Newborn Baby Checklist

Congratulations, you’re bringing a newborn home! It’s likely you’ll be filled with joy, excitement and maybe a little bit of anxiety. Make the whole process run smoother by using our helpful newborn baby checklist.

We’re here to help guide you through each item you’ll need, from leaving the hospital, to home essentials, to must-haves for your little one, ensuring you have everything you and your baby need. Don’t worry about the details, we have you covered! Remember to take a newborn photo for your birth announcements so loved ones can share in the great news.

Customize this baby checklist by checking the items you already have. Then, click Remove Checked Items for a simplified registry or shopping list of items your baby needs that you can print.

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Newborn Baby Checklist

• Leaving the hospital
• Feeding
• Getting ready
• Playtime
• Bedtime
• Around town
• At Home

At the hospital

Hospital bag Prepare a bag with everything you'll want for your days in the hospital. Use a large handbag with compartments and pockets for simple organization.

Valid photo ID Ensure your driver's license or other form of ID makes it into your hospital bag. Write yourself a note and place it on top of the bag, since your ID will likely be one of th elast items you add.

Insurance card Slip your health insurance card into your bag for easy reference when you enter the hospital.

Birth plan (if applicable) If you have a specific birth plan that you’ve decided upon with your partner, physician or doula, make sure a copy is readily available. In case the physician who delivers your baby doesn’t know your plan or history, you can hand them a copy and describe your wishes in detail.

Bathrobe or nightgown Make post-delivery rest and relaxation more comfortable by packing a favorite nightgown or bathrobe.

Sandals (for summer births) If your due date is during the summer months, consider packing a pair of comfortable sandals or flipflops, as socks might keep you too warm.

2-4 pairs of maternity underwear or disposable underpants Hospitals often give new moms disposable underwear. Ask what your hospital provides to determine how many pairs to buy.

Pair of pajamas or other comfortable clothes Wearing your own clothes will make you feel more at ease in the hospital. Pack two shirts and a pair of shorts or comfortable lounge pants.

Slippers If you tend to have colder feet, be sure a set of slippers make it into your hospital bag.

Toiletries Bring a standard travel toiletry bag, inclusive of items like your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and face wash.

Snacks The hospital kitchen may be closed if you end up delivering at night. Pack hearty snacks and treats for you, your partner and any expected visitors.

Cell phone and charger Stay connected with family, friends and other important people. Keep your main device by your side by tossing your cell phone and charger into the bag before heading to the hospital.

Nursing bra If you're planning to breastfeed, tuck a nursing bra in your hospital bag for post-delivery feeding.

Entertainment device Stay entertained during the early stages of the labor process. Bring along your favorite item, whether that's a book, e-reader or movie-playing tablet.

Leaving the hospital

Approved car seat Safety first: bring your baby home in a car seat that meets regulations.

Comfortable coming home outfit Head home with your little one in comfort. Depending on the season, stow a pair of stretchy pants or shorts in your hospital bag.

Extra blankets If your baby is born during the colder months, bring along a blanket or two for wrapping them up in the car and transferring them to the house.

Seasonally appropriate outerwear For cold weather or rain, ensure your baby is protected with coats, hats and mittens.

Feeding

3-5 bibs To catch drips and spills and to keep outfits clean, stock your home with a handful of newborn bibs. Mix and match your colors to spruce up outfits.

6-10 burp cloths A stack of burp cloths allow for quick grabs and cleaner parent outfits.

Nursing pillow A soft-bottomed nursing pillow holds the baby up, making the nursing position more comfortable for both mom and baby.

2-3 nursing bras Find nursing bras that are easy to hook and unhook. They'll make nursing in public possible.

Nursing shirts and dresses Discreetly nurse in public with specially designed nursing dresses and shirts that match your style.

Breastfeeding

Breast pads Breast pads tuck inside your nursing bra and help hide lactation. Go for highly absorbent washable breast pads for everyday use and disposables for travel.

Nipple cream for nursing Though you may not need it, it’s best to have a tube of nipple cream on-hand. New moms apply it after nursing to ensure their nipples don’t dry out or crack and bleed.

7-10 four-ounce bottles with newborn nipples A stock of bottles takes the pressure off of washing them after each feeding.

Bottlefeeding

Bottle and nipple brush Clean the crevices of bottles and nipples with a specialty brush. A bottle and nipple brush helps reach the tough spots.

