Hey girl, today let's chat about the best newborn baby needs checklist every parent should know about.
Trying to figure out what you need and don’t need when it comes to your newborn can be tough. But don’t stress it!
I am here to go over a newborn baby needs checklist that will have you covered.
As a mom of 4 and a home daycare provider for the last 8 years, I know exactly what you need and what you will use.
You are going to learn about all the newborn baby needs checklist items like diapers, clothes, car seats, burps cloths, and more.
After going through the newborn baby needs checklist, you will be ultra-prepared to bring your newborn home.
Let's jump into the best newborn baby needs checklist items.
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Congratulations on your new baby!
I am so excited about this new journey for you.
It is a good idea to have the following items on hand before your baby arrives. Once you deliver, your whole word will be a whirl wind for a while.
Newborn Baby Needs Checklist
1. Car Seat
An infant car seat is a must and the hospital will not let you leave until you have shown them you know how to properly buckle your newborn into it.
I used Graco brand with all 4 of my kids and would buy them again if I were to have more children.
If you are planning on having more than 1 kiddo, go with gender-neutral colors. Save the gender-specific colors for smaller, less expensive items.
The stroller car seat combo above is a dynamite choice. The car seat clicks right into the stroller which makes it easy to take your newborn for a walk or run if you so choose.
I am a walker, and this stroller was amazing for that.
2. Clothes
I don't need to talk about why clothes are a must for your newborn. Instead, I will talk to you about brands.
Baby clothes will vary in size by brand. What will fit a newborn in one brand may fit a 3-month-old with another.
The brand that was solid for me through all 4 of my kids is Carters.
Just like the blankets, don't get too carried away by buying a ton of clothes before your baby is born. Only buy a handful of items in each category.
People will gift you baby clothes. Wait and see what you get and then fill in the gaps.
- Onesies
- Shirts
- Pants
- Socks
- Hats
- Pajamas/sleep sacks
- Winter hat and mittens – if it is winter and you live in a cold climate
3. Diapers
Babies go through a crap ton of diapers! I mean a staggering amount. Feel free to stock up.
The best baby shower I ever heard of was a diaper baby shower. Ask all your guests to bring diapers as a gift. It will help you out so much.
I have experience with a variety of diaper brands with my kids and being a daycare provider.
The diapers that have worked the absolute best are Huggies diapers.
4. Wipes
You are going to need some wipes to clean the poop off your baby.
Just like with diaper brands, I have seen my fair share of a variety of wipes.
These wipes are gentle, fragrance-free, and get the job done. And they get the job done by using less with each diaper change.
Money-saving for you!
5. Blankets
You are going to want to have blankets on hand to keep your baby snuggled up and warm. It is easy for them to get cold since they are small and don’t move around much.
If I were you, I would save some money and only look at getting one pack of receiving blankets. It seems blankets are a hot item for others to give as baby gifts.
After my second was born, I counted how many baby blankets I had since it seemed like there were so many. I was right, 42 blankets!
I ended up giving half to my sister who had a baby a few months after me.
6. Swaddle Blanket
I highly recommend getting 2 or 3 swaddle blankets for when you lay your baby down to sleep.
Your baby is so used to being snuggled up nice and tight in your belly and these mimic that. It will help your baby get better sleep.
These are the swaddle blankets I used and they wash up really well. I loved using these so much that I give them as newborn gifts now.
7. Crib
Your newborn baby is going to need a place to sleep other than snuggled up in your arms, they will get heavy after a while.
If you are short on space and money, skip the bassinet and only buy a crib.
This crib is very similar to the one I used for all 4 of my kids, and now my sister is using it for her little guy and her soon-to-be new baby.
It lasts!
Don't forget the materials that need to go with the crib to make it usable. A crib mattress, waterproof mattress pads (2), and crib sheets (2) are a must!
8. Diaper Bag
Whether you want to get out and show your newborn off or you are running errands, you will need to have a diaper bag.
I tried both the one should bag and the backpack style. Hands down, the backpack style wins. It never falls off so you are free to use both hands to help your baby.
