If you are here after reading my first post 5 Baby Shopping Tips for First Time Moms, welcome back! If you haven’t read it yet be sure to check it out.
Today, in part 2, I will be sharing my complete Newborn Essentials Checklist. I really believe that this list contains all the essentials that you need to make life with your newborn as easy as possible.
If you have money left in your budget after getting everything you need then you can have fun shopping for some “nice to haves” and play around with decor.
But today we are talking needs.
Just to clarify, when I refer to the newborn stage, I am talking about the first three months with your little one. With that being said, almost every single item on this list will continue to be used long after the new born stage. In fact, I still use most of these items today with my 1 and 3 year old toddler boys.
That is why I always recommend buying high quality products so that they can withstand daily use for years to come.
It can be really overwhelming as a first time mom when you have no idea what you will be needing for your baby. My hope is that this list will give you some direction and make you feel at ease.
I have linked all the items mentioned to the shop where we purchased them, mostly from Amazon, so if you click on the link it will take you to the relevant shop. Some of these links are affiliate links, you can read more about that at the bottom of this post.
To make your life even easier, I have created a free printable checklist! (Click on the image to download the high quality PDF version).
There are 7 categories, and we will be going through each one in detail:
- Diapering
- Bathing
- Clothing
- Sleeping
- Feeding
- Traveling
- Playing
Grab your favorite pregnancy-friendly beverage, sit back, relax and let’s get started!
Diapering
Diapers
You will need 6-8 diapers per day for the first 3 months. We have always used Pampers Premium diapers for our babies from birth all the way up to toddler years. We are incredibly happy with them so there was never a need to change.
Wipes
For the newborn stage we used WaterWipes. They are 99.9% water with 0.01% fruit extract. They are so gentle on newborn skin so we did not have a single diaper rash with either of our kids during the newborn stage. This is a huge bonus for your baby and also means you won’t need to stock up on diaper rash cream.
While we are on the topic of diaper rash cream, I don’t have it on this list because every other list told me it was essential so I bought it and it went to waste because I never used it in the newborn stage. Rather wait to see if you actually need it before you buy diaper rash cream. It is also likely that if you do need it your child’s pediatrician will prescribe one to you.
A good alternative to WaterWipes is Pampers Aqua Pure wipes. They are not as pure as WaterWipes but they are still a close second and a lot more affordable.
Changing Table
It is really useful to have a designated changing table to organize all your diapering essentials and to make diaper changes as easy as possible. If you already have a chest of draws which is a good height (so that you don’t need to bend) you can also use that instead and just place a changing mat on top.
Some cribs have build in changing tables which is very convenient. Other changing tables, like the STUVA one we have from IKEA, can convert into a desk for your child later so it won’t go to waste after your child no longer needs diapers.
The changing table pictured in the graphic above is from Maisons Du Monde, when I saw it I fell in love, so I thought I would share it with you. It can convert to a regular chest of drawers too.
Changing Mat
You will need a good changing mat to put on top of the changing table. These are surprisingly expensive. We decided to get a budget one and spent about 25 euros on ours, and after a while it started breaking at the seams and the sponge underneath was exposed, so we had to buy a new one.
This is a good example of why buying quality products pays off in the long run. My recommended changing mat is the Bumbo changing mat. This one can be easily wiped down so you don’t need a changing mat cover.
Diaper Pail
You are going to need one of these for obvious reasons. Preferably one that locks in all those nasty smells so that you don’t have to hold your breath every time you throw a diaper in.
We have the Chicco diaper pail which we chose because you can use any bags inside so you don’t need to be dependent on specific bags which can also get pricey.
They have recently upgraded this diaper pail and the new design comes in very beautiful pastel colors. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Bathing
Baby Bath With Built In Support
I LOVE this bath we got from OK Baby because it is compact so it doesn’t take up lots of space and also doesn’t need a lot of water to fill it. The built in support works very well and makes it easier to hold your baby securely while washing them. It also has a built in thermometer which tells you if the water temperature is correct and has a line to show you how deep to fill the bath.
Bath Thermometer
This might not be essential for everyone but for me it definitely is! I still use a bath thermometer with my toddlers because I don’t trust my judgement when it comes to water temperature.
