Your newborn essentials checklist
Hey mama, buying everything for your little one for the first time can feel like a total minefield. There are endless lists, so much research to do.. and the clock is ticking! It's so easy to end up with a nursery full of things you'll use twice and still feel like you've forgotten something.
So let us help you. Below you'll find a simple, tick-as-you-go newborn essentials checklist, followed by a little guidance on each area and a few of our personal favourites at the end of each section (no pressure - just the bits we'd genuinely pack).
The newborn essentials checklist
Print it, screenshot it, tick as you go.
Sleep
- ☐ 2-3 sleep suits / swaddles
- ☐ 2 newborn hats
- ☐ 2 sleep sack - layer for your room temperature
- ☐ A white noise machine (optional, but a lifesaver for some)
Feeding
- ☐ 4-6 bottles & teats (if bottle or combi-feeding)
- ☐ 6 muslin squares / burp clothes
- ☐ A comfy feeding spot with everything in reach
Bath time
- ☐ A soft natural sponge
- ☐ 1-2 hooded or muslin towels
- ☐ A gentle, fragrance free wash
Changing
- ☐ 1 month supply of newborn nappies & size 1 nappies
- ☐ 1 month supply of wipes
- ☐ A nappy / barrier cream
- ☐ A changing mat
- ☐ A caddy or basket to hold it all
- ☐ A changing bag for on the go
Keeping clean
- ☐ A baby-safe bottle brush
- ☐ A fragrance free gentle toy & surface cleaner
Soothing & play
- ☐ 4 dummies (if you want to use them)
- ☐ 2 glow in the dark dummies (if you want to use them)
- ☐ A dummy clip
- ☐ A teether for a little later on
- ☐ A soft book for tummy time
- ☐ A soft play mat for tummy time
Sleepy time sorted
Those first weeks are all about the sleep (or lack of it!). Look for soft, breathable fabrics and easy openings (zips) for the middle of the night changes, anything that means less fumbling in the dark at 3am is a win. A couple of sleep suits and swaddles on rotation is plenty to start.
Personal recommendations: Newborn Swaddle, Hat & Sleepsuit Set - Sleepea 5 Second Swaddle - Two-Way Zipper Sleepsuits x3 - SNOOBear White Noise Teddy - Glow Dummy Set
Feeding made calmer
However you choose to feed mama, a few thoughtful bits make it so much calmer. If you're bottle or combi-feeding, have your bottles ready before you need them (and if you're weighing up glass vs plastic, we've a whole blog on that!). Don't underestimate the humble burp cloth - trust us, you'll use more than you think.
Personal recommendations: Baby Glass Bottle Set - Baby Bottle Sleeve - Burp Cloths x3 - Muslin Squares x3
Bath time basics
Newborn baths are short and few and far between at first, so you really need very little, just soft, gentle things. Choose a natural sponge that is antibacterial, factory produced sponges hold mould. A wash that's fragrance-free and kind to delicate skin, and something soft to wrap your little one up in afterwards.
Personal recommendations: Fine Silk Natural Sea Sponge - Organic Muslin Bath Towels - Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
The changing station
You'll be changing nappies more often than you ever thought humanly possible, so make it a spot you actually like standing at! Keep everything within arm's reach, and a caddy is brilliant for carrying the essentials from room to room. Pop a travel mat in your bag for days out too.
Personal recommendations: Nappies - Baby Wipes Bundle - Nappy Caddy - Travel Changing Mat - Baby Wipes Cover - Changing Bag
Keeping things clean
Bottles and toys need a good clean, and little skin is happiest with gentle, plant-based formulas rather than anything harsh. A dedicated bottle brush, bottle wash liquid and a baby-safe surface spray will cover most of it.
Personal recommendations: Baby Bottle Brush - Baby Toy & Surface Cleaner - Baby Bottle Wash
Soothing & a little play
Some babies take to a dummy, some don't, and that's completely okay, mama, you'll soon learn what works for your little one. A clip saves you fishing it off the floor a hundred times a day, and a soft book or play mat is lovely for those first bits of tummy time.
Personal recommendations: Colour Dummies x2 - Braided Dummy Clip - Animal Teether - Fabric Book - Activity Mat - Glow Dummies
Remember, mama, you really don't need everything before baby arrives. Focus on the basics for week one - sleep, feeding, changing and a few bath bits - and add the rest as you find your rhythm. Every baby is different, so pay attention to what works for you and your little one, and always seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns. You know your baby better than anyone, and you've got this.
Check out our newborn gift ideas and sleep essentials ranges to start ticking off your checklist.
L U X U R Y M A M A