Preparing for the arrival of your baby is one of the exciting part of pregnancy. As early as 12 weeks, most soon-to-be moms already start with their shopping. When you walk past the shelves of different baby products, you may feel a hint of nervousness as you realize the challenge of the task ahead.

Tiny Steps has organized a printable newborn baby checklist for you to use as a new parentsguide. It shows the different categories of the newborn baby essentials. Are you worried if you have enough supplies for the first six weeks of the baby? Don’t worry! The printable checklist includes suggestion for quantity, which can serve as your reference.

Let’s get into it.

Baby Essentials for your Newborn

Clothing

The types and number of clothing you need to buy depends on your city’s location and your laundry schedule.  You need to consider that babies tend to be messy after feeding and diaper change.  If you plan to do the laundry more than once a week, then you may reduce the quantity of clothes to get.

During winter, you need to note that babies need an extra layer of clothing.  

• Onesies - (7-10)

• Shirts with snap opening near the neck (4-7)

• Pull Pants (4-7)

• One-piece Pajama (3-5)

• Wearable Blanket (1-2)

• Sweater or Jacket (1-2)

• Socks or Booties (2-3)

• Hats or Bonnets (2-3)

• Mittens (3-5)

• Swaddle or receiving blanket (3-5)

• Special Occasion Outfit – (Going home or holiday outfits)

Bath

Babies tend to get cold quickly, so the bath should be done as fast yet carefully as possible. Before you bathe your baby, make sure to keep the following bath essentials within arm’s reach.

• Baby Bath Tub – A small tub can make it easier for you to bathe the baby.  When the baby is comfortable, he/she is calm during bath time

• Baby Shampoo and Soap – Choose mild and hypoallergenic shampoo.

• Wash Cloths ( 3-5)

• Soft Bath Towel with Hood (1-2)

• Cotton Buds - Use it to clean your baby’s outer ear gently and between fingers and toes.

• Baby Lotion – Use mild and fragrance-free lotion for the dry patches.

• Soft Baby Brush or Comb – Use this to gently untangle your baby’s delicate hair and stimulate your baby’s scalp. 

Diapering

You have the option to use disposable diapers for your newborn or use cloth diapers. Weigh the pros and cons of using either kinds of diaper.

• Disposable Diaper – Consider that newborn babies change diapers 10-12 times.  We suggest to buy at least two packs of diapers first to check how your baby’s skin will react to the diaper.  Change brands as soon as you see any rashes.

• Cloth Diaper – You should at least have 12-15 sets of cloth diapers.  You can start with less to check how cloth diapering fits into your lifestyle, and if the baby likes the brand of cloth diaper, you got.

• Diaper Cream or Ointment – Babies skin may develop rashes because of wet diapers and so getting a tub of diaper cream is a must.

• Unscented baby wipes of soft washcloth

• Scented diaper sacks - provides a safer and more sanitary way to dispose of  diapers

• Diaper Pail

• Small Thermos (for babies less than six months)

Feeding

Milk is the primary source of babies until they start eating solids at 4-6 months. Hence, choosing between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is a critical decision for mothers.

Should you decide to breastfeed, get the following items:

• Nursing Bra (3-5)

• Nipple Cream

• Nursing Cover (optional)

• Nursing Pads

• Breast Pump

• Storage Bottle or Storage bags – 4 bottles or one pack of storage bags

• Hands-free Breastfeeding Bra (optional)

• Breastfeeding Pillows (optional)

On the other hand, if you choose to bottle feed with formula milk, get the following:

• Formula Milk – Start with one can and monitor how the baby reacts to the milk.

• Bottles – For newborns, start with 4oz bottles.  

• Teats

• Milk Container

• Sterilizer

• Bottle Drying Rack (optional)

Whether you breastfeed and or bottle feed, your child will need these items for easier clean up during spit-ups:

• Burp Pads (7-10) – You may need more if your baby usually have spit ups after feeding

• Bibs (3-4) – Some babies use bibs on their third week.

Health: Baby Care Kit

Your baby’s health is top priority, and here are the essentials you will need.

• Baby Thermometer – You need to check your baby’s temperature to ensure that he/she is not cold or too warm.  You may need to adjust the layers of their clothing as required or may need to check with your doctor in case of fever (100.4°F (38°C) or higher).

• Nasal Aspirator – Babies nose tend to get clogged, and you will need to help them take out the mucus.

• Baby Nail File or/and Baby Nail Cutter – Babies nail grow fast.  Use a baby nail file to trim the nails.

. Cottonbuds

. Soft baby brush or comb

. Baby lotion

. Baby oil

• Alcohol – Parents and guests should disinfect before carrying the baby.

Travel

Traveling with a newborn requires you to be ready for sudden need for clothes or diaper changes or feeding.  Hence, you must organize your baby’s things before you head out. 

• Diaper Bag – It helps you organize your baby’s things so that baby’s items becomes accessible to you.  

• Changing Diaper Mat - It gives you peace of mind that you are laying your baby in a clean place while you change his diapers.

• Scented diaper sacks for Soiled Disposable Diaper

• Wet Bag for Soiled Cloth Diaper

• Car Seat – It is mandatory for children below 18 years old or under 1.35 meters.

• Pram – If you are going for a walk in smooth surfaces, prams are a excellent option for travel.  

• Baby Carrier – If you are going on a more adventurous trip like hiking or places that would require climbing stairs, then baby carrier is a better option for you.  

Sleeping

You should also decide what sleeping arrangement you will have with your newborn. Are you going to have a separate nursery, or will the baby sleep in your room?  

• Crib or Bassinet or Co-sleeper – Choose a crib or bassinet if you want the baby to sleep on his own, but if you want the baby to sleep beside you, then get a co-sleeper.  You may opt to buy or check out shops that offer crib rentals.

• Beddings

• Baby Monitor – This is essential if your baby will sleep in the nursery.

• Night Light 

• White Noise Machine – This is optional.  White Noise machines are said to help babies sleep better and longer.

Entertainment

The toys and books you get for your newborn should be appropriate for newborn until six months.  Choose items that are safe for sensory and exploration.

• Toys – Soft toys are great for newborn.  Toys that they can grip and that make sounds are suitable for your baby too.

• Books – Get soft and cloth books with high contrast colors.  These books can help to stimulate and practice the eyes of your baby.

That wraps up the list of the baby essentials for you. Print Tiny Steps Must-Have Newborn Checklist and use it as your shopping list the next time you head to the kids’ store.  

We advise you to talk to a fellow moms that you are comfortable with and ask them their experience with caring in newborn.  You may get recommendations for brands to choose as there are a lot of choices in the market.

Enjoy your baby essentials shopping!