The Ultimate Newborn Checklist That Every New Mom Should Have

Are Baby Gift Registries Still a Thing?​

When you’re grandmother or mom gave birth, chances are they used baby gift registries to let their friends and family know what they needed for the new baby. And today people still use gift registries — but with a twist.

Today’s registries are all done online. That means you can use your newborn checklist that every new mom should have to register, and then your friends and family can purchase what you need online.

Pretty handy, huh?

Here are some of the most popular online baby gift registries out there.

What to Buy for the Baby’s Nursery

Your baby will spend a lot of time in the nursery, and you need to make sure you have everything you need to make life with your baby the best it can be.

Here’s a list of everything you should put in this sweet little room.

A bassinet

Your baby will probably sleep in your room for the first couple of months so you’re nearby when they call out to you in the middle of the night. Be sure to choose a bassinet that passes all safety guidelines.

A crib

Once your baby moves to their own room, they need a crib to sleep in. Cribs are one of the most expensive items you’ll need to purchase, so we recommend putting it on your registry for two reasons. First, your friends and family may surprise you and give it to you as a group gift. And second, if not, you can use your completion discount to buy it and save some money.

Bedding

You’ll need a crib mattress, a waterproof crib mattress protector, and a couple of fitted sheets to make up the crib.

A Chair 

What nursery is complete without a rocking chair or glider? Make sure you get one that you love so you can pass it on to your child. Who knows? Maybe they’ll rock their own baby in it one day.

A changing table

While this isn’t necessary, a changing table does make it easier for new moms because everything they need is in one place. But before long, you’ll start changing your baby wherever it’s most convenient. It’s up to you whether or not this belongs on your newborn checklist every new mom should have.

Diaper stuff

Bringing home a new baby without an adequate supply of diapers is asking for trouble. Make sure you have plenty on hand because you won’t want to run out and buy more.

You will also need baby wipes, diaper cream, cotton balls, swabs, and a diaper pail. Diaper pails help keep odors at bay much better than a regular trash can.

A night light

Your little one will call out to you in the middle of the night, and it makes sense to have a small light in the room so you can get to them safely. Put it in an out-of-the-way place, so it doesn’t interfere with their sleep, but allows you to see a clear path to the crib.

A baby monitor

Unless you plan to spend all of your time in the nursery, you should include a baby monitor on your registry. A monitor will alert you when your baby is crying or moving, and it’s done with sound or video, depending on the type of monitor you buy.

Organizers

You will want to keep your nursery clean and picked up, but you won’t have a lot of time. That’s why we include organizers and bins on our newborn checklist that every new mom should have. Buy a couple of them to help keep the room organized.

Books

Every new mom has special books that she enjoys reads to her baby. And sometimes these books become a part of their relationship. For instance, once your baby begins to grow up, you can tuck away the book and save it for their baby.

If you don’t yet have any baby books picked out, you should read Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch.

Bet you can’t make it through to the end without shedding a tear!

What to Buy to Feed the Baby

Even if you’re breastfeeding, you will need some special feeding supplies for those times when you need to take a nap or get out of the house (alone) for a couple of hours. That’s why we included supplies for both moms who breastfeed and those who don’t on our newborn checklist that every new mom should have.

Here’s what you need to feed your baby.

Breast pump

If you’re breastfeeding, you will have to purchase a breast pump. Be sure to buy extra parts for it, so when you’re sanitizing it, you have a spare ready to go. You will also need some breast milk freezer bags to store your extra milk.

Nursing accessories

If you plan to nurse your baby, you will need a few accessories such as a nursing pillow to help keep your baby supported, nursing bras, and nipple cream. And you can use a nursing cover for times when your baby wants to eat while you’re in public.

Bottles

You will need a few baby bottles with nipples. Your baby may like one brand over another, so it’s smart to buy a few “samples” and then buy the entire kit once you learn which ones they prefer.

You will also need some bottle accessories such as a drying rack and a few bottle brushes to clean dirty bottles.

High chair

It may seem as if your baby will never begin eating solids, but the time will come sooner than you think. That’s why we put a high chair on our newborn checklist every new mom should have. And remember, even if they aren’t yet eating solids, as soon as your baby begins to hold up their head, they can sit in the high chair and hang out with you in the kitchen.

What to Buy for Bathing the Baby

Many new parents get nervous when it comes time to bathe their new baby, but if you have the right equipment, both you and baby will have fun. Here’s what you need.

A tub

Most baby tubs fit snuggly in a kitchen sink or bathtub and are the perfect size for bathing your newborn. It’s important to look for one that passes all safety guidelines such as a non-slip surface and smooth edges so baby stays safe.

Bath linens

You’ll need to buy some soft washcloths to get your baby clean, along with a couple of cozy hooded towels. These will help keep your baby’s head warm on the way from bath to the changing table.

Bath accessories

You’ll need to buy a few things to make the bath a success. First, plan to buy baby shampoo and body wash. Some shampoos double as a body wash, and you can use those if you wish. Be sure to buy some baby lotion as well to keep your baby’s skin soft. And to keep your baby happy during the bath, add a few toys to keep them occupied.

