A new baby, another experience, and life seems to be so different now. There will be surprises and unexpected twists. You’ll come to see that what worked for others may not work for you.

So, to prepare for this exciting journey of parenting, we have a checklist of the basics for a newborn! Consider this your guide. Caring for your little one doesn’t have to beget a shopping spree. With wise planning and spending, you can have a great start. To get a better idea of the must-haves, here is a list of some baby products that will genuinely help you meet your baby’s needs.

Nursery Necessities

The importance of having a cozy and comfortable nursery is for the baby’s welfare and safety. Nurturing your little one will require the following nursery essentials at the very least:

• Crib or cot with a mattress or a bassinet; cradle or rocking chair
• Changing pad or diaper changing table and diaper storage
• An organizer or storage space for formula and baby bottles
• Storage for beddings and linens

These are the basics that you need to maintain in your nursery room, but if you have a little extra space and a hefty budget, you may include these add-ons to make the nursery room cozier, safer, and comfortable:

• A reclining chair for breastfeeding
• Dresser for baby’s clothes and diapers
• Hamper for dirty linens
• Baby monitor to check on the baby
• White noise machine or lullaby music player
• Vaporizer or humidifier
• Night light for a peaceful sleep

Feeding Essentials 

Breastfeeding

Feeding your baby is indispensable, exhausting, sleep-depriving, and recurring, especially for new moms. You need a handful of things to prepare if you want to breastfeed your newborn. You will need:

• Nursing bras or pads for bras
• Burp cloths
• Nipple cream

There are many breastfeeding products designed to help moms in their nursing journey, and the following are some you may consider:

• Nursing pillows
• Breastmilk storage bags or containers
• Baby bottles for thawed breastmilk
• Bottlebrush and dishwashing liquid 
• Bottle drying rack
• Breast pump
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle sterilizer

Formula-feeding

If you choose to feed your baby using formula milk, you will need the following items:

• Unexpired formula milk
• Baby bottles
• Bottle brushes

For a better formula-feeding experience, you may also include:

• Thermal bottle carrier
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle sterilizer

Solid food feeding

• BPA-free feeding spoons and bowls
• Baby food blender for puree
• Sippy cup or a BPA-free cup for water

You will need a few supplies to feed your baby, but here are some optional feeding materials you may want to consider:

• Plastic or silicone bibs
• High chair
• Mess mat

Checklist for Diaper Change

Keeping your baby clean throughout the day is already difficult to manage. However, there things to consider to maintain organization at home (and on the go). Fortunately, you can sustain cleanliness without compromising the comfort and well-being of your little one. 

For diaper change, you will need the following items:

• Washable diaper bag (for home and travel)
• Waterproof changing pad and covers
• Diapers (disposable/cloth)
• Baby wipes, cotton rounds or washcloths
• Safety pins or Velcro for re-usable diapers

You will surely get used to changing diapers over time. Aside from these must-haves, you will appreciate the following items, too:

• Diaper caddy organizer bag
• Grasp toys to keep your little one occupied
• Pail, trash bin, and disposable bags for proper diaper disposal
• Ointment, lotion, or cream for diaper rash
• Diaper dispenser
• Wipes warmer
• Baby powder

 Bathing and Grooming Needs

Babies are small and vulnerable. So, they need extra care, especially when getting close to water. A slippery baby is quite hard to handle, so be prepared with your bath essentials to help you through bath time: 

• Basin or bucket (one that’s safe for babies with no sharp edges and non slippery
• Baby bathtubs, plastic or inflatables especially designed for babies or infants
• Baby body wash or baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• Soft washcloths
• Soft baby hooded towels or soft towels for babies
• Baby nail trimming set (scissors, clippers, file)
• Comb or brush set (cradle cap or soft-bristled baby brush)

You may also include these to make the bath time fun and safer:

• Faucet guard
• Baby bath toys and a mesh bag to keep them dry after bath
• Baby lotion
• Baby powder
• Cotton swabs or cotton balls
• Digital bath thermometer
• Baby bathrobe

Baby Clothing Essentials

The best kind of clothing to warp your baby with is all natural, organic cotton. It’s comfortable and safe for baby’s delicate skin. Babies grow significantly during the first twelve months from birth, and they will outgrow their clothes quickly.

