Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.
In This Article
Baby registries can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of products marketed as must-haves, and it is hard to know what you actually need versus what is just clever marketing. The truth? Newborns need far less than the baby industry wants you to believe.
This checklist focuses on what parents genuinely use in the first few months. Start here, and add things as you go based on your own family's needs.
You Need Less Than You Think
Before we get into the list, here is the most important piece of advice: do not buy everything before the baby arrives. You will discover your own preferences and your baby's preferences in those first weeks. Many things can be ordered online and delivered within a day or two. Start with the basics and build from there.
Sleeping Essentials
- A safe sleep space. A crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress. Talk to your pediatrician about current safe sleep recommendations.
- Fitted sheets (2 to 3). Get extras because middle-of-the-night sheet changes happen.
- Swaddles or sleep sacks (2 to 3). Many newborns sleep better swaddled. Velcro or zip-up swaddles are easier to use than blankets at 3 a.m.
- A white noise machine. Not strictly essential, but many parents swear by it. A simple, affordable one does the job.
Feeding Essentials
If breastfeeding:
- A nursing pillow for support and comfort
- Nursing bras (2 to 3 comfortable ones)
- Breast pads for leaking
- Nipple cream (lanolin-based is popular)
- A breast pump if you plan to pump (check if your insurance covers one)
If formula feeding:
- Bottles (start with a small pack of one brand to test before buying more)
- Formula (talk to your pediatrician about which type is right for your baby)
- A bottle brush
For both:
- Burp cloths (at least 6 to 8, you will use more than you expect)
- A bottle drying rack
Diapering Essentials
- Diapers. Whether disposable or cloth, you will go through 10 to 12 per day in the beginning. For disposables, start with newborn size but also have a pack of size 1 ready.
- Wipes. Fragrance-free and sensitive skin varieties are gentler on newborn skin.
- Diaper cream. A basic zinc oxide cream for preventing and treating rashes.
- A changing pad. A portable one that you can move from room to room is often more useful than a fixed changing table.
- A diaper pail or trash can with a lid. Nothing fancy needed. A regular trash can with a step-open lid works fine.
Clothing Essentials
- Onesies (7 to 10). Zip-up styles are easier than snaps, especially during nighttime changes.
- Sleep gowns (2 to 3). Great for the first few weeks because they make diaper changes quick and easy.
- Socks or booties (4 to 5 pairs). Tiny feet get cold.
- A hat (1 to 2). Useful for keeping your newborn warm, especially in cooler months.
- A light jacket or bunting. Depends on the season and your climate.
A word on sizing: some babies fit into newborn clothes for weeks, while others skip straight to 0 to 3 months. Do not remove all the tags until you know what fits.
Gear and Getting Around
- A car seat. This is non-negotiable. You need an infant car seat installed before you leave the hospital. Have it checked by a certified car seat technician if possible.
- A stroller. A stroller that is compatible with your car seat is convenient for the first few months. Test the fold mechanism before you buy.
- A baby carrier or wrap. Hands-free carrying is a lifesaver. Try a few styles to find what is comfortable for your body.
- A diaper bag. Any bag with enough pockets works. It does not need to be a designated "diaper bag."
Health and Safety
- A baby thermometer. A rectal thermometer is the most accurate for newborns. Talk to your pediatrician about what to do if your baby has a fever.
- Infant nail clippers or a file. Newborn nails are tiny but sharp.
- Baby-safe body wash and shampoo. One gentle, fragrance-free product is enough.
- A bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. For clearing stuffy noses.
Nice to Have but Not Essential
- A baby swing or bouncer (great for a few hands-free minutes)
- A baby monitor (especially useful if the nursery is on a different floor)
- A nursing stool or footrest
- A baby bathtub (some parents just use the sink)
- A pacifier (if your baby takes one; many do not)
What You Can Skip
- Wipe warmer. Sounds nice, can grow bacteria, and your baby will not know the difference.
- Baby shoes. Newborns do not walk. Socks are enough.
- Bottle sterilizer. Your dishwasher does the same job. If you do not have a dishwasher, a pot of boiling water works.
- Dozens of cute outfits. Newborns grow fast and spend most of their time in onesies and sleep gowns.
- Specialized baby detergent. Fragrance-free regular detergent is usually fine for most babies.
One More Essential: A Way to Track It All
Remi helps you track feeds, diapers, sleep, and milestones so you can focus less on remembering and more on enjoying those early days.
Try Remi FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How many onesies does a newborn need?
Plan for 7 to 10 onesies in newborn size. Babies go through multiple outfit changes per day due to spit-up, diaper blowouts, and drool. Having enough on hand means you are not doing laundry every single day.
Do I need a changing table for a newborn?
A dedicated changing table is not necessary. Many parents use a portable changing pad on a dresser, bed, or the floor. What matters is a safe, flat surface at a comfortable height. A portable pad is also easier to move around the house.
What baby items can I skip buying?
Many parents find they can skip wipe warmers, baby shoes (newborns do not walk), elaborate nursery decor, bottle sterilizers (dishwasher works fine), and specialized baby detergent (fragrance-free regular detergent is usually fine). Focus on the basics and buy extras only as you discover you need them.