A checklist is a list of items that have to be bought. Checklists are used to ensure that no essential items are forgotten during shopping. A checklist is therefore necessary when shopping and preparing for the arrival of a newborn. Different tasks ranging from sleeping, healthcare, breastfeeding, diapering, etc., are involved when caring for a newborn. These tasks typically require many essential items that must be included in a checklist.
A newborn checklist enlists essentials (clothes, health care items, nursery, etc.) that should be purchased and prepared for your newborn baby. These lists help new parents correctly identify the essentials to care for a newborn properly. The lists also help you differentiate which items are vital for baby care (must-haves) and which are not mandatory (nice-to-have.)
For proper care, these items must be bought before the baby arrives.
This article will highlight the importance of a newborn essentials checklist and the items you should include in the checklist as a parent-to-be.
Newborn Essentials Checklist Templates
A pre-made template can save time when making a newborn essentials checklist. You can download customizable templates from us for free. They list the essential items you should get for your baby. You can add or delete items to your newborn essentials checklist depending on the type of baby care you wish to pursue.
Why Should You Make a Newborn Baby Checklist?
There are a large number of reasons why it is crucial to make and follow a newborn baby checklist.
Some of these reasons are highlighted below:
- A checklist eliminates the chances of forgetting items you will need to carry out various tasks involving your baby. This is because you will not have to worry about making a daily list. This is because you already have a complete list, which you can refer to anytime you need it.
- Checklists can include must-have items and nice-to-have items. So, this aspect enables you to track what things are essential for your baby and which are not. In addition, this allows you to purchase the correct quantity of must-have items and prioritize which nice-to-have items can be bought.
- A checklist also helps you to save money. This is because it prevents you from wasting money on unnecessary items you might never need.
- A checklist reduces the stress of caring for a newborn as it guarantees you have every essential item you need for the different tasks and routines.
Newborn Essentials Checklist
Due to the excitement of starting a new life as a parent, many would forget to prepare adequately, particularly when purchasing all the items their newborn babies need.
Here are the everyday items to include in a checklist:
Baby clothes
You should include the essential clothes you need for the baby. Factors to consider while choosing clothes include size, comfort, ease of putting on and removing, and durability. Baby clothes are typically categorized based on the baby’s age – 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. However, brands can categorize baby clothes in other ways, such as weight and height.
Babies overgrow, so you should consider buying more clothes of various sizes than you think your baby will need for the first few months after birth. Also, baby clothes can be significantly expensive. So, it would be best to consider hand-me-downs and second-hand clothes. Such clothes also provide you with a wide range of clothes sizes.
However, avoiding clothes with choking hazards, such as dangling ribbons, tassels, and strings, would be best. Lastly, you should consider organic baby clothes as they are free of harmful chemicals or harsh dyes.
However, they are typically more expensive. Items to include under this category include:
- Sleepers
- Leggings or stretchy pants
- Bodysuits
- Outer layers
- Hats
- Socks or booties
- Pajamas or nightgowns
Sleeping essentials
It is vital to include sleeping items in the newborn essentials checklist. Babies spend most of their time sleeping. So, you must ensure your baby gets ample and safe sleep. The AAP has reported sudden and unexpected infant deaths, with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), strangulation, and suffocation being the reported causes of death. Several good sleeping practices are laying the baby on their back, using fitting sheets, and placing the baby in the same room as their caregivers but not in the same bed.
In addition, you should use a flat surface for the baby to sleep, preferably a bassinet, crib, or play yard that has met CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards. Lastly, remove loose items from the baby’s sleeping area.
Some of the essential items you can include in the checklist are:
- White-noise machine or music player
- Humidifier
- Blackout shades
- Smart sleep coach by pampers
Nursery essentials
Your nursery is a place where you can create the perfect ambiance for your newborn baby. So, ensuring you have all the items in place is essential. Also, it enables your baby to interact and get familiar with the room and different items that he or she finds in the room, which serves as a comfort zone for them. Of course, you should use adorable décor, but the furniture and baby items must also be relevant and necessary for optimal newborn care.
Here is a list of nursery items to include in your checklist:
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Bedding
- Bassinet
- Night-light
- Clothes storage
- Nursery glider
- Pacifiers
- Toy basket
- Mobile
Diapering
Diapering is one of the most critical aspects of caring for a baby. As you prepare your newborn essentials list, ensure you include diapering essentials. Babies may change eight diapers daily, but these can be up to 12 times. Other than the number of diapers needed, you should consider other factors such as the type of diapers – this can be reusable cloth diapers or disposable diapers.
Reusable cloth diapers are preferred when working with a tight budget, as they are affordable to most new parents. However, it would be best to consider other factors, such as the workload and time used to clean and change diapers.
A few items that you will need under this category are:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Diaper bag
Baby gear
Your checklist should also include baby gear that helps with the entire process of baby care. These can include items for aiding with sleeping and others meant for entertainment. Some essential items to include in your list are a baby carrier for carrying the baby around, an infant car seat, a play yard, nursery rocker/glider for you and the baby to rest in.