Insulated bottle bag A lunch box with insulation or an insulated bottle bag helps maintain the right temperature for milk and formula.

One or two 22 oz. cartons of baby formula If you’re bottle feeding, purchase or register for two cartons of baby formula. If you’re breastfeeding and need to supplement, formula may also come in handy.

Getting ready

8-10 onesies Onesies, the most popular newborn outfit, come in all styles and colors. Stock your baby’s wardrobe with 8-10 onesies in the newborn size for a relaxed laundry schedule.

1-3 rompers or other dressed up outfits Whether it’s a summer wedding or winter holiday, have a few special outfits for those special occasions.

1-4 newborn hats Aim for a mixture of soft hoods for cool weather and sun hats for warmer weather. Focus on hats for the season your baby will most likely be born.

2-4 pairs of stretch cotton pants Create effortless outfits with a few colors of stretch cotton pants.

2-3 pairs of socks or booties Keep your newborn's toes warm with socks and booties. Because their little feet don't touch the ground often, you can reuse socks before washing.

1-2 jackets or zip up sweatshirts Bundle up your new addition. Have a jacket or sweatshirt ready to go.

10-15 baby hangers or a drawer with divider bins Hang clothes with tiny hangers or buy a divider system for a dresser drawer. The goal is to make your system as easy as possible.

Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter season If you live in a cold climate and are having your baby during the cooler months, consider buying a newborn-sized snowsuit or bunting bag. When the first snow falls, you'll be ready.

Bathing

Plastic infant tub Make bathtime easy and carefree with a plastic tub. Look for a model with an insert that fits in your sink. Your newborn will be at arm height for easy washing.

12 washcloths Due to sensitive baby skin, find washcloths that are specific to newborns and babies.

Baby soap or cleanser and shampoo Many brands sell baby soap and shampoo that won't cause the eyes to sting or the skin to react.

Soft-bristled baby hair brush These soft-bristled brushes aren't meant to get snarlies out; they simply smooth the peach fuzz on your baby's head.

Soft-hooded towel Newborns generally bathe two times per week. One towel is sufficient if you do laundry at least once a week.

Diapering

2-3 boxes of newborn sized diapers or 4-5 dozen cloth diapers For cloth diapers, purchase one dozen in newborn size and two dozen in a larger size, typically marked as “One Month” diapers. For non-cloth diapers, buy one package of newborn size and two packages of size 1.

Diaper pail or wet bag To soak and clean cloth diapers, use a diaper pail or wet bag along with bleach. Incorporating soaking and bleaching in your washing process will prevent staining.

Diaper rash ointment Keep wetness out. Apply diaper rash ointment as a protective coat to the skin to prevent rashes.

Disposable unscented wipes or 4-8 reusable washcloths Make diaper clean-up a breeze with a stock of disposable wipes or reusable washcloths.

Changing table or pad Changing tables and pads are often contoured to hold the baby in place and prevent them from falling off. Look for a model you can travel with.

Safety & first aid

Baby nail clipper and/or file Trimming or filing your baby’s nails prevents them from scratching themselves and others.

Petroleum jelly A small jar or tube of petroleum jelly will be sufficient if you’re having a boy and decide to circumcise. Keep the wound moist with petroleum jelly for maximum healing.

Digital thermometer Identify a fever early with a digital thermometer. Keep it tucked in a drawer in the baby’s nursery.

Bulb nasal aspirator Clogged nostrils affect nursing, breathing and sleeping. Because babies have no ability to blow their noses, a nasal aspirator allows for easy nose-cleaning when they’re sick.

Mild baby-safe laundry detergent Prevent rashes and skin irritations with baby-safe laundry detergent. After first use, see how your baby’s skin reacts and see if you need to adjust brands.

Vaporizer or humidifier If you live in a dry or cold climate, a small in-room vaporizer may help with breathing and sleeping.

Teethers Find teethers that can be placed in the refrigerator. The cool temperature numbs the pain for teething babies.

Plastic tweezers To pluck out your baby’s ear wax, add a set of plastic tweezers to your mommy supplies.

Baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen When a fever or illness hits, have the right meds on hand—but always talk with your physician before giving your baby ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Antibiotic ointment One tube of antibiotic ointment is sufficient for any small wounds or cuts.

Sterile bandages In case your child needs surgery or has a cut, keep bandages on-hand.

Baby sunscreen Before heading outside, protect your newborn’s fragile skin by applying baby sunscreen.