We have the bath thermometer from Philips Avent. It’s great because it’s digital so you can immediately see what the temp is and it gives the recommended temperature too, so there’s no guess work. It also doubles as a cute bath toy and it’s safe for babies to play with.
Hooded Towels
This is a fun one to shop for because you get really cute ones. I recommend getting at least two.
Wash Cloths
You should have about 5-10 wash cloths. You don’t need anything fancy when it comes to wash cloths. I recommend getting the KRAMA ones from IKEA because they do the trick. If you’re looking for something adorable that will stand the test of time then definitely checkout the wash cloths from Aden & Anais, they are so soft and just get softer the more you use them.
Health & Grooming Kit
The health and grooming kit from Philips Avent has everything you need for combing hair, clipping nails, brushing teeth and most importantly a really good thermometer. It comes in a solid pouch which is useful for traveling. We still use this product all the time with our toddlers.
Head Thermometer
The best way for a parent to get an accurate temperature of their child is the rectal temp. The kids understandably hate it though, so we prefer to spare them the discomfort by using a head thermometer.
You get really good ones that work without even touching the baby, you just hold it near the baby’s head and it gives you a good reading. We usually use our head thermometer if we suspect that our baby has a fever, and if it shows that there is a fever we will take the rectal temperature to get the exact reading because it’s usually a bit higher that the reading on a head thermometer.
Baby Sensitive Soap
We use a two-in-one shampoo and body wash from Burt’s Bees. I cannot recommend them enough. They have a no tear formula and I can assure you that it works because I once accidentally squirted the soap directly from the bottle into my baby’s eyes and he didn’t even cry. And to top it off it smells heavenly.
Baby Sensitive Body Lotion
We use Burt´s Bees Baby Lotion too and it’s so gentle on the skin. We still use it on our toddlers now. I think I will continue to buy this lotion long after my babies outgrow the need for it because the scent will always take me back to those precious newborn days.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, less is more. The more you have, the more you will end up with outfits that never get worn. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first person who will tell you to buy that cute, impractical and overpriced outfit just so you can use it for one picture. The picture will last a lifetime.
But I hear all too often that moms worry they don’t have enough clothes for their babies and it’s really not necessary. People love to gift clothes so wait until after your baby shower to buy whatever clothes you still need.
As far as essentials go, I recommend the following:
- Long sleeve onesies (body’s) x 8
- Bottoms x 4
- Tops x 4
- Babygrows (ideally with zips) x 8
- Socks x 6 pairs
- Hats x 2
- Anti-Scratch Mittens (optional) x 2
- Snowsuit if you’re having a winter baby
- Bibs x 8
Fancy Outfits
Get as many as you like! Just remember to take pictures because they probably will only wear the outfit once or twice before they outgrow it.
Baby Sensitive Washing Detergent
The fragrances in regular washing detergent can be too harsh on your baby’s sensitive skin, causing a reaction. We love Persil Baby Sensitive Gel.
Sleeping
Crib/Bassinet with Mattress
Whether you decide on a crib and a bassinet or just a crib is up to you. You don’t need both but it can be incredibly useful. We have the BabyBjörn cradle and I recommend it 100%.
I think it is absolutely gorgeous, but that wasn’t the selling point for me. What I love most about it is that it is incredibly safe. It has completely breathable mesh sides which can also be washed easily. The baby’s movements cause a gentle “rocking” of the cradle to soothe the baby back to sleep. All the textiles are tested to the highest safely standards. It is incredibly light so it’s easy to move from room to room. It is effortless to assemble, and when not in use (i.e. when in storage until the next baby arrives) it folds flat, so it takes up very little storage space. Ticks all the boxes for me!
We also have the Stokke Sleepi crib and I recommend it too. It converts to a toddler bed later on by removing one of the sides and when your child no longer sleeps in a crib it can convert into 2 chairs. I love multipurpose items! If you decide on getting a bassinet and a crib you can always purchase the crib later because your baby will sleep in the bassinet for the first 6 months.
While I was putting together this post, I discovered that BabyBjörn has recently released their first ever crib, and I’m in love. If the BabyBjörn cradle and the Stokke Sleepi crib had a baby this would be it. Definitely worth checking out!
