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Baby Essentials
A practical checklist for the first weeks. Essentials first, optionals in amber. Hover an item for more detail.
Essential Optional / Nice-to-have0 of 50 checked
Sleep
A full-size crib is the long-term sleep space. For the first weeks, a bassinet is a handy addition: smaller, easier to position beside the bed for nighttime nursing.
Firmness is a safety requirement, not a comfort preference. Soft mattresses, pillows, and loose bedding are all SIDS risk factors. Stick to a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only.
Goes under the fitted sheet to protect the mattress from blowouts and leaks. It must fit snugly and must not soften or distort the sleep surface. You'll be glad you have it at 3am when you're already doing a sheet change.
Blowouts and spit-up happen at night too. Having several sheets ready means you can do a quick swap and get back to sleep without hunting for clean laundry.
Swaddles mimic the womb and help suppress the startle reflex that wakes newborns. Always place a swaddled baby on their back, and stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll; switch to a sleep sack then. Do not use weighted swaddles. Babies often reject particular styles, so try a variety before buying in bulk.
Optional
Choose an approved model and, for sleep, configure and secure any drop side exactly as the manufacturer directs. Smaller than a crib and easier to fit in the parents' room for the first weeks; some have a drop side for easier nighttime access without fully getting out of bed.
Audio or video check on the baby without entering the room. Keep any cords well out of the baby's reach. More useful once baby moves to their own room; less useful if you're all sleeping in the same space.
Masks household sounds like doors, conversations, or traffic that can startle a sleeping baby. Keep the volume low, place the device as far from the baby's head as practical, and limit how long it runs. A phone app or smart speaker works just as well.
Dim enough not to fully wake the baby during night feeds or nappy changes, but bright enough to see what you're doing. Warm amber tones are less disruptive to sleep than white or blue light.
Feeding
Nursing bras open at the front for easier access without removing the bra. Nursing pads (disposable or reusable) absorb leaks between feeds, as breasts often let down on both sides at once.
Newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours, so bottles pile up fast. Having 6 to 8 means you can let them accumulate and run one dishwasher cycle at the end of the day rather than hand-washing after every single feed. Fewer interruptions overnight. Don't stock up on one nipple brand; some babies are picky about flow and shape.
Newborns spit up frequently, sometimes after almost every feed. Drape over your shoulder while burping and keep several within reach at all times. Cloth nappies double up well here.
Optional
A dishwasher using hot water plus heated drying or a sanitizing setting can sanitize feeding items. Follow current local guidance, especially for premature or medically vulnerable babies. A dedicated sterilizer is mainly useful if your dishwasher cannot do this.
Many babies accept milk at whatever temperature it comes out: room temp or straight from the fridge. Worth trying cold/room-temp first before buying, since a bowl of warm water works just as well if warming is needed.
Useful for building a milk supply, relieving engorgement, and enabling someone else to feed. Manual pumps are quiet and portable; electric pumps are faster for regular use. Often covered by health insurance. Worth checking before buying.
Flat, freezer-safe bags designed for breast milk. More space-efficient than bottles in the freezer. Label with date and volume; frozen milk keeps for around 6 months.
Only needed when solids start, usually around 6 months. No rush to buy early; it's a bulky item and babies shouldn't sit in one unsupported before they're ready.
Diapering
Stock a small amount of newborn size and more of size 1; many babies skip newborn entirely or outgrow it within weeks. Avoid buying huge quantities of any single size in advance.
Used at every nappy change. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulas are gentler on newborn skin. Unscented water wipes are a safe choice for the first weeks when skin is most sensitive.
A zinc oxide barrier cream (like Sudocrem or Desitin) prevents and treats nappy rash by protecting skin from moisture. Apply at the first sign of redness; easier to prevent than to clear up.
A waterproof, wipe-clean surface for nappy changes. Doesn't need to be a dedicated changing unit. A mat on the floor works fine and eliminates any fall risk.
Optional
A foldable version that fits in the nappy bag. Useful for changing on the go without having to use surfaces of unknown cleanliness.
A dedicated diaper pail with odour-sealing mechanism. Regular bins work fine if emptied daily; the main advantage of a dedicated system is not having to take out the bag after every change.
Clothing
Newborns can go through multiple outfits a night due to blowouts. Sleepers with built-in feet mean no separate socks, and fold-over hand mitts prevent self-scratching. Buy mostly 0–3m and 3–6m sizes; newborn size is outgrown very quickly.
For when you want something a bit more put-together than a sleeper. Make sure tops are actually onesies that snap at the crotch; regular tops ride up constantly and aren't practical on newborns.
Optional
Mostly redundant if you're using footed sleepers, which keep feet covered and warm without the effort. Useful for warmer weather when sleepers without feet are more comfortable.
Useful outdoors in cold or sunny weather, since newborns lose heat quickly and can't regulate temperature well. Take hats off indoors, in warm vehicles, and for sleep; overheating is a safety risk.
