
Whether you’re about to give birth to your own bundle of joy, or you’re looking to buy a gift for someone who is, you need our newborn checklist that every mom should have. After all, a new baby is special, and until you have one, you won’t have the things you need lying around the house.
It’s easy to go shopping for a new baby and get carried away and buy things you’ll never use. That’s why our newborn checklist that every new mom should have is so valuable. In it, you’ll only find the things you need to bring your baby home safely and comfortably.
Let’s get started.
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
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A bassinet | ||
A crib | ||
Bedding | ||
A Chair | ||
A changing table | ||
Diaper stuff | ||
A night light | ||
A baby monitor | ||
Organizers | ||
Books |
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.
Target
Target’s baby gift registry gets high marks from reviewers for many reasons. It’s easy to use, allows returns for up to one year, lets you see what people have purchased, lets your friends and family chip in to buy a gift, and sends you a 15 percent off coupon (called a completion bonus) eight weeks before your delivery date.
Amazon
Amazon has long been known as the King of baby gift registries because of its almost endless list of products. And the online store makes it easy for moms-to-be to register.
And don’t worry if what you want isn’t on Amazon. It allows you to install a universal registry button that adds products from any site to your registry. And that completion bonus? You’ll get 10 percent off — 15 percent if you’re a Prime member — 60 days or less from your due date.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Bed, Bath, and Beyond is a great place to look for the things you need in your home, but they also offer plenty for your new baby. Just like with the other options, you can sign up online, and your friends and family can shop for the things you need.
The store offers a cool option that allows your friends and family to view your choices and make recommendations for other products. This is a great resource for new moms who aren’t exactly sure which crib, stroller, or other items to buy.
The only downside of registering at this store is that you won’t receive a completion discount. But, the store offers 20 percent off coupons every week, so you can use that instead.
Walmart
Having a baby is expensive, and that’s why using your newborn checklist that every new mom should have at Walmart is the ideal solution if you’re on a budget.
You can sign up online, and your friends and family can make the purchases without having to go inside the store. And if you download the app, it’s easy enough to create your baby register right from your phone.
If you’re looking for a no-frills baby registry with great prices, look to Walmart.
At this point, you may wonder what you should include on your new baby gift registry. Not to worry because we’ve got you covered with our newborn checklist ...you guessed it, that every new mom should have.
Here’s what you need.
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!
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
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Breast pump | No products found. | No products found. |
Nursing accessories | ||
Bottles | ||
High chair |
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
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No products found.
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.
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
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A tub | ||
Bath linens | ||
Bath accessories |
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.
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
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Onesies | ||
Things for layers | ||
Shoes | ||
Pajamas | ||
Weather appropriate gear |
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
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|
A swing | ||
Soft toys |
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.
PRODUCT | IMAGE | CHECK PRICE |
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Car seat | ||
Stroller | ||
Carrier | ||
Diaper bag | ||
Portable crib | No products found. | No products found. |
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
No products found.
No products found.
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.

Image via Pixabay
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!
Last update on 2021-04-16 at 10:19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API