Newborn Essentials: What You Really Need (and How Many)

Newborn Essentials: What You Really Need (and How Many)

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.

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