New Parents Checklist – What Should You Buy Before Baby Arrives

The complete newborn baby checklist can help you prepare and plan for your baby’s arrival so you can easily decide what essentials you must purchase for your newborn’s comfort and need.

As the due date approaches, expecting parents are filled with anticipation and excitement as they prepare for the arrival of their little one. Baby shopping is something every parent enjoys. Imagine tiny little outfits, fluffy blankets and adorable toys all waiting to be picked out for your little one. But it's not just about the excitement of picking out cute things for your baby, there are also some very practical reasons for getting everything in order before the baby comes.

Babies are incredibly small and delicate and they need all the special care and attention in the world, so it's important to have everything you need to keep them comfortable and safe. From clothes and diapers to cribs and car seats, there are so many things you will need to have on hand.

A Complete Buying Checklist for Your Newborn Baby

Bringing a new bundle of joy into the world can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many baby items on the market, it can be tough to figure out which ones are truly essential and which ones you can live without. But don't worry, we've got you covered!

Here is your ultimate guide to the must-have baby items that will make your life as a new parent a whole lot easier. From clothing and bedding to diapering and feeding essentials, this checklist will ensure that you have everything you need to welcome your little one into the world.

Here are some essentials you need to get before your little angel arrives in the world.

  • Clothing Essentials
  • Sleeping Essentials
  • Diapering Essentials
  • Feeding Essentials
  • Bathing Essentials
  • Safety Essentials
  • Traveling Essentials
  • Playtime Essentials

Clothing Essentials

When it comes to dressing your little one, it's important to have a few essential items in your baby's wardrobe. Not only will these essentials keep your baby comfortable and stylish, but they will also make your life as a parent a little bit easier. Here are some must-have clothing essentials for your baby:

  • Onesies: Versatile and comfortable bodysuits for any baby's wardrobe. 6 to 8 pieces are recommended for early baby shopping.
  • Footed Pajamas: Cozy pajamas to keep baby warm and prevent kicking off covers. Get 5 to 7 pairs of pajamas for your little one.
  • Socks: Keep baby's feet warm to prevent heat loss. You must have 4 to 6 pairs of socks for your newborn.
  • Hats: Protect baby's delicate skin and keep them warm. 2 pieces of hats are enough.
  • Baby Wraps: Stretchy wraps to keep baby close and secure while giving freedom to move. Get 2 baby wraps at least.
  • Baby Carrier: Keeps baby close and comfortable while you walk.

Sleeping Essentials

When it comes to a good night’s sleep for your little one, there are few important items that can make all the differences. Here are some must have sleeping essentials that will help your baby to grow and rest well as needed. 

  • Receiving Blankets: Used as light cover for babies. You must have 3 to 4 receiving blankets for your newborn.
  • CribA fenced bed especially designed for infants.
  • Waterproof Mattress Sheets: Designed to protect crib or bassinet mattress from moisture. You must have 2 to 3 mattress sheets.
  • Wearable Blanket: It can be worn over a baby’s sleepwear. Get at least 4 swaddle blankets.
  • Bassinet: Soft soothing swings help baby sleeps comfortably.
  • Baby BouncerBounces and vibrates to calm the baby.
  • Baby Rocker: Gently rocks and helps the infant to sleep.

Diapering Essentials

Diapering is an essential part of parenting and can be a challenging task for new parents. It might be difficult to know where to begin with the wide variety of items available today. The diapering essentials will make the task of diapering your baby a little bit easier and allow you to focus on the joys of parenting. Here are a few must-have diapering necessities that will help to ease the process.

  • Diapers: Zero size diapers. Ultra absorbent to lock wetness.
  • Wipes: Clean and refresh baby's skin, gentle and chemical-free.
  • Diaper Cream: Soothes and protects baby's skin from diaper rash.
  • Diaper Pail: Traps odors and make disposing of dirty diapers easy.
  • Changing Pad: Creates a clean and comfortable changing area.
  • Diaper Bag: Keeps diapering essentials organized and within reach.
  • Waterproof Diapering Sheets: Protect mattress from leakage, make cleaning easy. Get at least 2.

Feeding Essentials

It is crucial to speak with your doctor to develop a plan for the best nutrition because feeding is a necessary and enjoyable aspect of parenting. Whether you choose formula or breastfeeding, it is important to have the right tools on hand to make the experience as seamless as possible. From bottles and formula to breast pumps and nursing pads, make sure you have the right items to support your feeding journey. Here are some feeding essentials that will make the task of feeding your baby easier.

