The Ultimate Newborn Essentials Checklist
Pregnant? Feeling a little confused about all the things you need to buy to prepare for baby’s arrival? I know how overwhelming it can be. Where on earth do you start?
We’ve spoken to parents who’ve been there and made a list of everything you REALLY need, taking all the hard work out of it for you.
Being organised can help you feel calmer and more prepared for baby’s arrival. And on the practical side it will help you post birth so you can focus on you and your baby.
Newborn Essentials Checklist
- Car seat (make sure it is properly fitted at least a few weeks before your due date)
- Pram
Sleeping
- Bassinet and bassinet mattress
- Bassinet mattress protector
- Bassinet fitted sheet (at least 2), flat sheets
- Cot and mattress (baby will be at least a few months old however before transferring into cot so not super urgent)
- Cot mattress protector
- Cot fitted sheet (at least 2), normal cot sheets
- Wool blanket (can be tucked in over baby’s swaddle to help feel secure)
- Swaddling wraps (2-3)
Bathing
- Baby bath (big sink is fine for early days)
- Soft baby towel
- Soft face cloths/flannels
Clothes
- Bodysuits (5-6) mix of singlet and long sleeved
- Onesies (3-4)
- Cardigan (2-3)
- Nightgowns (2)
- Lots of socks/booties
- Mittens (so baby doesn’t scratch herself)
- Hat for outings (not sleeping in). At least 1 x woollen hat, summertime hat if summer)
Use natural fibres such as cotton or merino
Miscellaneous
- Cloths to clean up spilt milk
- Plenty of washing powder and whitener (Eco store brand stock good non-toxic washing products which are gentle on bub’s skin)
- Muslin wraps (3-4) – great for putting over capsule/pram when baby sleeps, plus many other uses.
- Bottles
- Thermometer
- New born size nappies (approx. 8-10 per day)
- Baby wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Baby nail clippers
For Mum
If breastfeeding:
- 3 x nursing bras
- Nursing pads – to pop in bra and prevent milk leakage
- Breast pads (great to comfort sore nipples) can be useful
- Hiring Breast pump can be helpful
- Breastfeeding pillow for extra support can be useful
Other:
- Maternity pads
- Perineum Strips for the healing of the perineal area.
- Tens Machine – drug-free pain relief during labour.
Other Useful Items
- Baby monitor
- Change table and change mat
- Portable change mat to take with you when you go out
- Baby sleeping bag
- Front pack
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle steriliser
- Nappy bag
- A few baby books and toys/rattles
- Something to measure the temperature of baby’s room
Some stockists I can recommend include Baby City, The Baby Factory, Farmers, Kmart and The Sleep Store (online shop). Don’t overlook Trade-me for bargains. They have a mass of baby products for sale, some of which have barely been used and will save you a tonne of cash. (Not to mention better for the environment).
If you are lucky enough to have a baby shower where friends and family buy you gifts, it can be a good idea to wait until after this to buy those smaller products. You might be lucky enough to find a number of the items on this list have already been bought for you.
Also, hold out for sales if you can – they can save you truckloads.
Happy shopping Mamas-to-be! Enjoy every moment of your exciting journey x
Print out our handy PDF version of the checklist here:
