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Newborn baby checklist: what are the must haves?

When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many things to think about. From the big items like a crib and blanket to the smaller details like diapers and wipes, it’s hard to know what you really need. Sometimes, having a checklist of all the essential items you’ll need for your new baby is helpful.

The good news is we’re here to help! We’ve put together a comprehensive newborn baby checklist of all the must-haves for your new arrival to help you get organized.

So if you’re wondering what you really need for a newborn baby, read on for our top picks! (1)

Things to Prepare Before Your Baby is Born

Bedding

A safe, comfortable crib mattresses is a place for your baby to sleep and is an absolute must-have. If you’re using a crib, you’ll need a fitted sheet (or two) that fits snugly over the mattress.

You may also want a light blanket for naps or bedtime—just be sure to keep it lightweight and well away from your baby’s face to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you’re using a bassinet or co-sleeper, you’ll need similar bedding.

Clothes

One of the great things about babies is that they’re so small. That means they don’t need a lot of clothes, and they grow out of them so quickly that you can often find gently used items at consignment shops or online. With that said, every newborn needs a few key clothing items. One important consideration for new parents is how many swaddles do i need. Swaddles are a crucial part of a baby’s sleep routine, helping them feel secure and cozy.

First, you’ll need several onesies or bodysuits. These are versatile and can be worn alone or layered under other clothing. Look for onesies with snaps at the bottom so that changing diapers is quick and easy (believe me, you’ll appreciate this feature!).

You should also have a few sleepers on hand for bedtime—again, snap closures are key for easy diaper changes in the middle of the night.

Finally, every baby needs at least one hat to protect their head from the sun (or to keep them warm in cooler weather).

Diapers and Wipes

Of course, no newborn checklist would be complete without diapers and wipes! Unless you’re planning to use cloth diapers (in which case, good for you), you’ll want to have plenty of disposables on hand.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least two weeks’ worth of diapers—more if you don’t live close to a store where you can restock easily. As for wipes, get a big pack—you’ll go through them quickly, believe us!

Feeding Supplies

If you’re breastfeeding, then you really only need a comfortable place to sit and some nursing pads (which will help absorb any leaks). If you’re formula-feeding or supplementing with formula, then you’ll need bottles and nipples, the baby formula itself, and bottle brushes for cleaning. You may also want some burp cloths on hand—trust us, they come in handy!

Bathtime Essentials

You only need two things for bathtime—a basin or sink that’s big enough to comfortably fit your baby (your kitchen sink will work fine) and a gentle soap or shampoo specifically designed for babies sensitive skin.

A washcloth can also help wash those tiny toes and fingers. Baths can wait until after the umbilical cord stump falls off—usually around 1-2 weeks after birth. Until then, sponge baths are just fine.

Wrapping Up

There’s no denying that having a newborn is a lot of work. But it’s also an amazing time that you’ll cherish forever. By being prepared with all the essentials, you can relax and enjoy this special time with your new baby, knowing that you have everything you need.

Of course, every family is different, so you may need to add a few other items to the list based on your specific needs and preferences (like a due date calculator if you want to keep track of those all-important milestones or a baby monitor if you want some extra peace of mind). But the list above should give you a good starting point as you get ready for your little one!

Are there any other items you would add to this newborn baby checklist? Share your thoughts in the comments below! (2)