Examples of items to include are:
- Baby swing
- Baby bouncer
- Portable play yard
- Toys
- Play mat
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are integral for the baby’s growth. Usually, as a new parent, you will want to prepare for both feeding methods as they can be used in different circumstances.
Here are items to include under this category of the checklist:
- Nursing or feeding pillow
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
Breastfeeding essentials include:
- Nipple cream
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Breast pump
- Breast milk bags
- Nursing cover
If you plan on bottle feeding, there are also a few products that you should include in your checklist:
- Bottles
- Formula milk
- Bottle brushes
- Insulated bottle carrier
Other items that you may consider adding under breastfeeding and bottle feeding categories include:
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle drying rack
- Dishwasher basket
- Bottle sterilizer
- Warm or cold gel packs
Solid feeding
Solid feeding starts when the baby is about 4-6 months old. Since this is still the early stages of the baby’s life, you must be prepared. You should consult a paediatrician to recommend a feeding plan that offers optimal nutrition. Their input is also beneficial in deciding whether to breastfeed or use formula milk. They can also guide you in deciding the right formula for your baby.
Solid feeding requires a few essentials, such as:
- Highchair
- Bowls
- Baby spoons
- Sippy cups
- Waterproof bibs
Bathing
Bathing should be a fun exercise. Even though newborns are usually not bathed very often, bathing is more enjoyable for babies and parents once they can hold their heads up. However, during the first year, you can give the baby soft sponge baths three times a week until the umbilical cord falls.
Here are bathtime essentials you can include in the checklist.
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo
- Hooded towels
- Baby lotion
Baby soothers, toys, and entertainment
You should consider the baby’s entertainment when shopping for your newborn. You can buy different items for activities that foster the physical and mental development of the baby.
Here are different items to include under this category:
- Bouncer seat
- Activity centre
- Books
- Toys
On-the-go items
On-the-go items are essential for the newborn and new parents’ traveling needs. This can be when taking the baby to the park, doctor’s appointments, or family gatherings. However, when looking after your baby, you should be prepared to offer adequate care even when traveling. These essentials are typically made to be convenient and portable.
Some of the items you may need on-the-go include:
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Diaper bag
- Sunshade for car windows
- Portable crib
- Portable changing pad
- Disposable diaper trail
- Stroller rain cover
Health & Safety
Newborns and babies experience many health issues that may be related to their environment. For example, newborn babies can have 8-10 colds within the first two years. This can be from a dirty atmosphere, poor hygiene, and other factors.
Baby safety items can be a precautionary measure to keep the child safe. They should be included in your checklist for reasons such as preventing strangulation and providing protection from injuries. So, as soon as the baby starts crawling, rolling, or toddling, identify potentially dangerous areas and buy childproofing items as required.
You should include the following items in your checklist to prevent possible health and safety risks:
- Safety gates
- Outlet covers
- Cupboard and drawer latches
- Toilet seat locks
- Anti-tip straps and wall anchors
- First aid kit
- Nasal aspirator
- Teething toys
- Humidifier
- Baby nail/clippers/scissors/nail file or emery board
- Baby-friendly laundry detergent
- Soft-bristled baby hair brush
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most critical clothing essentials?
Clothing essentials can vary according to the climate and temperature of the region. However, the most common clothing for babies are onesies, t-shirts, mittens, baby beanies, socks, all-cotton pajamas, and long-sleeve sweatshirts.
What do you need to include in a newborn baby shopping list?
Clothing and day-to-day essentials for a newborn baby are clothing for both sexes. Include a complete collection of necessities such as clothing, feeding, bedding, nursery, hygiene, personal care, diapering, on-the-go, and playtime essentials.
What is considered the most critical thing I need?
Clothing is an essential item for a baby. A baby crib is the second most important item. These two categories of essentials ensure the baby is warm and has a safe space to sleep and spend time.
Do I need all of these things?
It would be best to have most of the essential items on a newborn essentials checklist. This is because they address different baby care aspects.
How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?
There is no universal way to get babies to sleep throughout the night. However, you can gradually learn what your baby needs to have a good night’s sleep. This is because a baby’s sleep can be interrupted by various things, such as hunger or discomfort. It is thus vital to note what interrupts your baby’s sleep in the first few weeks.
Why can I not put anything in my baby’s crib?
Babies are defenceless and have zero sense of danger at a young age. So, it is ultimately up to the parent to ensure they are protected. By placing the baby in the crib, he/she can interact with its environment and learn how to cope with its surroundings.
How do I properly store breast milk?
There are different alternatives for storing breast milk, depending on your needs. Examples of such methods are storing it in the refrigerator if you intend to use the milk within a week. Or you can place the milk in freezer packs and store it in a cooler place if you intend to use it within 24 hours. Lastly, you can use specially designed bags to store the milk for up to 6 months.