Newborn checklist
What your baby really needs, and how many.
91 items for birth and the first weeks, from our editorial catalog. Each one has a starting quantity and a short reason. Items marked “Depends on your setup” may not apply to you.
Quantities assume one baby, laundry every few days, and trips by car and on foot. The app adjusts them to your home, climate, laundry rhythm and feeding plans. This list is organisational support, not medical advice.
Sleep & nursery
- Cot or cribA long-lasting sleep space. In a smaller home, a bassinet or bedside crib may suit the first months better.Depends on your setup1
- Bassinet or Moses basketA compact first sleep space beside your bed. Most are outgrown once baby can roll or push up, often by 3–6 months.Nice to have1
- Bedside cribAn alternative first sleep space that attaches next to your bed. Check fit and assembly.Nice to have1
- Firm, well-fitting mattressFirm, flat and snug to the frame. Health services advise a new one, even in a borrowed cot.Essential1
- Fitted sheetsA rotation so one is always clean while another is in the wash.Essential3–4
- Mattress protectorKeeps night-time leaks easy to handle. Choose one that fits the mattress.Depends on your setup1–2
- Baby sleep bagA fitted, hoodless alternative to loose bedding. Pick the tog for your room: about 2.5 tog at 16–20 °C.Depends on your setup2–3
- Baby monitorMore useful in a larger home where you are often out of earshot.Nice to have1
- Night lightA soft light makes night feeds and changes easier on everyone.Nice to have1
- Room thermometerHelps keep the baby's room around 16–20 °C and choose the right sleep bag.Nice to have1
- Blackout blindOptional for daytime naps. Choose a cordless design or secure the cords.Nice to have1
- Chest of drawersExisting storage may already be enough. Anchor any furniture to the wall.Depends on your setup1
- Drawer dividersKeeps tiny clothes findable in a small space.Nice to have1–2
- Supply caddyKeeps diapers and creams within reach wherever you change.Nice to have1
- Play matFor supervised awake time on the floor. Not a sleep surface.Depends on your setup1
Clothing
- Warm outdoor suitFor cold-weather outings. Take it off in the car seat: a thick layer under the harness is not safe.Nice to have1
- Warm hatFor cold outdoor weather only. Babies should not wear hats to sleep indoors.Depends on your setup1–2
- MittensOnly if outings are cold.Nice to have1
- Sun hatA wide-brimmed hat for sunny outings. Under six months, shade matters more than anything you put on.Depends on your setup1–2
- Long-sleeve bodysuits · NewbornThe everyday base layer in cooler weather.Depends on your setup2
- Long-sleeve bodysuits · 0–3 monthsThe everyday base layer in cooler weather.Essential3–4
- Short-sleeve bodysuits · NewbornA base layer under sleepsuits, or on its own on warm days.Depends on your setup1–2
- Short-sleeve bodysuits · 0–3 monthsA base layer under sleepsuits, or on its own on warm days.Depends on your setup2–3
- Sleepsuits · NewbornAll-in-one outfits for day and night.Depends on your setup3–4
- Sleepsuits · 0–3 monthsAll-in-one outfits for day and night.Essential5–7
- Leggings or trousers · NewbornEasy bottoms over a bodysuit.Depends on your setup1–2
- Leggings or trousers · 0–3 monthsEasy bottoms over a bodysuit.Depends on your setup2–4
- Cardigans · NewbornA light layer you can add or remove.Depends on your setup1
- Cardigans · 0–3 monthsA light layer you can add or remove.Depends on your setup1–2
- Socks · NewbornTiny socks go missing. A small stack helps.Depends on your setup2–3
- Socks · 0–3 monthsTiny socks go missing. A small stack helps.Depends on your setup3–5
Diapering & bath
- Diapers, first sizesStart with one or two packs: babies use 8–12 a day at first, but size and brand fit are personal.Essential1–2
- Changing matA cleanable surface for every change. An existing safe surface can work.Essential1
- Portable changing matMakes changes anywhere cleaner and quicker.Nice to have1
- Cotton woolCotton wool and warm water are the gentlest way to clean a newborn in the first weeks.Depends on your setup1–2
- Baby wipesHandy once the first weeks have passed. Choose fragrance- and alcohol-free.Depends on your setup2–4
- Cotton clothsA reusable alternative or companion to wipes.Nice to have8–10
- Soft washclothsFor washing and bath time.Depends on your setup3–5
- Barrier creamHave one ready. Follow your health visitor's advice on use.Depends on your setup1
- Baby bathOptional in a small home; a basin or the sink setup may be enough.Depends on your setup1
- Bath basinA compact alternative to a dedicated bath.Nice to have1
- Hooded towelsSoft and warm after the bath. Regular towels can work too.Depends on your setup2
- Gentle baby washPlain water is often enough at first. Keep products minimal.Nice to have1
- Digital thermometerA digital thermometer for under the arm. Learn how to use it before you need it.Essential1
- Nasal saline & aspiratorFor a blocked nose during colds; saline drops come first. Ask your pharmacist how to use them.Depends on your setup1
- Baby nail file or scissorsTiny nails grow fast and can scratch. Easiest while baby sleeps.Depends on your setup1
