Having a baby is an exciting time in your life, but it can be overwhelming when thinking about the different items they need. Having the right essentials will help you feel more prepared for this new time in your life, and you will feel more confident coming home from the hospital. Whether you are looking to add to your registry or fill your nursery with the essentials, read our new baby checklist to get everything you need to bring your new baby home.

New Baby Checklist

We’ve broken up the essentials into three categories: nursery, diaper changing, and bath time.

Nursery Essentials

Fill your nursery with everything your new baby needs, from a crib to baby gates.

• Crib
• Portable crib
• Crib mattress
• Mattress pad
• Fitted sheets (at least two)
• Bassinet
• Night-light
• Baby monitor
• Nursery glider
• Nursing pillow
• Crib mobile
• Receiving blankets
• Baby sleep sacks
• Hamper
• Baby gates
• Toy storage

Crib: A crib is designed to keep your baby safe and give your little one a place to snooze. Most babies spend 16 or more hours sleeping each day, so it’s an essential part of their routine. For a crib that will last you years, opt for one that converts into a toddler bed. Read our Baby Cribs Buying Guide to help you find the perfect crib for your newborn.

Portable Crib: If you plan on visiting family with your little one, you will need a portable crib in addition to your nursery crib. A portable crib is designed to be easily transported or stored away when not in use. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your baby has a comfortable and safe place to sleep.

Crib Mattress: Cribs need a crib mattress to give your little one a comfortable place to sleep. Crib mattresses are designed to fit your crib just right. For safety reasons, make sure there is no extra space between the mattress and the crib for your baby to get into. Read our guide How to Pick the Right Crib Mattress Size to help you choose the right size mattress for your crib. Add a mattress pad to increase the longevity of your mattress and protect it against accidents that happen overnight.

Fitted Crib Sheets: Fitted crib sheets will help protect your mattress and mattress pad while incorporating your nursery decor. Be sure that the sheet is secured tightly. Your crib sheets should be changed often to provide a clean and comfortable sleeping space for your baby; it is best to have at least two sets.

Bassinet: A cradle or bassinet is optional, but it’s a great solution if you want your little one to sleep in your room for a short period after the baby is born. Having the bassinet in your room allows you to easily check on them or get to them quickly when they are hungry or wet. Due to their small size, bassinets and cradles are portable, letting you move them from room to room with ease.

Night-Light: Night-lights add just enough light for you and your little one to see in the middle of the night. The light is soft, ensuring it won’t wake the baby in the night. It is perfect for late-night feedings or snuggling up with your sleeping baby.

Baby Monitor: Baby monitors help you keep an eye on your little one even when you aren’t in the room. Keep your monitor on a nearby nightstand so you can catch a glimpse of your baby sleeping or fussing.

Nursery Glider: Soothe your baby to sleep with the rocking motion of a glider. It simulates the womb and helps comfort your little one when they can’t seem to settle. It only gives you a comfortable place to sit during late-night feedings or snuggles.

Nursing Pillow: Nursing pillows add extra comfort to you and your baby during feedings. While similar to bed pillows, they are designed to comfort your baby’s head and body while nursing. Nursing pillows can also be used to aid in your baby’s tummy time or when they are learning how to sit up on their own.

Crib Mobile: Crib mobiles come in different styles. Some are meant to sooth and calm your baby to sleep, while others are meant to stimulate their brains. They are an easy way to tie in your nursery decor and can be attached to the crib or wall.

Receiving Blankets: Receiving blankets can be used for multiple purposes and are a newborn essential. They are soft and thin, ensuring that your baby is cuddled up and not too hot. Use receiving blankets for swaddling, wrapping your little baby up after a bath, or on their stroller to block harsh sun or rain.

Baby Sleep Slacks: Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that help keep your baby comforted and provide a sense of security when they are sleeping. Sleep sacks zip up like a pair of pajamas and provide the warmth and softness of a blanket.

Hamper: Store dirty clothes in a hamper to keep your floors clean and organized. Doing laundry is easier when all your dirty clothes are in one place.

Baby Gates: Baby gates will keep your little one from getting into danger when you turn around. Place baby gates in doorways and in front of stairs to help keep your baby safe. Use mounting accessories to keep your baby gate in place.

Tip!

You can also use mounting accessories and furniture straps to keep large pieces of furniture in place if your baby gets to them without supervision.

Toy Storage: As your baby gets more and more toys, you will need a place to store them away. Opt for nursery-themed bins and baskets to help keep your nursery organized.

Diaper Changing Essentials

Diapers and wipes are a given, but keep reading to make sure you don’t forget any of the other essentials.

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Changing table
• Changing pad
• Diaper stacker

Changing Table: A changing table gives you a dedicated space in your nursery for diaper changes and is tall enough that you don’t have to bend over, keeping you from hurting your back during a diaper change. Opt for a table with drawers or shelves where you can store clean diapers and other changing necessities. Choose a table that matches your nursery decor for your child to use after they grow out of diapers.

Changing Pad: A changing pad lays on the surface of your changing table and provides your little one with a soft and comfortable place to lay while getting changed. Keep your baby safe by always having a hand on them when looking for diapers and supplies. Opt for a changing pad with removable covers, allowing you to wash it with the laundry when it gets dirty.

Diaper Stacker: If you find yourself without diaper storage, opt for a diaper stacker. Place it on the top of a dresser or changing table for easy access to clean diapers, wipes, and creams.

Tip!

Add a diaper pail with liners near your changing area. They are great for confining the smell and letting you get back to snuggling your little one.

Bath Essentials

When it comes to bath time, you’ll need a newborn bathtub, shampoo, and soap to keep your little baby clean. You’ll also need a few extras like towels and washcloths to make bath time more enjoyable.

• Baby bathtub
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Hooded towels
• Washcloths

Hooded Towels: Wrap your little one up in a cute hooded towel. It will help keep their head and body warm and turn them into their favorite animal or character.

Washcloth: A washcloth is small and allows you to wash your baby gently. Washcloths can also come in handy for unexpected spit up or accident cleanups.

New Baby Checklist