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Newborn essentials checklist

What you'll need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn

By //
Originally published on TodaysParent.com April 01, 2010

Click here for the printable Newborn essentials checklist

Clothing

  • 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
  • 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
  • 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
  • 5 pairs of pants
  • 2 newborn hats
  • 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
  • 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
  • 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
  • Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
  • Laundry detergent for infants
  • 4 outfits for dressing up (optional)


Blankets

  • 3 large cotton blankets
  • 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths)


Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

  • Lots of bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • Breast pump
  • Milk storage containers
  • Nursing pillow
  • Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
  • Breast pads (disposable or washable)
  • Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

  • Lots of bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples
  • 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
  • Bottle and nipple brush
  • Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
  • Thermal bottle carrier

Diapering

If you are using re-usable cloth diapers:

  • Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers
  • 8 waterproof covers
  • 1 diaper pail
  • Changing pad
  • Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
  • Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
  • Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:

  • Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
  • 1 diaper pail
  • Changing pad
  • Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
  • Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom


Bathtime

  • 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
  • 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
  • Baby soap or cleanser
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby soft-bristled hair brush
  • 3 soft-hooded towels


Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

  • Approved crib and crib mattress
  • 3 waterproof mattress covers
  • 4 fitted cribsheets
  • 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
  • Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

  • Firm mattress (not a waterbed)
  • 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
  • Light comforter (keep away from baby's head)
  • Sleep sack


Other necessities

  • Approved infant safety seat for car
  • Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
  • Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
  • Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
  • Baby thermometer
  • Eye dropper or medicine spoon
  • Medication in case of fever


Nice-to-have items

  • Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
  • Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
  • Playpen
  • Sling or baby carrier
  • Diaper bag
  • 1 or 2 change pads
  • Plastic hangers for closet
  • Sun shade for car windows
  • 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
  • Rattles and other baby toys
  • Mobiles
  • Night light

Click here for the printable Newborn essentials checklist click here

  • kanika (not verified) says ....

    Great help when you are confused, thanks

    • 23 January 2013
  • holly (not verified) says ....

    awesome i needed this =] A List!!!

    • 17 January 2013
  • Anonymous says ....

    GREATHELP FOR NEW MOMS.

    • 12 January 2013
  • wphwgt says ....

    I'll carry this with me to baby store and use as checklist.

    • 6 January 2013
  • lezi (not verified) says ....

    I thought it was very helpful

    • 5 January 2013
  • Chelsea (not verified) says ....

    Someone asked about traveling- and there's a foldable "baby pod" that is like a folding chair to take with you on outdoor activities, but it's a baby seat, like a bouncer type. I just got one for my baby shower and I'm pretty sure it will be very useful! Check it out!

    • 16 November 2012
  • WOW BUY GOLD (not verified) says ....

    Sigh.. how about you browse the comment your replying onto abit more thorough before declaring to, I never said Vivendi is to (I infact almost never said "Vivendi" once at all)crash when WoW performed I saidnd readore thoroughext period Acti/blizz'sbottom line would drop meaning yes they are there but it goes with this huge money making equipment of profiteveryones envious in between and thearent company is glad to have ito just another pub searching for by and hoping for big sales so it can be used to post good quarter paperwork. Hence why that parent company your talking about is trying toell issues tohe first personho likes it which oh yeahtm iso both because no one belives it might be worth that inyears to come. It has nohere to head from the high it rode on those accomplishment but down they do not have anything else to take it's location for awhile. They sat cozy towards the money WoW subs put in if those go away your left with a huge operating cost to get a other series. Hence why I said they are doing anything to keep it from dropping.
    WOW BUY GOLD http://www.wow-gold-team.com

    • 12 November 2012
  • Amy (not verified) says ....

    Thanks SO much! This helped A LOT! I'm not having a baby, but I have to take care of a sack of flour for school and part of the project is to draw up a budget for the first month. Now I can go and price these items!

    • 8 November 2012
  • Joseph (not verified) says ....

