Preparing for your baby’s arrival is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming! From nursery essentials to hospital bag must haves, there’s a lot to organize before your little one arrives. A baby planning checklist helps you stay on track, reduce stress, and ensure you have everything ready for those first precious days.
As a mom of 3 (including twins) who is passionate about baby gear, I will be walking you through what to buy for your newborn. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, this checklist will make baby prep feel simple and manageable.
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How Much Does a Newborn Really Need?
Newborns don’t need much, just the basics to keep them fed, warm, clean, and loved. Essential items include diapers, wipes, a car seat, a safe sleep space, simple clothing, and feeding supplies (bottles or nursing essentials).
While many cute extras exist, focusing on comfort and safety is what truly matters. Newborns thrive on closeness, cuddles, and care far more than gadgets or gear. Keeping it simple helps you save money, reduce stress, and enjoy those early moments without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary baby items.
Finally before we get started, you might want to grab these FREE printable Pregnancy Checklists. They include a baby registry, hospital bag, and trimester checklist and you can get them by clicking the button below. These are definitely some checklists that will help with baby planning and the baby registry list is a printable version of the list you will see below, but it also includes items you will use past the newborn stage and through the first year.
Newborn Baby Planning Checklist
Let’s jump in to what I recommend for a newborn baby planning checklist. The items on the list below include both must haves and optional items for a newborn baby.
For some items I have included links so you know what it is and also so you can see items I personally used, loved, and recommend. There is a section for the nursery, which you don’t technically need during the first few weeks. However, it’s helpful to have the nursery ready to go, so I have included it.
Car Seats & Strollers:
- (1) Infant Car Seat with Base or Convertible Car Seat
- (1) Car Seat Base per additional car (optional)
- (1) Frame Stroller or Newborn Stroller
Feeding:
- (10) Burp Cloths
- (10) Cloth Bibs
- (1) Bottle Brush
- (1) Bottle Drying Rack (optional)
If breastfeeding (to get you started):
- (1) Breastfeeding Pillow
- (1) Box of Breast Pads
- (1) Tube of Lanolin
- (1) Breast Pump – free from insurance
If formula feeding (to get you started):
- (3) 4-5 oz Bottles
- Free Samples of Formula
Diaper Changes:
- (1) Case of Newborn Diapers
- (2) Cases of Size 1 Diapers
- (1) Case of Wipes
- (1) Changing Table – if have 2 floors (optional)
- (1) Changing Pad + Cover – if getting Changing Table (optional)
- (5) Waterproof Changing Pads
- (1) Diaper Bag (optional) – can use any backpack you have, but a diaper bag is built to fit baby items
- (1) Container Diaper Rash Cream per changing area
- (1) Tube of Diaper Rash Cream for diaper bag
- (1) Hand Sanitizer Pump per changing area
- (1) Travel Hand Sanitizer for the diaper bag
- (1) Diaper Pail per changing area (optional)
Sleep Gear:
- (1) Bassinet or Playard (optional if using crib for newborn sleep)
- (8) Swaddling Blankets
- (4) Pacifiers
- (3) Velcro Swaddles (optional)
Nursery:
- (1) Crib
- (1) Crib Mattress
- (1) Short Dresser with 6 drawers
- (1) 4-Shelf Bookcase
- (1) Changing Pad – for the top of the short dresser
- (2) Changing Pad Covers
- (2) Waterproof Mattress Pads
- (2) Fitted Crib Sheets
- (1) Night-light
- (1) Hamper (optional)
- (1) Video Baby Monitor (optional)
- (1) Set of Blackout Shades (optional)
- (1) Sound Machine (optional)
- (1) Crib Mobile (optional)
- (1) Glider Chair (optional)
Baby Bath & Laundry:
- (1) Baby Bath Tub (optional)
- (3) Baby Bath Towels (optional)
- (6) Baby Washcloths (optional)
- (1) Set of Baby Soap / Shampoo / Lotion
- (1) Pair of Nail Clippers or Scissors
- (1) Bottle of Baby Friendly Laundry Detergent
- (1) Spray Bottle of Laundry Stain Remover per changing area
Clothing (all optional):
- (1) 6-piece set of newborn clothes
- (3) newborn sleepers with zippers
- (1) going home from hospital outfit
- (1) 6-piece sets of 3 months clothes
- (3) 3 month sleepers with zippers
- (8) pairs of baby socks
- (3) baby hats
- (1) set of no-scratch mittens
Everything Else:
- (1) Bouncer Chair (optional)
- (1) Swing (optional)
- (1) Play Mat (optional)
- (1) Thermometer
- (1) Medicine Kit (optional)
- (1) Nasal Aspirator (optional)
- (1) Car Seat Mirror (optional)
- (2) Stroller / Car Seat Toys (optional)
- (1) Baby Carrier (optional)
- Books (optional)
Planning for your baby’s arrival doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear checklist, you can stay organized, confident, and ready for the big day.
Taking the time to prepare for what you need for your baby now means more peace and joy later. Every family’s needs are different. Use this list as a guide and make it your own. Once everything’s ready, you can focus on what truly matters – welcoming your little one into the world and enjoying those first precious moments together.