Prevents babies from scratching their own faces with their sharp new nails. Many sleepers have fold-over cuffs that do the same job. Check before buying separate mittens.
Weather and season dependent. Note: bulky coats should not be worn in car seats; use a thin layer under the harness and a blanket over the top instead.
Bathing
Keeps a newborn secure and at a safe depth in the water. Full-size baths are too deep and slippery. A small baby tub or a reclining seat insert gives you control with both hands. Never leave a baby unattended in or near water, even briefly.
Newborn skin is delicate and absorbs more than adult skin. Fragrance-free, tear-free formulas minimise irritation. In the first few weeks, plain warm water is enough; soap isn't necessary at every bath.
Regular towels work fine; hooded baby towels are cute but unnecessary. The key is having enough to rotate through without doing laundry after every bath.
Babies can't tell you the water is too hot, and their skin burns more easily than adults'. The target is around 37 °C (98 °F), slightly warm to the touch. An elbow dip is a rough check, but a thermometer removes the guesswork. A regular kitchen thermometer works perfectly.
Transportation
Whatever style you choose, the seat must be approved for the baby's current size and installed according to local regulations and the manufacturer's instructions. Infant seats are rear-facing only, have a detachable base and carry handle, and are convenient for moving a sleeping baby. Convertible seats grow with the child (rear- then forward-facing) but stay in the car. Either works from birth; choose based on lifestyle.
Check compatibility with your car seat if you want a travel system (seat clicks directly onto the pushchair frame). A flat recline is important for newborns who can't yet support their head.
Keeps baby close and soothed while freeing both hands. Wraps (stretchy fabric) suit newborns well; structured carriers are easier to use as babies get heavier. Follow the carrier's size limits and instructions, and keep the baby's face visible with the chin off the chest so the airway stays clear. Finding the right fit is often trial and error; many libraries and groups offer rental or demo days.
Optional
Different carriers suit different ages, activities, and body types. A stretchy wrap for a newborn and a structured carrier for a heavier older baby is a common combination for parents who carry a lot.
A rain cover is worth having if you walk in variable weather; most strollers don't include one. Snack trays, footmuffs, and sun shades add convenience depending on your climate and habits.
Stays permanently installed in the car; the infant seat clicks in and out in seconds. Avoids re-threading the seat belt every time. Very convenient for one car; less practical if you switch cars often.
Health
A digital thermometer gives a quick, reliable reading. Rectal temperature is the most accurate in infants under 3 months; ask a clinician about safe technique before trying it. Ear thermometers are unreliable under 6 months. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38 °C / 100.4 °F or higher needs prompt medical advice.
Newborns are obligate nose breathers and can't blow their noses. A blocked nose makes feeding difficult. The NoseFrida (mouth-operated suction tube) is significantly more effective than bulb syringes; there is a filter, you don't actually suck snot.
Newborn nails grow surprisingly fast and are sharp enough to scratch their own face. Clip after a bath when nails are softer, or while baby is asleep. Baby scissors with rounded tips work well too.
Home
Pacifier use at sleep times is associated with a lower SIDS risk, and pacifiers soothe babies between feeds. Many babies refuse them or have strong shape preferences, so buy a couple of different types before committing to one. If breastfeeding, some guidelines suggest waiting until feeding is established (around 3–4 weeks).
Optional
A dedicated surface at waist height makes changes easier on your back. A chest of drawers with a changing topper works just as well and is more versatile long-term. A mat on the floor is the safest option, with no fall risk.
You'll spend hours in this chair, for feeds, settling, and soothing. The gentle motion helps calm babies and keeps you comfortable during long nights. Worth investing in if you plan to use it regularly.
Wraps around the waist to bring baby to the right height for breastfeeding without straining your arms and back. Also useful later for propping a baby during tummy time or supporting them as they learn to sit. For supervised, awake use only; never put it in a crib or any other sleep space.
Soothes and occupies baby hands-free, which is genuinely useful. Bouncers are compact and portable; swings have more motion settings. Use it on the floor under direct supervision; it is not a safe sleep space, so move a sleeping baby to a firm, flat sleep surface. Many babies have strong preferences; borrow or buy second-hand before committing to an expensive model.
Portable and versatile; useful as a backup sleeping space, a safe play zone, or for overnight trips. Many include a bassinet insert for newborns that can be removed as baby grows.
A diaper bag organises nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and feeding supplies for outings. A caddy (open-top portable tray) lets you move your changing essentials from room to room without a fixed changing station.
A padded mat with hanging toys and a play arch. Used for tummy time and supervised back play; the hanging objects encourage babies to track, bat, and eventually grab. One of the few early toys that actually gets used regularly.
⚠️ Often bought, often regretted
This list reflects personal opinions and practical preferences. Every baby and family is different, so adapt it to what works for you.