    C Family, I think you have one amazing, funny, sweet lttlie guy on your hands, congrats again!! Posted in austin baby photography, austin family photograper, austin newborn photographer, austin photographer, client work

    • 27 September 2012
  • Emanelsayed (not verified) says ....

    awww out loud. You are SOOO talented, Angela. The sncoed image is absolutely adorable. Her soft creamy skin against that riot of texture and color is masterful. Something a true professional with an artist's eye can pull off. Mom was brilliant to commission you to commemorate this fleeting moment in her daugher's life.

    • 26 September 2012
  • Faphewhunnini (not verified) says ....

    • 18 September 2012
  • Lesley (not verified) says ....

    For us the best things in those first few days and weeks were;
    Halo Sleep sac (you can buy the ones that velcro so they can be used to swaddle, much easier than attempting to swaddle in receiving blankets)
    Bouncy chair (an absolute miracle for us, our son napped in it, it soothed him really well when he was fussy or crying, ours vibrated and he loved it. Also great place to put baby if you are using the washroom or showering or just need a break)
    Nursing pillow (I was unable to breast feed but still found this pillow extremely helpful for feeding, soothing and rocking to sleep)
    Chair in babies room (We put a recliner in his room. The recliner rocked and it was fabulous! We kicked up the foot rest and slept in this chair when we needed to hold him so he would sleep, it was great for rocking him to sleep also and was so comfortable. All my girlfriends complained about their gliders being uncomfortable. We never had a complaint about our recliner!)

    • 26 August 2012
  • Kylie (not verified) says ....

    For everything you need for your new baby, check out http://www.newbabychecklist.info. Check off the things you have and stock up on the things you don't!

    • 4 June 2012
  • Valerie (not verified) says ....

    I would also add for breastfeeding moms: to make sure you have clothes that will pull up or pull down easily. You can also get a nursing cover in case you'd want to nurse while friends and family are around (or you can put a baby blanket while nursing but I find that it falls down too much and it becomes uncomfortable).

    • 14 May 2012
  • Amanda (not verified) says ....

    My baby is due June 11th. My husband and I travel a lot. What do I need for that I would like a check list for that. Camping, hiking, and seeing family in FL. What would I need for traveling??

    • 8 May 2012
  • paulbeartil (not verified) says ....

    hi there think they blocked me or something , give them a call there very helpfull
    pb

    • 17 April 2012
  • Jennifer (not verified) says ....

    This will be our second baby. Our daughter is already 3.5 years old so I've forgotten some of the things that are on your list (thanks!). From my experience, I would highly suggest to first time moms to get a swing or bouncy chair and a sling or baby carrier. These are must haves with my baby #2 after my tiring (but worth it!)experience with my first! Enjoy your motherhoods!
    ~Before children you are the portrait; after children you become the frame (unknown)

    • 18 March 2012
  • Amanda (not verified) says ....

    Im having my first baby in April 2012 and this is a great checklist! Thanks!

    • 26 February 2012
  • Crystal (not verified) says ....

    I was not sure where on EARTH to start and this list gave me somewhere! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!! Being a first time mother is scary.

    • 18 February 2012
  • Florence (not verified) says ....

    So much help..

    • 14 February 2012
  • Lisa (not verified) says ....

    This was so helpful! I was panicking a bit since our baby is due in March and I felt we didn't have everything we needed. However, after reviewing this list I think we have all of it! Thanks again!

    • 13 February 2012
  • Catie (not verified) says ....

    I have an 11 month old... and i am also 20 weeks pregnant, due in march 23,2012. Since my son has grown out of alot of things i for got what you NEEDED. This was so Helpful now i won't go out and but the things i think i need cause alot was waisted with my son... we bought things we thought we would need but never used them... But this reminded me what i need so my Little girl can be safe and Healthy Thank you!!!!!

    • 6 January 2012
  • Anonymous says ....

    Thank you for the info! We are expecting our first in March and I am starting to panic as I don't feel I know what I need!

    • 27 December 2011
  • kayla (not verified) says ....

    I would add a baby monitor, and a bouncy chair (my kids LOVED theirs) or a swing

    • 23 December 2011
  • MitsKitty (not verified) says ....

    I'm a first time mom and this helps a lot... Thank you!

    • 21 December 2011
  • ashley (not verified) says ....

    Love it

    • 14 December 2011
  • Celeste (not verified) says ....

    Thank you kindly for this list, it really helps.

    • 12 December 2011