So, shop thoughtfully around the seasons. As such, that may include the following:

• Tops:
• T-shirts
• Undershirts
• Side snap shirts
• Kimono-style with snaps
• Shirts with an envelope closure at shoulders
• Short and long-sleeved button-down onesies

• Trousers:
• Stretch cotton pants
• Lightweight shorts or pants
• Snap-crotch bodysuits

• Bedtime:
• A Pajama set or one-piece snap-crotch pajama
• Sleeping gowns
• Stretchy cotton sleepers
• Wearable sleep sack

• Winter clothes:
• Cardigan sweaters (front closure)
• Thick hoodies (front closure)
• Cotton jackets
• Cold-weather hat that can cover baby’s ears
• Infant snowsuit or bunting
• Fleece suit

• Other possible clothing:
• Pairs of socks
• Pairs of soft booties (before baby walks)
• Knit caps, newborn hats, and sun hats
• No-scratch mittens
• Rompers or similar clothes appropriate for the season

You may also need:

• Gentle or mild laundry detergent
• Baby hangers for tiny clothes
• Clean storage boxes or drawers to prevent insects like ants and spiders from crawling into your kid’s clothes

On-the-Go Travel Gear

Most of the things your baby needs at home must have a portable version because at some point, you’ll be desperate to leave the house! Our duties as parents will not stop when we have to run errands or go out for a beach day. If anything, it can get a little tricky so planning is your bestie.

To keep you equipped with all your baby’s needs, here is a rundown of the essentials for you to bring or buy when traveling with a baby:

• Rear-facing infant car seat and mirror
• Strollers with shade and rain cover
• Sun shields for windows of your car
• Portable baby bed or bassinet
• A diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes, baby bottles, and spare clothes
• Water bottle when baby is allowed to drink water

To have a more convenient trip, you may also consider bringing the following items with you:

• Baby sling or wrap
• Baby carrier
• Playmat for picnics
• Nursing cover
• Soft toys to keep your baby busy while on the road
• Blanket to keep your baby warm during cold days

Baby Health and Safety Kit

We always want the best for our babies, and our maternal instincts kick in even more when our little ones are sick. In times of the inevitable, it helps to know you have the medical essentials you need to take care of your little. 

Here is a guide of what to store in your medical kit:

• Baby thermometer
• Pedialyte for dehydration
• First aid medication for fever, cough, colds, and flu
• Petroleum jelly
• Nasal aspirator
• Bulb syringe to help in the suction of mucous
• Saline drops for the nose
• Alcohol and betadine for wound treatment
• Sterile gauze
• Scissors and gloves
• Band-Aid and bandage
• Insect bite ointment
• Hot and cold compress
• Eyedropper or medicinal spoon
• Vitamins

Play and Fun Must-Haves

Your child will begin exploring their surroundings as part of their physical and cognitive development. To help introduce them to the world, you may let them play with things that can stimulate the use of their senses. 

Here are some sensory-building items to have that can aid in their early discoveries:

• Baby cloth books and board books
• Bouncer seat
• Squishy ball
• Building blocks
• Rattles
• Baby nursery rhymes
• Playmat with colorful images
• Activity gym
• Shapes and colors in baskets

Home Baby Proofing

The safety of your baby at home is naturally our priority. Here are some items that can keep your little one safe from possible bumps and cuts:

• Gates at staircases
• Drawer and cabinet latches
• Outlet safety covers
• Table bumpers
• Corner soft guards
• Toilet locks
• Furniture locks
• Soft play area
• Enclosed kitchen and parking area
• Putting away small objects that they can put inside their mouth

Conclusion

There are many things you need to prepare for your baby. So be wise with organizing and planning so you can spend wisely and stay organized. Having a checklist such as ours with you can help you avoid unnecessary spending and frustration. Good luck!