Crib/Bassinet Sheets x 2:
You should always have one extra clean sheet available for emergencies or when the other one is in the wash. Make sure the sheets are a tight fit to the mattress.
Mattress Protector
Do a little research on your mattress protector before you decide on one. I was always a bit concerned with how it affected the breathability. We have the mattress protector from Stokke.
Dockatot
I didn’t have this with my first baby but I wish I did. We splurged a little with baby number 2 and it was so worth it. If you’re not going with a bassinet then the dockatot is definitely the way to go because it makes the giant crib less giant for a little newborn. It can also be moved easily around the house.
Sleep Sacks
These are good to have because they are safe. Loose blankets can cover your babies face which is obviously a hazard. If your baby is born in summer then this may not be necessary. My kids never liked sleeping with blankets. We just dress them warm enough for bed.
Breathing Monitor
Whether or not this item is essential will totally depend on who you ask. As far as I’m concerned this is the most essential item on this list. I didn’t have a breathing monitor with my first baby and I’d say “I don’t know how I did it” but I actually do know. It was hard. I didn’t sleep well, and when my baby was sick I didn’t sleep at all. I would literally stay awake the whole night and watch him sleep. That’s not an exaggeration.
Gideon had this issue for a short while during the newborn stage, which he luckily grew out of, but he would choke on his own saliva. As a natural reflex, when it happened he would vomit and everything would be fine again but I was terrified of what would happen if he wasn’t able to vomit or if he choked on the vomit.
If you are even the slightest bit anxious, then do yourself a favor and buy the Owlet Smart Sock 2. It’s worth every single penny. When we bought it we were living in Hungary and Owlet doesn’t ship there so we bought it off Amazon.com and had to pay the extra shipping and import taxes which was a substantial amount extra and even with the extra cost it was worth it.
What I love about the Owlet, which sets it apart from other breathing monitors, is that when there is an actual problem it sounds off an alarm so you know immediately something it wrong. But when the sock has shifted or fallen off then it plays a lullaby so that you know to check on your baby but you also know your baby is OK.
We always put a regular sock over the Owlet sock and that prevents the sock from falling off. Another bonus is that because the device is attached to the baby, when you have to pick up the baby in the night for feeding or soothing you don’t have to worry about switching off any machines, or worse, forgetting to switch off the device and the alarm goes off and wakes up the entire house and gives you a heart attack, which is the case with most other breathing monitoring devices.
In the hospital where my second was born, they used an AngelCare monitor in the bassinet and I really liked how the monitor clicks when everything is OK. I found that very reassuring, so in my postpartum over anxious state I purchased the AngelCare monitor too. I used it mainly during the day for naps. It’s also really good, and if Owlet is not for you I recommend the AngelCare too. Just make sure you choose the one with the wireless pad (linked above).
As extra info, the AngelCare works with the BabyBjörn cradle as well as the Stokke Sleepi crib and mattress.
Baby Monitor With Camera
You don’t need an expensive one. You really just need it to see that the baby is asleep/not in danger, and to hear when they wake up.
Owlet now has a video monitor too, so if you are getting the Owlet Smart Sock then it is a good idea to check out their bundle with the camera.
Night Light
When you have to go into your baby’s room to feed in the middle of the night you aren’t going to want to bang on the lights and wake them up. A good night light will allow you to see what you are doing while keeping a calm and relaxing environment for baby. If you get the owlet, the base station doubles as a night light. The bear night light pictured above is similar to the one we have and doubles as nursery decor.
Sound Machine
Babies are used to constant noise in the womb, so a silent environment is unsettling to them. A sound machine creates white noise which calms them.
Our sound machine is from Pictek. I love it because it has a big selection of sounds including heartbeats, household sounds like a vacuum cleaner and hairdryer, ocean sounds, rain and many more. It’s portable so you can take it wherever you go and has the option to work on batteries so you don’t need cords.
If your baby is used to sleeping with a sound machine from birth, it also drowns out the sound from the rest of the house so a sudden noise or people chatting close to the baby’s room is less likely to wake them.
Feeding
This list will differ depending on if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, pump, formula feed or do a combo.
Bottles
If you will be formula feeding you should have about 6-12 bottles. I gave only breastmilk to my boys but sometimes I pumped and fed them with a bottle.
