Baby Essentials Checklist
Baby essentials are the basic items you need to properly care for your newborn. They include necessities like nursery furniture, baby bedding, and other baby gear that provide a safe and comfortable environment.
Nursery Essentials
- Crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly
- 2-4 fitted crib sheets
- Rocking chair or glider
- Toy basket
- Baby monitor
- Diaper changing table or dresser with changing pad
- White noise machine (optional)
Feeding and Health Supplies
- Clothing and diapers
- Feeding supplies like bottles, bibs, and formula
- Baby bath items like baby tub, washcloths, baby bath soap, and shampoo
- Baby safety items like cabinet locks, outlet covers, and baby gates
- Baby health items like a thermometer, nail clippers, and medicine dispenser
Newborn Diapering Essentials
Let’s start with the ‘emergency’ that can occur at any time, any place and that needs to be addressed immediately: diaper change time! Changing diapers is a skill you’ll quickly master especially if you have these newborn essentials at hand:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Changing pad
- Diaper pail
What Baby Items Do I Need?
What baby items do I need? Focus first on safety and comfort items. Then add extras based on your family’s needs and preferences. With the right gear, you’ll be prepared to give your little one a happy home.
Baby Wardrobe Essentials
Are you a first-time mom? Use this newborn shopping list to grab essentials you need for the baby, especially for the first 3 months like:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Blankets
- Sheets
- Sleepers
- Onesies
Conclusion
As you prepare to bring your sweet newborn home, you may be asking yourself: “What does a baby really need in the first weeks at home?” The answer is: not much. Stick to the basics like:
- Car seat
- Safe sleep space
- Feeding supplies
- Diapers
- Baby bath supplies
Parenting Advice
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If you’re concerned about your baby’s sensitivity to detergents, toss one piece of clothing with your regular laundry and see if your child’s skin has any reaction.
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Everyone’s parenting style is different. Think about what type of parent you want to be. Then don’t buy products that you probably won’t use.
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For baby bath items, you don’t need to go all-out with your purchases. Simply buy a baby bathtub, baby-friendly soap, and lotion as their skin can be quite sensitive.
Additional Information
- Baby shampoo should be free of perfumes, dyes, or other harsh ingredients that can irritate your baby’s scalp and skin. Look for shampoo designed just for baby (some will be marked “no tears”).
- Baby soap is designed to be gentle on baby’s delicate skin and is free of perfumes, dyes, and other irritants.
Resources
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Baby Registry Checklists – Baby registry must-haves list includes strollers, cribs, and newborn clothes. Plus: What not to put on a baby registry.
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Download the newborn baby checklist printable to save money and buy only what you need! This easy to print PDF file covers everything new moms need on their shopping list.