Finally, buy a facet cover to prevent your baby from getting hurt as they wiggle — trust us on this — during the bath.

What Clothes to Buy for a Newborn

Dressing your newborn is fun, but don’t forget that they will quickly grow out of all those adorable clothes. We included only the basics on our newborn checklist that every new mom should have to help prevent you from getting carried away when shopping!

Here’s what you need to buy for your newborn.

Onesies

You will use these often as they make it easy to change diapers, and they’re oh so cute. Buy short-sleeve onesies or long-sleeve, whatever is appropriate for the season and your climate

Things for layers

Sometimes your baby needs to wear more than a thin onesie, and for those times you should buy a light sweater or a soft hoodie. You can also include things like leggings, or trousers with elastic waists, and socks.

Shoes

Newborns don’t need to wear shoes, but some of them are so cute it’s hard to resist. Buy a pair and use them in some of the many pictures you will take.

Pajamas

Your baby will sleep a lot, and you want them to be comfortable while snuggled in their crib. To help keep them cozy, buy footed pajamas. You should also buy a few sleep sacks and swaddling blankets to keep them warm.

Weather appropriate gear

If you live in the cold, you should buy a baby snowsuit that has mittens and booties attached to it. And if you live in a warmer climate, be sure to buy some hats to use in place of sunscreen when your baby is out in the sun.

What to Buy for Baby’s Playtime

When your newborn starts to play, you will want to have some safe, soft toys for them. Here is a list of some great ones.

A swing

Babies love swings and bouncers, and that’s why we included it on our newborn checklist that every new mom should have. And your baby isn’t the only one who will love it. When they are happily bouncing away, you can take care of all those chores you haven’t had time to address.

Soft toys

Newborn toys should be soft. Some great choices are soft baby books, fabric stacking blocks, soft rattles, and stuffed animals. It’s also a great time to buy your child’s “blankie.” Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand a lot of washings through the years.

What to Buy for Outings

When you’re ready to take your baby out into the world, you will need some gear to help you do it safely. Here’s what you need

Car seat

You can’t go anyplace with your baby unless you have a car seat safely installed in your car. Look for one that is easy-to-install and comfortable for your baby.

Stroller

You’ll find many types of strollers, and we don’t recommend a specific one in our newborn checklist that every new mom should have because the stroller you buy should fit your lifestyle. You can choose between jogging strollers, narrow strollers, double seated strollers for those of you who have twins, and luxury strollers.

Be sure to buy a stroller bunting to protect your baby from the cold, and a rain cover for when it’s wet outside

Carrier

Sometimes you will want to carry your baby, and you can do so with a soft-structured carrier or a sling. Either one works, and you should try them both on to determine which is more comfortable for you.

Diaper bag

Buying a diaper bag is a lot like buying a fashion accessory. That’s because the bags come in all shapes and sizes, and you should look for the one that best suits your personality. But don’t forget about the practical aspects of the bag.

You will carry everything necessary to take your baby out of the house in this bag. It should be large enough and have pockets to help you stay organized. If the bag doesn’t come with a portable changing pad, buy one that will fit inside of it.

Portable crib

When you spend the night away from home, you will need a crib for your baby. That’s where a portable crib comes in handy. Look for one that’s easy to set up and take down.

Medical Supplies for New Baby

You need a few things to keep your baby healthy and happy. Here’s what you should buy for your medical supply kit.

That’s the end of our newborn checklist every new mom should have, but before we go, we’d like to leave you with a bit of advice.

5 Things to Do Before You Bring Your Baby Home

Having a baby is one of the most exciting things you can do, but here’s a fact that not many people count on: you will be exhausted when you get home. Yes, you will be over-the-moon about your new child, but trust us, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your homecoming.

1. Choose your baby’s doctor

If something happens and you need a doctor for your baby, you should already have the name and number tacked on your fridge. The last thing you want to do is frantically look for a doctor you can trust at the last minute.

2. Cook and freeze meals for the first few days

You won’t feel like cooking the first few days at home, so why not make some nutritious meals and freeze them? It will not only make things a lot easier but if you have ready-made healthy meals to eat, you won’t be tempted to eat junk food because you’re too tired to cook.

3. Line up help

Even the best moms need help when first coming home from the hospital. If you have a C-section, you may have a hard time getting around, or you may need a few days to get used to your babies up-all-night feeding schedule. Ask your friends and family to pitch in for a week or so until you’re strong enough to do things on your own.

4. Clean the house

The last thing you want to do is to bring your baby home to a dirty house. Make use of all that nesting energy and clean your house spic and span before leaving for the hospital. You’ll be glad you did.

5. Choose your baby’s going home outfit

Don’t leave your baby’s going-home outfit to chance. Pick it out now and put in the bag you pack for the hospital. Your baby only comes home once — make sure they look as cute as possible in their outfit!

The Newborn Checklist That Every New Mom Should Have: Do You Have What You Need?

There isn’t a book that tells you how to be a parent, but you can get prepared by gathering everything you need to bring home a newborn. When you use our newborn checklist that every new mom needs, you’ll be better able to concentrate on being a mom because you’ll have everything you need.

Are you a new mom or about to be one? Did we leave anything off the list? If so, we would love to hear about it in the comments below!