- Baby nail clippersAn alternative once you are confident.Nice to have1
- Baby moisturiserOnly if skin needs it. Ask your health visitor first.Nice to have1
- Muslin clothsThe most-used item in many homes: burps, spills and quick clean-ups.Essential6–10
Feeding
- Cloth bibsCatch dribbles and spit-up once feeds settle into a rhythm.Depends on your setup4–6
- Nursing brasComfort matters most. Size can change after birth.Depends on your setup2–3
- Feeding-friendly topsExisting loose tops may already work.Nice to have2–3
- Breast padsOne pack to start is often enough.Depends on your setup1–2
- Feeding pillowFor comfort during feeds only. Not for baby sleep.Nice to have1
- Breast pumpCan wait until you know you want to express.Depends on your setup1
- Milk storage bottlesIf you plan to express. Follow local storage guidance.Nice to have2–4
- Milk storage bagsFor freezing expressed milk.Nice to have1
- Cooler bagKeeps expressed milk or made-up feeds cool when you are out.Nice to have1
- BottlesMatched to your feeding plan: four to six is a good start when bottle feeding.Depends on your setup2–4
- First infant formulaOne starter pack of first infant milk, ready before the first night. Follow the pack's preparation steps.Depends on your setup1
- Spare teatsCompatible with your bottles and the flow your baby needs.Depends on your setup2–4
- Bottle brushFor cleaning bottles and teats properly.Depends on your setup1
- Sterilising equipmentBottles need sterilising until about 12 months. Boiling in a pan also works.Depends on your setup1
- Bottle drying rackOptional if counter space is short.Nice to have1
Out & about
- Infant car seatRear-facing i-Size (R129) seat, needed from the very first car or taxi ride. Fit and practise before you need it.Essential1
- Car window shadesKeep direct sun off the back seat on hot days.Nice to have2
- Stroller or pramMatches how you get around. Newborns need a lie-flat position. A good second-hand one can be ideal.Essential1
- CarrycotA lie-flat option for the first months, until baby can sit up or reaches the weight limit.Depends on your setup1
- Pram footmuffKeeps baby warm on cold walks without loose blankets. Check it fits your stroller.Nice to have1
- Stroller rain coverFor wet-weather walks. Check it fits your stroller.Nice to have1
- Stroller sun shadeUse a shade or parasol made for the stroller; never drape a cloth over it, as it traps heat.Depends on your setup1
- Stroller insect netProtects from mosquitoes on walks. Young babies should not use skin repellents.Nice to have1
- Baby carrierA structured carrier for walks and errands. Check the newborn fit or insert.Nice to have1
- Changing bagAny roomy bag you already love works.Depends on your setup1
- Outing blanketFor cold walks, tucked in on top. Not for sleep, and never under a car-seat harness.Depends on your setup1
- PacifiersOptional. If breastfeeding, many families wait until feeding is established. Never on a cord around the neck.Nice to have2–3
- First booksHigh-contrast and board books for cuddles and play.Nice to have2–4
- Rattle or first toySimple, age-appropriate toys are enough.Nice to have1–3
Recovery & support
- Maternity padsTwo to three packs of super-absorbent pads for the first days.Essential2–3
- Comfortable recovery clothesSoft, loose and easy for feeds.Depends on your setup2–3
- Comfortable underwearHigh-waisted, soft or disposable for the first days.Depends on your setup5–7
- Big water bottleWithin reach during feeds and recovery.Nice to have1
- Freezer mealsReady meals for the first weeks mean fewer decisions when you are tired.Nice to have6–10
- Toiletry pouchReady to go for the hospital or home.Nice to have1
Home & safety
- Drying rackUseful with frequent small washes.Nice to have1
- Gentle detergentYour usual one may be fine. Choose fragrance-free if unsure.Depends on your setup1
- Storage binsStore outgrown sizes and the next size up.Nice to have2–4
- Working smoke alarmsOne on each floor. Test the alarms you have; existing ones count.Essential1–2
- Home first-aid kitPlasters, dressings, tweezers and a thermometer in one place. Ask your pharmacist about infant medicines.Depends on your setup1
- Furniture anchorsSecure dressers and shelves to the wall.Depends on your setup1–3
- Blind cord safetyTie looped cords up high with a cleat, or choose cordless blinds.Depends on your setup1–3
What can wait
You don’t need these at birth. Most are easier to choose once you know your baby.
Around 3 months: Travel cot, Teether, Long-sleeve bodysuits, Short-sleeve bodysuits, Sleepsuits, Leggings or trousers, Cardigans, Socks.
Around 6 months: Shorts, Baby sunscreen, High chair, Wipe-clean bibs, Small bowls, Soft baby spoons, Open cup, Free-flow cup, Food storage pots, Freezer tray, Cabinet latches, Socket covers, Playpen, Long-sleeve bodysuits, Short-sleeve bodysuits, Sleepsuits, Leggings or trousers, Cardigans, Socks.
Later in year one: T-shirts, Two-piece pyjamas, Next-stage car seat, Long-sleeve bodysuits, Short-sleeve bodysuits, Sleepsuits, Leggings or trousers, Cardigans, Socks.
Make it yours.
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