Newborn Baby Essentials & Needs Checklist

A baby checklist for your new arrival

There's no time like the present to start getting organised for your new bundle of joy. It may seem like you have plenty of time but the next few months will fly.

Before your little one arrives there are a bunch of things you're going to want to buy and stock up on (or at least consider), so that your first few months run as smoothly as possible.

Shopping for your baby can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. Buying their tiny clothes and imagining the miracle growing is enough to make anyone melt. This said, with so many baby products on the market these days it's hard to know where to start. We can help!

Here is a simple checklist to help you remember all the essential items you will need when your baby arrives.

Equipment

Essential items

• Pram or stroller
• Baby car seat
• Nappies
• At least two sets of baby bedding (sheets, blankets, mattress and mattress protector)
• Three or more baby wraps
• Soft baby towels and face washers
• Baby soap or body wash
• Baby wipes and cotton wool balls and tips
• Nappy rash cream
• Round-tipped nail scissors
• Thermometer
• Dummies

Useful items

• Baby carrier (can be part of your pram)
• Baby bath (or you can use a sink or your regular bath with bath seat at home)
• Nappy bin
• Nappy stacker
• Baby bouncer
• Safety equipment, such as gates, child-resistant locks and catches, stove guard and door knob covers (once baby is mobile)
• Baby monitor
• Colourful rattles and other amusements
• Portable changing mat
• Pram rain cover
• Car window shade

Furniture

Essential items

• Bassinet or cot
• Change table and mat

Useful items

• Rocking or other comfortable chair for feeding
• Highchair (after about 5 months of age)
• Night light

Clothing and accessories

Essential items

• Six singlets, size 000
• Six onesies size 000 (short sleeved, long sleeved, or a combination, depending on when they're due)
• Two cardigans or jackets for cold days
• A hat (a soft sunhat for summer and a beanie or two for winter)
• Two pairs of socks
• At least two bibs

Useful items

• Baby sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes and no hood
• A few cute outfits for your outings together

Feeding

Breastfeeding items

• Maternity bras
• Breastfeeding tops
• Nipple cream
• Breast pads
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Breast pump

Bottle feeding items

• Bottles (6)
• Teats (6)
• Breast pump (if feeding breast milk)
• Breastmilk storage bags
• Formula
• Bottle and teat brush
• Bottle drying rack
• Sterilising equipment