We used Nuk Nature Sense bottles and never had any problems with nipple confusion or acceptance, but every baby is different. Find a brand that you like and get a newborn starter kit first before you buy 12 bottles of one brand because you might find out that your baby doesn’t like it and you’ll need to change brands.
Drying Rack
It’s best to have a designated space for drying all pump parts, bottles, pacifiers etc. for hygiene reasons. We use the Munchkin drying rack.
Baby Bottle Soap
This one is self explanatory. We use the one from Nuk and it works really well.
Bottle Brush
Some newborn starter kits come with a brush. I like the one from Nuk because it has a mini brush at the back for washing teats and getting into small spaces.
Steam Sterilizer
If you only use bottles occasionally then a regular microwave steam sterilizer will do the trick. But if you will be formula feeding I recommend getting an electric one which can hold more bottles and parts.
If you only need to sterilize pacifiers, Clevamama has a dummy tree sterilizer which is a great option! It is a mini microwave sterilizer which is only for pacifiers. You can also leave the pacifiers to dry in there.
Pacifiers
With my first baby I went overboard buying pacifiers because they are so cute with their little pictures and Disney prints. The joke was on me because he never liked them.
So I learned with my second just to buy 1 pacifier from 2 or 3 different brands to see if he liked them before buying more.
I prefer one piece pacifiers because water can’t get trapped in them. Nuk now makes a one piece pacifier which is great!
Bottle/Baby Food Warmer:
The best way to heat milk is by placing the bottle in hot water for a few minutes. The microwave is not a good idea because it can cause the milk to heat unevenly which can burn your baby.
The warmer from Philips Avent warms bottles, and baby food jars later down the line. It’s quicker than boiling the kettle each time you want to warm the bottle and it uses less water at the end of the day.
Breast Pump
If you plan on breastfeeding it is really useful to get a breast pump too. If you will be away from your baby for whatever reason or if you want someone else to be able to feed your baby so that they can also bond this way, then a pump is the way to go.
I had the Medela Harmony which is a single manual pump and I really didn’t like it. I then opted for the Medela Swing Maxi which is a double electric pump and I highly recommend it! It works very well.
Medela now has a new pump which I haven’t tried but it looks amazing and has great reviews! It’s called the Medela Swing Flex Electric Breast Pump.
Before you buy one, check with your insurance because many insurance companies will cover all, or at least part, of the cost of your pump. Some insurance companies only support specific brands and others just want to see a prescription from your doctor, which is easy to get.
If you don’t think pumping is for you or if you don’t want to invest that kind of money you can always rent the Medela Symphony from a pharmacy. This is a hospital grade pump so it’s really good and often you can claim back the money from your insurance too.
Milk Storage Bags
You will need these if you pump. I like the ones from Medela because they come with attachments for your pump so you can pump directly into the bag.
High Chair With Newborn Attachment
Your baby will only start sitting in a high chair from about 6 months, but I put this on my newborn essentials list because many high chairs have attachments for newborns and it is really nice to have your baby at the table with you. It’s also more likely that your baby will allow you to eat your meal in peace if they can see you and be close to you.
We didn’t have a high chair like this when my first was born and he sat with us at every single meal. Either in his bouncer, which meant he was on the floor, or on my lap which meant I only had one hand to eat with.
So when I was pregnant with my second baby I made sure to get the newborn attachment for him and it was worth every penny.
We have Stokke Tripp Trapps for our boys and I absolutely love them! What sold me is that they are adjustable so your child can use it literally from birth until the rest of their lives. This is the only baby product I know of that can be used your whole life. I am very sentimental so I love this. We had our boys’ names engraved on them too for the extra personal touch. This is free when you buy your Tripp Trapp on Stokke’s website.
Burp Cloths
Burp cloths (or muslin cloths) are used to catch all the milk reflux during feeds. Bibs (which I listed under clothing) are used to catch the milk reflux in-between feeds. They prevent needing to change you baby’s whole outfit every time they spit up. Bibs and burp cloths from Aden & Anais are really soft and pretty.
Feeding Cushion
A feeding cushion makes breastfeeding and bottle feeding more comfortable for you. The Boppy is a classic. We have it and love it, but I have since seen a similar cushion from IKEA which costs a lot less so it’s a good alternative if you’re on a budget.
