassinet
- Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib (less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and crib)
- 2-4 fitted crib sheets
- Rocking chair or glider
- Baby monitor
- Diaper changing table or dresser with changing pad
- Toy storage
- White noise machine (optional)
- Diaper pail (optional)
- Cool mist humidifier (optional)
Changing a diaper may seem daunting at first, but trust us, you’ll get the hang of it—and these baby must-haves will help you pick it up even faster. Check out this list of baby necessities for diapering:
- 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers, or 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers
- 2-3 large boxes of unscented baby wipes
- 2 large tubes of diaper cream
- Diaper bag
Bathtime can be tons of fun—at least, once you get a handle on that slippery baby. It’s best to be prepared with all the right gear. These are the baby must-haves for the bath:
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- 2-4 hooded baby towels
- Soft washcloths
- Baby lotion (optional)
Be prepared to feed your newborn around the clock—which means, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’re going to need a whole bunch of baby things for mealtime. Here are the important baby supplies to stock up:
- 8-10 bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce
- Bottle brush
- Dishwasher basket for small items
- Formula (if not nursing)
- Breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed)
- Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)
- Nursing pads (if you plan to breastfeed)
- Nipple cream (if you plan to breastfeed)
- High chair (for when baby’s a little older)
- 4-8 bibs
- 4-8 burp cloths
- Baby feeding pillow (optional)
- Bottle warmer (optional)
- Bottle sterilizer (optional)
Don’t forget: Babies need the occasional grooming too. And if your child happens to get sick, you’ll want to have the right baby essentials on hand. Here’s what to buy:
- Baby nail clippers or file
- Baby thermometer
- Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
- First aid kit
- Cradle cap brush
- 4-6 pacifiers (optional)
- Baby toothbrush (for when baby’s first teeth erupt)
Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, you’ll need to have some key baby gear at the ready. After all, at some point you’re going to need your arms back! Here are the baby must-haves to have on hand:
- Infant car seat or convertible car seat
- Stroller
- Baby carrier (optional)
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Play mat
Plus more from The Bump, our Baby Essentials Checklist:
