Free Newborn Baby Checklist Printable

As a first time mom, it can be so hard to shop without a newborn baby checklist printable for your baby during the months you’re waiting for your little one.

Trust me, I know! Shortly after getting my positive pregnancy test, just a few weeks later I was looking at cribs and nursery furniture.

Some people will tell you to wait until you’ve had a baby shower to see what’s left over to get. However, some people (ahem, me) threw caution into the wind and bought whatever they wanted.

Regardless of what camp you are in, use this free newborn baby checklist printable to help you prepare the items you’ll need!

Free Newborn Checklist Printable

Want instant access to the entire checklist as a free printable? Make sure you’re ready for your little one’s arrival!

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What To Buy A Newborn

This list focuses on the newborn stage, about 0-3 months. It’s a list of things you need for a new baby when you’re just starting out. During the baby’s first months you will really want to focus on the essentials.

Some babies will prefer one type of baby essential to another. Don’t stress out about it! If you got the item through a registry or major retailer, these days the return or exchange policies are generous.

If you want the list in a pdf format, I’ve made it into a printable so it makes shopping for a newborn baby easier! You will want to have these items before the baby arrives. You don’t want to have to run out and grab these things inconveniently after the fact.

Newborn Baby Needs Checklist

Baby Sleep

Your newborn baby will spend most of their days sleeping. Baby sleep is such a hot topic because where and how your baby sleeps is such a personal decision. Many moms only want their baby to sleep in crib. Others see nothing wrong with co sleeping. Whatever route you choose, please be sure to do it safely.

• Baby Bed – You have several options here. You can go for a full crib, cosleeper or even a pack and play.

• Extra Bedding – You never know when there is going to be a diaper blow out or baby spits up. It’s just better to have an extra set of linen or sheets for the baby. Throw the dirty set in the washer and quickly change the bed.

• Baby blankets – Since loose blankets are not recommended for newborns, you might opt for a swaddle blanket or a receiving blanket that you can swaddle with.

• Crib mattress

• Washable mattress pad – These will create a barrier between any stains and accidents so you can just take it off and throw it in the washer!

Newborn Clothing

Tiny baby clothing is the cutest and it can be hard not to want it all. My recommendation is that you don’t buy too much of one size. Just like adults, not all babies are one size. Your baby might quickly outgrow newborn sized clothing. Babies will also spit up or throw up so you’ll need multiple clothing items unless you plan on doing a ton of laundry.

Bodysuits or Onesies – 4 to 8

T-shirts (until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off)- 4 to 8

One piece (footed pajamas or sleep and plays) 4 to 8

Pants – 3-5 pairs

Socks – 5-7 pairs

No Scratch Mittens- 1-3 pairs

Jacket or Coat 1-2

Feeding and Nursing

You may not have decided if you will be nursing, formula or bottle feeding, or a combination of both. It’s good to be prepared for all options so you’re not stressed or panicking in the moment over feeding your baby.

• Bottles 8-10, when they’re in the newborn stage they feed often but in small amounts. Having a few bottles means that you can put them in the dishwasher as you go or wash them all at one time. You don’t want to have to clean a bottle every time baby wants to eat.

• Bottle brush and nipple cleaner- I order this OXObrush like clockwork every 4-6 weeks because I love it so much!

• Formula – if you’re not nursing or just in case.

• Bibs 4-7- These get messy and wet pretty fast from spit up and drooling. You’ll find yourself changing them often, so it’s better to have plenty on hand. These Tommee Tippee bibs are great because the soft padded dribble catcher collar helped keep my baby’s shirts from getting so wet.

• Burp Cloths – You’ll spend a lot of time burping your little one and having a barrier between their spit up and your clothes is essential. The good news is that these usually come in multiples, so you will have plenty if you buy two or more packs.

• Breast Pump – If you plan on pumping milk for your baby at all, you will definitely want to have one on hand. You can see if you qualify for a free one through your insurance. There are so many options out there so you can do research about whether you need a manual or electric pump. It just depends on what fits your lifestyle and the frequency that you will pump.

• Milk bags – You will need something to store your baby’s milk safely and easily.

• Nursing pillow – This will help you and baby feel more comfortable while feeding, even if you aren’t nursing!