Traveling
Stroller
I could write a whole post just on choosing a stroller, and I probably will. So in this post I will keep it short.
If you know you will be using a stroller often it’s definitely worth it to invest in a good quality one.
Other characteristics which are useful to find in a stroller are:
- All terrain wheels
- A big basket
- A bassinet attachment
- Car seat compatible
- The ability to add a sibling attachment for future use (such as a sibling ride on board or seat)
- Rain cover and mosquito net
We have the Stokke Crusi which we bought in 2016 when I was pregnant with Gideon and it was discontinued the next year, so one can’t buy it new anymore. But we are incredibly happy with Stokke. We still use our Crusi every day. It is the only double stroller that Stokke has ever made and it is a real pity that it is discontinued. The Stokke Trailz looks similar to the Crusi and has a lot of added benefits such as all-terrain wheels and a bigger weight capacity basket. The only thing that the Crusi has which the Trailz doesn’t is the extra sibling seat. The Trailz does, however, have the option of attaching a sibling board so if you are not planning on having a small age gap between your children then I would recommend the Trailz.
The quality is next level and the comfort for baby is as good as it gets. Stokke’s mantra is to keep babies and parents close and they really deliver on this.
The handle bars are adjustable in all their strollers so it is easy to push regardless of your height. The seat is at the level of a dining table, so when you are eating at a restaurant your baby can sit at the table with you without needing to transfer them to a high chair.
Stroller Footmuff
A footmuff which fits into the stroller is important to have, especially if you live in an area with cold winters. You can keep it in the stroller so it’s one less thing to remember on your way out and it won’t fall off when baby kicks their legs.
Stroller Parasol
When I was shopping for a stroller before I had kids I saw the parasol accessory and thought “that’s so ridiculous, why would you need an umbrella for your stroller when you have a rain cover?”
Little did I know, this is not to keep the rain away, it’s for the sun!! And it works wonders because you can protect your baby from the sun without covering their view.
Blankets
Get a few baby blankets to keep baby warm when out and about. Of course you only need to take one with you but having extras are useful when the others are in the laundry.
Car Seat & Isofix
If your car takes isofix then it’s definitely worth getting. It makes the car seat fit much more securely and it makes taking the car seat in and out the car a breeze. I also like that the green light assures me that the car seat is properly installed.
If you do decide to get an isofix, find one which is compatible with the next car seat you will upgrade to as your baby grows because you don’t want to have to buy another one in the future.
See if you can find a car seat which is compatible with your stroller so you can use it as a travel system.
We have the Stokke iZi Go Modular by BeSafe because it is compatible with our stroller and it is great.
Baby Carrier
There are different types of baby carriers on the market and the one you choose will depend on your personal preference.
My recommendation is to have a baby wrap for around the house and a more structured carrier for when you are out and about. The reason for this is that the wrap is more comfy for around the house, but it is very inconvenient to try and put it on when you are away from home because you’re working with 3 meters or more of fabric which will inevitably drag on the floor as you’re trying to put it on. A more structured carrier is easier to put on in these situations. We have the BabyBjörn Carrier One, and it still works with my 3 year old so it has a good life span.
Diaper Bag
When choosing your diaper bag, make sure you opt for a backpack style. Trust me.
Other features to look for are:
- Built in stroller straps
- Changing mat
- Thermal pockets
- Enough extra pockets and pouches so that all your items are not disorganized and difficult to find
We have the Chelsea Backpack from Skip Hop and it ticks all the boxes.
Muslin Swaddles
You can honestly never have enough of these so if you see them on sale, stock up! My favorite brand for all muslin products is Aden & Anais. The more you wash them the softer they get.
They can be used as blankets, burp cloths, breastfeeding feeding covers, draped over the stroller to block out sun or for privacy.. the uses are endless.
Nursing Cover
If you are comfortable with breastfeeding in public without a cover, good for you! You can skip this item.
If not, get a nursing cover which is like a poncho, like this one, because your baby can’t kick/pull it off and accidentally expose your breast to a room full of people.
I love a poncho style nursing cover because it doesn’t even look like one. It can also be used as a stroller cover.