  • Bottles: Essential for feeding, look for easy to clean bottles in different sizes. You must get 3 to 4 feeders for your newborn.
  • Formula: Consult your pediatrician for the best-suited formula recommendation.
  • Breast Pump: Must-have for breastfeeding mothers to maintain milk supply and flexibility in feeding.
  • Nursing Pads: Keeps you dry and comfortable during breastfeeding. Initially, buy only 1 pack.
  • Burp Cloths: Essential for catching spills and messes during feeding. A pack of 12 burp cloths would be sufficient.
  • HighchairKeeps baby secure and comfortable while learning to eat solid foods.
  • Bibs: Keep clothes clean and make mealtime less messy.
  • Sterilizer: Important for keeping baby safe and healthy, makes sterilizing bottles and other feeding items easier.
  • Bottle Detergent: Keeps baby’s feeders clean, germ-free and shiny. 

Bathing Essentials

Bath time is a special bonding moment between you and your little one, and having the right essentials can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some must-have items for your baby's bath time routine:

  • Baby Bathtub: Comfortable and secure with non-slip bottom and built-in headrest.
  • Baby Soap and Shampoo: Mild, tear-free formula for delicate skin and hair.
  • Hooded Towel: Keeps baby warm and cozy, made with soft and absorbent materials.
  • Baby Washcloth: Soft and gentle for cleansing sensitive skin.
  • Baby Brush: Keeps hair tangle-free and soft.
  • Rubber Ducky: Fun toy that makes bath time more interesting.
  • Baby Lotion: Moisturizes delicate skin after bath time.
  • Baby Bather SeatAnti-slip bather seat protects baby while bathing.

Baby Safety Essentials

Keeping your little one safe is a top priority for any parent, and having the right safety essentials can give you peace of mind. Here are some must-have items for your baby's safety:

  • Baby Monitors: Allow you to hear or see your baby while they sleep or when you're in another room.
  • Cabinet and Drawer Locks: Prevent babies from accessing cabinets and drawers.
  • Corner and Edge Guards: Prevent injuries from sharp and blunt edges of furniture.
  • Outlet Covers: Protect babies from sticking fingers or objects in electrical outlets.
  • Safety Gates: Block off areas of your home such as staircase to keep baby away from.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Essential for keeping baby safe in case of fire or gas leak.
  • Window Guards: Prevent baby from falling out of windows.
  • Car Seat: Must-have item for any parent, choose appropriate for baby's age, weight, and height.

Also Read: 5 Tips to Buy Safe Toys for Infants and Toddlers

Traveling Essentials

Although taking a baby on the road might be challenging, it can also be easy if you have the correct supplies. When it comes to traveling with a little one, it's all about being prepared and having the right tools to make the journey as smooth as possible. Here are some must-have products to add to your travel checklist:

  • Diaper Bag: Spacious and well-organized diaper bag with multiple pockets.
  • Portable Changing Pad: Easy to remove and carry.
  • Baby CarrierLightweight and easy to carry babies around.
  • StrollerComfortable and compact stroller.
  • Car Seat: Flexible to fit in the car.
  • Pack n Play: Pack n Play or travel crib.
  • Entertainment: Age-appropriate toys, books, and activity packs for entertainment..

Playtime Essentials

Babies love to explore and discover new things through their senses. To make playtime fun and stimulating for your little one, provide them with colorful, high-contrast, and tactile toys. This will support their cognitive development and make the experience more enjoyable for them.

  • High-contrast Black and White Toys: Develop vision, provide visual stimulation (books, mobiles)
  • Colorful Toys: Engage and stimulate babies with bright colors (building blocks, stacking rings, plush toys)
  • Tactile Toys: Provide sensory stimulation, develop sense of touch (textured balls, soft blocks, toys with different textures)
  • Musical Toys: Soothing and stimulating for babies (rattles, musical instruments)
  • Sensory Toys: Develop   of touch, smell, taste, sight (soft toys, toys with different textures, smells, sounds and shapes)

Also Read: Why Painting and Drawing is Good for Kids?

Final Thoughts

Make sure you are giving the best products to your baby. Giving your baby the finest start in life is what matters most in the end. With a little bit of research and care, you'll be able to find the perfect products to make your baby's first months as comfortable and safe as possible. Happy Parenting!