Diapering and Changing

Diapering is very high up on the list of needs for a newborn. You’re going to be changing multiple diapers per day. Here’s everything you need for those diaper changes.

• Diapers – Babies are shaped differently and not all diapers fit the same. Try asking for different brands at your baby shower so you can see how they are different. If you are buying them yourself, try smaller packages of different brands. The newborn size should be fine for the first few months. Babies also size up in diapers at different times as well, so add a couple of size 1 diapers in as well.

• Wipes – Try unscented wipes with limited ingredients for baby’s sensitive skin to reduce irritation.

• Changing pad and cover – You could technically change your baby anywhere, but having a designated changing station is nice too. You can have everything set up in one or more locations around the house. Changing pads usually one standard size, make sure yours comes in safety straps. I used a wipeable changing pad cover just like this and it saved me on multiple occasions!

• Diaper Cream – Using a good protective cream can help prevent or treat diaper rash. This ointment is easy to apply, blocks wetness and relieves dry chapped skin. Keep a large tub of it on hand because it is easier to apply than squeezing it out of the tube. Honestly, you might be using a lot of it anyway!

• Diaper Bag – You’ll need something to keep all your newborn baby essentials in while traveling. My favorite brand is Skip Hop, they have styles for everyone. I love this convertible diaper bag, it goes between a cross body style and backpack in seconds.

Baby Gear

• Car Seat – In many places you cannot leave the hospital without a car seat for the baby. This is really a non negotiable item really for baby’s safety while traveling in a car. You can buy an infant bucket seat or travel system, but you will need to change out to a convertible car seat later. Alternatively you can buy a convertible seat from the beginning as well as its meant to fit your baby from infant stages and beyond.

• Baby Stroller- If you don’t purchase a travel system with a stroller included you will be purchasing this separately. Unlike car seats, there isn’t a question of whether strollers expire.

• Baby Carrier – These are a lifesaver during the newborn stage when your baby wants to be close to you all the time. You can keep your baby on you and still have your hands free! I had both the soft wrap and a structured carrier. I preferred the soft wrap during this early newborn stage.

• Baby Monitor – These are very helpful if you plan on baby sleeping in their own room. When I moved my baby to her crib, I watched my baby monitor like it was a TV show. New mom problems 🙂

• Swing – This is optional and can be purchased after the baby gets here. Some babies love swings others hate them. My baby was in the latter group and we had already purchased an expensive swing.

• Car Mirror – This is a must for traveling in a car. Your baby will be rear facing in their car seat for quite some time and you will want to be able to see them. Get one of these for every car baby will be in!

Bath Time

Giving your baby a bath for the first few times will have a learning curve. Make sure to have these things handy so you don’t have to go searching for them. It’s best to have them already ready before the baby is ready to have a bath.

• Baby Bath Tub – Your newborn won’t be able to support themselves and sit up in a regular tub. You’ll need something to safely sit them in. You can get a traditional baby bathtub or you can opt for a space saving, soft sink insert.

• Baby Towels or Washcloths – I like to have a separate set of towels for the baby’s bath.You can use one pack of these, because there are multiples in the package Baby won’t be getting a bath every single day, so these will last before having to wash them.

• Baby Wash – Try using gentle, unscented baby soap because you don’t know how your baby’s skin will react.

Personal Care

Your newborn won’t need a ton of personal care items, but I highly recommend having these things on hand before the baby arrives.

• Safety/First Aid Kit-You can get a combo first aid kit with personal grooming tools like a brush, nail clippers, thermometer, medicine dispenser, etc.

• Baby Skincare- You can get a set with all the newborn skincare essentials like wash/shampoo, lotion, diaper cream.

• Humidifier-These can really come in handy if your newborn gets a cold or has breathing problems due to mucus. It adds moisture to the air in your baby’s room and can help protect your baby’s skin from drying out.

• Nasal Aspirator- This is hands down the best nasal aspirator I’ve ever used and a baby registry favorite. It works so well! You definitely will need one to give your baby some relief from their stuffy nose!

Use this newborn baby checklist printable to take with you to the store as a baby registry guide. This list of things you need for a new baby is sure to help you be fully prepared for your little one’s arrival!