Caring for your Newborn
Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist: 25 Must-Have Items
2 min. Read
It is easy to go overboard on newborn supplies. Our newborn essentials checklist helps you decide which are true baby essentials and which are a waste of money, so you can prioritise the right items before the birth.
What does a tiny baby really need?
Here is your newborn baby checklist at a glance, covering the comprehensive list of items to prioritise before the birth.
- Car seat, pram and baby carrier or wrap
- Nappies, nappy stacker and nappy disposal system
- Wipes and nappy cream
- Bodysuits, babygrows, socks, scratch mitts and jersey hats
- Shawl, sleep sack and Moses basket/blanket
- Nail clippers, flannels, towels and muslin cloths
- Toiletries, bouncy chair, camera, thermometer and baby monitor
The full baby essentials list explained
| Item | Why you need it |
| Infant car seat | Needed to take your baby home and for every car trip; practice fitting it before your baby arrives. |
| Nappies | You get through many a day; always keep a pile of 10 and add bigger sizes as your baby grows. |
| Nappy stacker or caddy | Storage close to hand while changing; keep a stack upstairs and downstairs. |
| Nappy disposal system | If no room, use recyclable nappy sacks kept out of reach as they are a suffocation risk. |
| Gentle baby wipes | Huggies® Extra Care Sensitive baby wipes can be used from birth for newborn nappy changes. |
| Nappy barrier cream | Buy a recommended nappy rash cream to keep nappy rash at bay. |
| 4-6 vests or bodysuits | Look for poppers under the bottom and envelope necks for easier changes. |
| 4-6 sleepsuits or babygrows | Keep baby warm with room for growth; opt for poppers for quick night changes. |
| 4-6 pairs of socks | Bulk buy as they are easily lost. |
| 2 pairs of scratch mitts | Prevent your little one scratching themselves with their quick-growing, sharp nails. |
| 2 cotton jersey hats | Keep heads warm when out; don't wear indoors or sleeping to prevent overheating. |
| 1 shawl or receiving blanket | Useful for swaddling, burping, a clean changing surface or covering chilly legs. |
| Sleep sack or cellular blanket | Keeps baby warm without loose blankets; breathable fabric minimises overheating risk. |
| Baby scissors or nail clippers | Use safety scissors for babies to make cutting tiny fingernails easier. |
| Soft flannels | Help clean in all the crevices at bath-time; also useful for unexpected pees during changes. |
| Baby hooded towels | Get baby warm quickly; brilliant for post-bath or post-swim warm-ups. |
| Muslin cloths | Keep a pile upstairs, downstairs, in your changing bag and car; multi-use squares of magic. |
| Baby toiletries | Choose recommended, mild, organic brands suitable for a new baby. |
| Bouncy chair | A safe, strap-in seat you can move around the house for short periods. |
| Baby carrier or wrap | Keeps baby close while you do jobs or head out; great for baby bonding. |
| Smartphone camera | Document your baby's transformation, but enjoy the moments in real life too. |
| Moses basket | A light, portable bassinet for the first few months; visit The Lullaby Trust for safe sleep advice. |
| Digital thermometer | Add to the medicine cabinet; your Health Visitor can recommend the right type for a newborn. |
| Baby monitor | A smart baby monitor is fast becoming a parent must-have. |
| Newborn pram/buggy | Choose one suitable for newborns that is fully reclinable or flat so baby can lie flat. |
You're all set for the greatest adventure yet
Setting up the nursery, checking off this checklist and packing your hospital bag are just the beginning. From changing your newborn's first nappy to packing for their first swim and their first sleepover, so many exciting things await you on your parenting adventure.
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Kimberly-Clark makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.