Baby insect repellent Ward off mosquitos and other pests with baby-friendly insect repellent.

Emergency phone numbers and pediatrician contact Make illnesses and emergencies less stressful. Keep emergency contact and pediatrician info readily available for you, your partner and any other caregivers.

Playtime

Baby gym or play mat For tummy time and relaxation, have a baby gym or play mat ready for your newborn.

Soft toys and books Create a safe space for your baby to explore, play and look at things. Stock your nursery with soft toys and books that are easy to tote when traveling.

3-4 cotton blankets Create a safe space for your baby to explore, play and look at things. Stock your nursery with soft toys and books that are easy to tote when traveling.

Bedtime

1-2 pairs of no-scratch mittens Prevent your baby from scratching themselves at night with tiny mittens that tuck over their hands.

2 swaddles To emulate the cozyness and safety of the womb, wrap your baby in comfy swaddles before bedtime.

2-3 sleepers Sleepers look like onesies but come with full leg and arm coverage and closed feet footies. Due to lack of developed circulation, babies’ feet get cold even in the summertime.

1-2 sleep sacks Sleep sacks are similar to sleepers, but don’t have specific spots for the baby’s legs. If your baby doesn’t like swaddles, use a sleep sack to keep them cozy and their feet warm.

Baby monitor A basic baby monitor, or one with a video screen, will keep you in-the-know when your baby is resting in the nursery.

Mobile To help with naptime and sleeptime, a decorative mobile with shapes, colors and even music will often calm babies for resting.

Nightlight A softly-lit night light prevents tripping in the nursery and the need to turn on the overhead light during the wee hours.

Crib sleeping

Crib, cradle or bassinet New parents often use a cradle or bassinet for when their newborn is 6-8 weeks old. The newborn moves to the crib when they’re ready for the transition.

Firm, flat mattress fitted to crib Find a firm mattress that matches the length and width measurements of your crib for a tight, yet comfortable fit.

2-4 fitted crib sheets Crib sheets protect the mattress from body oil and leaks. If you wash laundry a couple of times per week, you may only need two crib sheets.

Co-sleeping

Co-sleep attachment for side of bed Many physicians recommend an attachment for the side of the bed if parents decide to co-sleep. Attachments usually come with all of the necessities, like the mattress and bedding.

Around town

Approved car seat Purchase an up-to-date carseat before your due date. If it’s a used car seat, make sure it hasn’t been in an accident.

Stroller Purchase or register for a stroller that matches your lifestyle. Consider a stroller travel system that allows your car seat to click into the stroller.

Sun shields for car windows Place sun shields in your car windows to prevent high heats and reflect damaging rays.

Car seat cover To help your newborn rest in the car, and to protect them from the sun, purchase a car seat cover. Some models even double as a breastfeeding cover.

Diaper bag Carry your baby and mom essentials in an organized bag. Choose one with compartments and zipper pockets for easy access and security.

Sling or soft front carrier Select a baby carrier based on your personal preference. A sling or soft front carrier allows you to carry the baby close to your heart while you accomplish other duties around your home and around town.

At home

Cool packs or numbing spray In case you have an episiotomy, purchase cool packs or numbing spray for the healing process. Look for the flexible cold packs, rather than hard ice packs, for increased comfort.

Peri bottle or spray bottle Helpful during the initial weeks after childbirth, a Peri bottle or spray bottle allows you to sanitize gently after using the restroom.

2-3 boxes ultra absorbent sanitary pads Purchase or register for 30 heavy absorbency pads along with a package or two of light absorbency pads for the weeks following childbirth.

Disposable mesh undies or maternity underwear For bleeding post-delivery, use disposable mesh undies or maternity underwear (instead of your normal pairs). Maternity underwear usually has a bigger waistline with flexibility for the postpartum timeframe.

Ibuprofen Have a bottle of ibuprofen on-hand for the new mom aches and pains.

Stool softeners Different than laxatives, stool softeners help avoid constipation after childbirth. Mild over-the-counter stool softeners are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

Breast pump (if breast feeding) Check with your insurance company to see if a breast pump is covered with a physician prescription. Opt for a double breast pump to save on time.

Large 32 oz water bottle to keep hydrated Hydration is important for healing, energy and healthy skin. Look for a water bottle with a straw so you can drink more easily while breastfeeding or holding your baby.

Healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, try to consume a healthy, well-rounded diet. It will help with post-delivery healing and increased energy levels.

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