Antibacterial Pacifier & Teether Wipes
These are so useful when out and about. If you baby drops their pacifier or favorite teether you can just wipe it down. The ones from Nuby are specifically designed to be used on items babies put into their mouths, so it’s safe. I used them a lot to wipe down high chairs at restaurants.
Hand Sanitizer
Any hand sanitizer will do, this is essential for cleaning hands when there is no wash basin available.
Diaper Trash Bags
If there’s no trash can nearby, you’re gonna need these. Some pediatrician offices don’t let you throw your diapers away in their changing rooms, they ask you to take them with you. If you’re in a situation like this, you’re going to need some bags. I also use them to put dirty clothes in when my baby has a blowout.
Portable Bottle Warmer
For when you are out and about, I highly recommend this portable bottle warmer from Philips Avent. It’s basically just a flask but with some super handy extra features. You fill the flask with boiling water before you leave home. On top of the flask you screw on an attachment which you put the bottle into later when you want to warm it. You pour the hot water into the attachment and it heats the milk in the bottle. Then when you’re done you can pour the water back in the flask, no mess no fuss. It saves space in your diaper bag and you always have hot water available when you need it.
Disposable Changing Pads
These are useful to keep in your diaper bag for emergencies. I always kept one on the changing mat at home too because it rarely got dirty so I didn’t need to change it often, but in times of huge blowouts it makes the cleanup much easier because you just throw it away.
Car Mirror
This is 100% essential. When it’s just you and your baby in the car, the only way you can check on your baby while driving is with an extra mirror because you baby’s car seat will be rear facing until about 15 months.
Playing
In the newborn stage (the first 3 months), your baby won’t really be “playing” much. They don’t really hold onto toys or anything like that. But there are still some useful toys to help stimulate them. I’m no expert, but these are the toys our babies actually used as newborns.
Activity Gym
These are great because when your baby is laying on their backs they can look up at the toys hanging down and eventually start reaching for them. There are usually different textures on the mat for baby to feel when doing tummy time and a mirror for them to look at themselves (which babies love).
We have the Fisher-Price piano gym and we love it because when the babies kick their legs they hit the piano notes and it plays music. It was really the only toy Gideon used as a newborn. It’s also not so big, we managed to fit it into our suitcase when we went on holiday. Our toddlers still play with the piano now because it can be detached and used as an individual toy.
Bouncer
The best bouncer, in my opinion, is the BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance. I love all the features and the look but the selling point for me is that it can recline completely flat, so when the baby falls asleep in the bouncer (which happens all the time) it’s safe for them to keep sleeping there.
It’s also so light you can easily carry it from room to room with one hand. Every time I needed the bathroom or to shower I would put the baby in there.
When you’re not using it (as in when your baby outgrows it and you are storing it for the next baby) then it folds completely flat. It’s pricey but 100% worth it.
Another huge bonus is that it’s just one material piece over a metal frame so when you need to wash it you take off the cover and throw it in the machine, it dries really quickly too.
Books
The sooner you start reading to your baby the better, and you can definitely start from birth!
A classic is “Goodnight Moon” which was written with newborns in mind. I also love “Guess How Much I Love You”.
Reading some favorites from your childhood to your baby can make some special memories.
You can also get a book with nursery rhymes to refresh your memory when you need to sing your baby to sleep.
This concludes my very long and detailed Newborn Essentials Checklist.
Depending on your individual circumstances, there might be more items which you need to add to the checklist.
I wanted to keep this list as short as possible and include only the essentials so that people don’t end up buying items that go unused.
My advice is to stick to the essentials so that you can use the money in your budget to buy quality items that you know you will be using every single day, instead of buying lots of little baby items which end up adding more clutter to your home than value.
With that being said, there are a lot of handy gadgets on the market which can make your life easier. If your budget allows it, or you are looking for some inspiration for “nice to have” items for your baby registry, be sure to check out Part 3 of this series: Nice To Have Baby Items To Put On Your Wishlist.
I hope that you found this post useful and that the printable checklist comes in handy when shopping for your little bundle of joy!
If you would like a more detailed review of any of the products mentioned in this post just let me know in the comments and I would be happy to do so!
Are there any items that you think should be added to or removed from this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Happy shopping my friends!
Sincerely,
Love it Ami! Nice selection and very helpful list for first time moms ❤️
Thank you so much! I am so glad you like it 🙂