This is the backpack diaper bag I used and it lasted well through 2 babies.
9. Formula
Of course, your baby needs food. And if you don’t plan to breastfeed, you will need formula.
I have done both breastfeeding and used formula.
This is the formula I used. It was gentle on my little guy’s tummy. Before we found this one, he spit up a ton.
Whichever way you choose, I support you. Do what is right for you and don’t let anyone sway your decision.
10. Bottles
If you are going to use formula, you will need bottles.
There are so many options out there. Being a mom and a daycare provider, I have my favorites.
My absolute favorite is Nuk Brand bottles.
My runner up is Tommee Tippee bottles.
One daycare baby used glass bottles. I didn’t like them.
They are heavy and when they get knocked out of your hand, it will happen, they are more likely to break. I had to be very careful to keep them over the carpet.
Grab a bottle cleaning brush or 2. Even though bottles can go in the dishwasher, sometimes they do not come out clean!
11. Burp Cloths
All babies spit up. It may be a little or a lot and may happen often or hardly at all. You will want to have a stack of burp cloths handy.
These burp cloths are absorbent and they last.
I have used them with my 4 kids, 6 daycare babies, and any other babies that have come for a visit and they still look great. 2 of my boys really put them through the wringer too, they spit up like crazy.
12. Bath Time
Due to all the pooping and spitting up, your baby is going to need a bath. These are the top bath products you need to get.
Using washcloths help wipe away and the grim and gunk on your baby while still being gentle on their skin.
This bath wash is the best. I would highly recommend the pump bottle. You can get the soap with one hand; your other hand will be busy holding your baby.
After you are done with the bath, apply this lotion to help keep your baby’s skin hydrated. We all still use it even though my youngest baby is almost 5. It is that good.
And the last step of bath time is to groom your baby, just like a mama monkey;).
I love this health and grooming kit because it has everything – nail clippers, comb, nasal aspirator, and more.
13. Stroller
A stroller is just so handy. It is so much easier to take your baby places with one instead of carrying them.
If you are looking for a single stroller, I recommend this one. Your infant car seat can clip right into it. It works well as your baby grows too.
I love how it folds up so it can fit in your car nicely.
2 babies on board? I have you covered.
This double stroller is amazing and I would buy it again and again.
Although it is large and in charge, it is like pushing a cloud.
14. Sound Machine
To help your baby get a better sleep either for naps or at night, try using a sound machine. I was introduced to this with one of my daycare babies and it works so well.
You won't have to have your house completely quiet and tiptoe around while your baby is sleeping.
I am not sure if this is true but I heard when your baby is in your tummy, it sounds as loud as a vacuum cleaner while you are awake. This sound machine resembles that.
Leave me a comment below if you heard something like this too.
Other Helpful Items
There are some other items that are extremely helpful when your newborn arrives but are not a necessity. The list below are my favorites and they have stood the test of time.
Newborn Carrier – This one has great back support, your back can thank me later
Bibs – the ones with snaps, Velcro wears out with multiple washings
Fragrance-Free Laundry Soap – This is great to use right from the start. You don't know if your baby is going to have sensitive skin or not.
Perfumes in other laundry soap may irritate your baby's skin. My oldest had this problem. We have been using this laundry soap ever since she was born.
Diaper Rash Cream - And last but not least, diaper rash cream to give your baby's bottom some relief when it gets chapped.
Thermometer - This thermometer makes taking temperatures a breeze.
Rattles - these are so easy to clean
Crinkle Books - I have seen these books keep babies entertained for hours
Board Books - The Little Blue Truck series has been a hot item with both boys and girls in my house. There are 9 amazing books to choose from.
Night Light - These are lifesavers so you don't have to turn on the top light during those night feedings.
Small Hangers - these small hangers are perfect for little clothes
Congrats again on your new baby. I wish you nothing but the best and give that little all the snuggles you can.
This post was all about the best newborn baby needs checklist.
If you have any questions about newborns or the rest of your pregnancy, leave me a comment below. I had a ton of questions and every baby is different.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.