Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure how much of each item you’ll actually need. Babies grow quickly, they go through clothes faster than you expect, and nappies? Let’s just say… stock up.
Here’s your ultimate newborn essentials list, complete with quantities to guide you.
Sleep Essentials
Bassinet, cot, or bedside sleeper – 1 Or 2 If you have a multi-story home
Firm newborn mattress + protector – 1 mattress, 2 protectors
Fitted sheets – 3–4 (so you can rotate when accidents happen)
Swaddles (muslin or stretchy wraps) – 4–6
Zip-up swaddle suits or sleep bags – 2–3
White noise machine/night light – 1
Nappy & Changing
Newborn nappies – 2–3 packs to start (babies use 8–12/day)
Wipes (fragrance-free) – Bulk box (you’ll use roughly 1 pack a week)
Nappy rash cream – 1–2 tubes 3 If you have a multi-story home. 1 for upstairs, 1 for downstairs & 1 for your nappy bag.
Nappy bin – 1
Nappy bags/refills – 2–3 packs to start
Change mat (portable) – 1–2
Change table or dresser with mat – 1
Nappy caddy (for lounge/bedroom) – 1
Clothing Basics
For newborn + 0–3 months, since they outgrow quickly
Short-sleeve onesies/bodysuits – 6–8
Long-sleeve onesies – 6–8
Sleepsuits/zip sleepers – 6–8
Singlets – 6
Socks/booties – 4–6 pairs
Hats (cotton) – 2
Cardigans/jackets (seasonal) – 1–2
Mittens (anti-scratch) – 2 pairs
Feeding Essentials
Burp cloths – 8–10 (always have spares handy)
Bibs – 6–8
Bottles & teats – 4–6 bottles (if bottle feeding)
Steriliser or sterilising solution – 1
Bottle brush – 1–2
Breast pump – 1 (if expressing)
Milk storage bags/containers – 1–2 boxes
Nursing pillow – 1
Formula (if using) – 1 tin to start (don’t overstock, babies can be picky)
Bathtime & Care
Baby bath & bath support – 1
Hooded towels – 2–3
Washcloths – 6–8
Gentle baby wash/shampoo – 1 bottle
Baby lotion or oil – 1 bottle
Baby powder (cornstarch-based) – 1 small container (optional, for creases)
Soft hairbrush & comb – 1 set
Nail clippers/emery boards – 1 set
Out & About
Infant car seat/capsule – 1 (rear-facing, professionally fitted)
Pram/stroller – 1 (suitable from newborn)
Pram rain cover & sunshade – 1 each
Nappy bag – 1 (with compartments)
Portable change mat (in bag) – 1
Baby carrier/wrap – 1
Health & Safety
Baby monitor – 1 (video or audio)
Digital thermometer – 1
Nasal aspirator/saline spray – 1 set
First aid kit (baby-friendly) – 1
Comforters/pacifiers – 2–3 (babies lose them constantly)
Quick Newborn Checklist with Quantities
Sleep
[ ] Bassinet/cot – 1
[ ] Mattress protector – 2
[ ] Fitted sheets – 3–4
[ ] Swaddles – 4–6
[ ] Sleep bags – 2–3
Nappy & Changing
[ ] Newborn nappies – 2–3 packs
[ ] Size 1 nappies – 1 pack
[ ] Wipes – bulk box
[ ] Rash cream – 1–2
[ ] Nappy bin – 1
[ ] Bin refills/bags – 2–3 packs
[ ] Change mat – 1–2
[ ] Nappy caddy – 1
Clothing
[ ] Short-sleeve onesies – 6–8
[ ] Long-sleeve onesies – 6–8
[ ] Sleepsuits – 6–8
[ ] Singlets – 6
[ ] Socks – 4–6 pairs
[ ] Hats – 2
[ ] Cardigans – 1–2
[ ] Mittens – 2
Feeding
[ ] Burp cloths – 8–10
[ ] Bibs – 6–8
[ ] Bottles – 4–6
[ ] Steriliser – 1
[ ] Bottle brush – 1–2
[ ] Breast pump – 1
[ ] Storage bags – 1–2 boxes
[ ] Nursing pillow – 1
[ ] Formula – 1 tin
Bath & Care
[ ] Baby bath – 1
[ ] Hooded towels – 2–3
[ ] Washcloths – 6–8
[ ] Baby wash/shampoo – 1
[ ] Baby lotion – 1
[ ] Baby powder – 1 (optional)
[ ] Brush & comb – 1
[ ] Nail clippers – 1
Out & About
[ ] Car seat – 1
[ ] Pram/stroller – 1
[ ] Pram cover (rain/sun) – 1 each
[ ] Nappy bag – 1
[ ] Change mat – 1
[ ] Carrier/wrap – 1
Health & Safety
[ ] Monitor – 1
[ ] Thermometer – 1
[ ] Nasal aspirator – 1
[ ] First aid kit – 1
[ ] Pacifiers/comforters – 2–3
Tip: Buy enough to cover 2–3 days between washes. Babies grow fast, so don’t over-invest in newborn sizes—mix in 0–3 months as well.
If you have the space and you want to save your posture & feed your baby in comfort we also recommend a nursing chair that reclines.