Are you excited about having a newborn but overwhelmed by what need and don’t need from the baby shop? Wish there was a complete list of the needs and don’t need out there? You’re in luck!
In this article, you’ll have a complete newborn checklist you can keep and prepare for your new bundle of joy. Read on to discover this complete checklist and watch your worries fade away!
1. Babyproofing
The necessities after 4 months:
- Cabinet latches
- Drawer Latches
- Outlet covers
- Gates at the bottom and top of all stairs
- Fireplace bumper
- Furniture anchors
Nice to have:
- Corner guards for low tables
- Toilet lock
2. Nursery
For nursery furniture, they’re some must-haves for your baby’s needs.
Needs:
- Crib mattress
- Crib or co-sleeper
For nice to have:
- Bassinet(only safe up to 3 months or 15 lbs)
- Rocking chair
- Humidifier
- Changing table
- Hamper
- Dresser
- Baby monitor
You don’t want a second-hand crib for safety reasons.
3. Linen
For linen you’ll need:
- 2 fitted crib sheets
- 4-6 thin cotton receiving blankets
- 2 waterproof mattress protectors
- 1-2 heavier blankets for colder climates
You don’t want pillows, sleep positioners, or mattress padding due to SIDS risk.
If you’re co-sleeping you’ll need:
- 4 fitted crib sheets
- 3 waterproof pads for under your baby
- Light comforter away from your baby’s head
- Sleepsack
- A firm mattress no airbeds
4. Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding you’ll need:
- 2-3 nursing bras
- Nursing pillow
- 2-3 boxes of nursing pads
- At least 6 cotton bibs
- 6 or more burp cloths
It’s nice to have:
- Breast milk storage containers or bags
- Breast pump
- Bottles if someone else will be feeding the baby as well
- Nipple cream for the first few weeks
5. Formula Feeding
For formula feeding you’ll need:
- Bottle drying rack
- 8 bottles with newborn nipples. You might need to try out different brands to see what your newborn prefers
- Bottle-cleaning brush or dishwasher basket
- Insulated cooler/carrier
- 6 or more burp cloths
- 6 or more cotton bibs
- Several weeks of baby formula
It’s nice to have:
- A bottle steriliser
- Dry formula dispenser
Optional:
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle proper
6. Diaper Must-Haves
For diapers you’ll need:
- A diaper pail and liners
- Diaper bag
- Diaper cream
- Unscented baby wipes
- 6-10 cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 boxes of disposable newborn diapers
It’s nice to have:
- Non-talc powder so the area will dry faster
- 4-5 waterproof square or rectangular pads that go under the baby’s bottom
Some optional items are:
- Wipe warmer
- Diaper stacker
7. Going Out
For going out you’ll need:
- A sturdy car seat, check out this review
- Stroller
- A front carrier
It’s nice to have:
- A sling for newborns
- A stroller that your car seat fits into
- Rain cover for the stroller
- Sunshades for car windows
- Infant headrest for the car seat if it doesn’t come with one
- Warm blanket for cold weather
8. Baby Clothes
- 4-8 one-piece pajamas
- 4-8 onesies
- 4-8 undershirts
- 1-3 sweater jackets
- 1-3 rompers
- 4-7 socks
- 1-3 hats, a soft cap that covers ears for the winter, and broad-brimmed for the summer
- No-scratch mittens
- Bunting bag
It’s nice to have:
- A special outfit to bring baby home in
- A wearable sleep sack
- Diaper covers
Optional:
- Shoes. Your baby won’t be walking so shoes are optional and more for fashion
9. First Toys
These aren’t required but they’re nice to have for your baby:
- Crib mirror
- Soft blocks
- Rattles
- Soft books
- Plastic links
- Attachable toys to the stroller
- A plush that crinkles, shakes and rattles
- Activity playmat/gym
- Baskets to store toys in such as the living room, baby’s room, and kitchen
Don’t get car seat toy bars which could cause more of a risk for an accident.
10. Calming Items
For when your baby is fussy and can’t relax, it’s important to have different relaxing items to soothe them.
Some relaxing items you’ll need are:
- Relaxing music such as lullaby CDs or similar
- Mobile for over the changing table or crib
- Several pacifiers
It’s nice to have a music box made for the crib.
11. Sitting
For when your baby is ready for sitting, it’s important to have these in advance. Some sitting items are:
- Stationary activity centre
- Bouncer
- Blankets and quilts so they can lay on the floor
It’s nice to have:
- A swing
- Portable play yard
- Moses basket(you can only use this up to 3 months)
Due to safety concerns, you won’t want a jumper or walker.
12. Medicine Cabinet
The medicine cabinet is vital for your newborn’s safety and health. It’s important to keep it fully stocked with a variety of items which include:
- Petroleum jelly
- Thermometer
- Infant Tylenol
- Electrolyte drink
- Nasal aspirator
- First aid kit
It’s nice to have:
- Vapour cream or bath
- Saline nose drops
- Teething ointment
- Antigas medicine
13. Bathing
For your baby’s bathing and grooming you’ll need:
- 4 washcloths
- Baby bath wash
- Cotton swabs
- Cotton balls
- Bath seat for after 6 months
- Infant tub for after the umbilical cord falls off
- Baby shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Baby comb or brush
- 2 hooded towels
Nice to have:
- Bath toys
- Faucet guard
- Bag for bath toys
- Bath thermometer to make sure it’s not too hot
Optional: Baby-size robe.
14. Solid Food
You don’t have to worry about solid food eating until 4-6 months.
For solid food eating you’ll need:
- Plastic bibs
- Infant feeding spoons and bowl
- A high chair
It’s not necessary but nice to have:
- A baby food mill, you can puree your baby’s own food
- Mess mat that goes under the high chair
Newborn Checklist
In this guide, you found the complete newborn checklist for what you’ll need for when your baby comes home. You should feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed with this complete checklist.
Before you know it you’ll have your newborn home, so it’s important to get started on this checklist sooner than later!
Would you like to learn more about kids and parenting? Check out some of our other posts!