Baby Essentials Checklist: What You Really Need for Your Newborn

Are you expecting the birth of a baby and wondering what all the basic equipment for the baby should contain?

We’ve prepared baby essentials checklist — a list of things for baby that you shouldn’t forget. Most of the items in your baby kit should be purchased before the baby is born, but some can be bought later.

Clothes for newborns

• 10 baby bodysuits
• 5 cotton onesies
• 4 overalls
• 3 coats, sweatshirts, sweaters
• 2 cotton caps
• 2-4 socks, slippers
• 1 cotton gloves

Extra for winter

• winter jumpsuit
• 2 warm sweatshirts, coats
• 1 warm winter hat and gloves

We recommend buying clothes for newborns in size 56 (only a few pieces) and in size 62. If you are expecting twins or if your baby is expected to be extremely small, a few pieces in size 50 are also suitable.

Buy baby washing powder (e.g. Seventh Generation Free & Clear) and wash and iron all baby clothes beforehand. Do not use fabric softener.

For sleeping

• cot with adjustable height mattress
• quality mattress (e.g. with coconut or buckwheat)
• cot mattress, or even a canopy
• blanket
• 2 sheets
• 2 sheets
• swaddle – preferably one classic swaddle with cords and one quick swaddle
• sleeping bag
• electronic baby monitor, or even a breathing monitor
• pacifier

Baby transport

• deep stroller
• stroller raincoat, in summer also mosquito net
• stroller blanket
• stroller stuff sack (for winter)
• car seat
• car seat wrap or stuff sack

Diapering

• changing pad
• disposable changing pads for travel
• cotton nappies – even if you want to use disposable nappies, you will need about 20 cloth nappies (for wiping, covering, padding etc.)
• nappies – disposable or cloth at your discretion
• wet wipes
• diaper rash cream

Bathing

• bath tub with lounger or bathing bucket
• water thermometer
• 2 bath towels
• 3 washcloths
• hairbrush
• nail scissors with round end
• cotton buds
• baby soap
• baby oil

Breastfeeding

• 2 nursing bras
• bra tampons
• nightgowns for breastfeeding women

Newborn medicine cabinet

• Alcohol for treating the belly button
• medicine for treating injured nipples (e.g. Bepanthen, which is also good for diaper rash)
• thermometer
• nasal suction
• medicine for fever (e.g. Panadol syrup)
• Ophthalmo-Septonex or pine eyewash

Handy helpers

Things that can make caring for a baby more enjoyable. While they are not strictly necessary, you might love them and prefer not to miss out. Consider adding them to your baby’s kit while preparing or purchasing them later as needed

• nursing pillow
• changing bag for the pram
• travel cot
• carrycot, carrier
• basket (for baby’s daily rest)
• recliner
• reclining rollers
• breast pump
• steriliser
• baby bottles and teats, bottle brush
• baby monitor
• white noise toy

Conclusion

Preparing for your baby’s arrival is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many products on the market.

This baby essentials checklist is designed to help you focus on what you truly need for your newborn, from clothing and sleep essentials to transport, diapering, and feeding must-haves. While some items are optional, having the basics ready before your little one arrives will give you peace of mind and make the transition into parenthood smoother.

Remember, every family’s needs are different—what works for one parent may not be as important for another. Start with the essentials, add extras as you go, and most importantly, enjoy these precious first moments with your baby.

FAQ: Baby Essentials Checklist