It can be very overwhelming when you’re expecting a new baby to try and figure out what you will need. Everybody has something to say, everyone has a ‘must-have’ item they couldn’t live without, BUT the reality is you probably won’t use half of it. As a mum of 4, this is my Ultimate New Baby Checklist to track what you really need. Download your free checklist now and make life easier!

Sign up for our free Newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

When it comes to shopping for your new arrival, it is incredibly easy to get carried away with all the teeny tiny adorable clothes, the pretty nursery decor items and the latest gadgets and products. But a lot of these items have a short lifespan of usability, or have only one very specific use that you may not find particularly helpful over time. Stick to the real essentials for now, particularly at this stage when newborns outgrow things very quickly.

Read on for our Ultimate New Baby Checklist to help you get ready. You can also download your baby checklist here.

You May Also Enjoy How to Survive the First 6 Weeks With A New Baby

Ultimate New Baby Checklist

Baby Clothing

• Long sleeve bodysuits x 8
• Short sleeve vests x 8
• Cardigans x 2
• Light coat (summer baby)
• Fleece jacket or snow suit (winter baby)
• Scratch mittens
• Socks x 6
• Hat x 2

Feeding

If you are breastfeeding:

• Burp cloths or muslins
• Breast pump
• Nursing bras
• Milk storage bags/containers
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads (preferably washable)
• Nipple cream and/or compresses for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• Plenty of bibs (approx. 20)
• Muslin cloths
• Bottles x 6 (BPA-free plastic)
• Bottle teats
• Sterilizer (preferably microwave)
• Bottlebrush
• Formula

You May Also Enjoy 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips For Moms to Be

Baby Sleep

• A Moses basket, crib or cot
• A firm mattress
• Waterproof mattress cover x 2
• Fitted sheets x 2/3
• Swaddle blanket

TIP: If you purchase a cot, try to get a cot bed. It doubles up as a toddler bed and will save you a few pennies as baby gets older.

Baby Travel

• Approved rear-facing car seat (preferably with Isofix base)
• Pram/Buggy that reclines flat for newborns
• Baby carrier, sling or wrap (they allow mum or dad to be hands-free)
• Car window sun shade
• 2-3 blankets for out and about

TIP: See when Check It Fits is in your town next, they will install your infant’s car seat free of charge and ensure it’s fitted correctly.

Baby Changing

• Cotton wool and a small bowl of cooled boiled water (for babies under six weeks)
• Unscented baby wipes
• Nappy disposal bags
• Nappy rash cream/ointment
• Changing mat
• A changing bag with plenty of pockets to carry all your essentials whenever you leave the house

For disposable nappies:

• An unlimited supply of disposable nappies in the size best suited to your baby’s weight (plan for at least 10-12 per day)

For reusable nappies:

• At least 25 all-in-one cloth nappies
• Biodegradable nappy liners
• A bucket with a lid (for at home)
• A wet bag (for when you’re out and about)

Some kind of baby changing unit is handy, but you don’t necessarily have to buy a custom baby changing table. You can get a chest of drawers that facilitates a changing mat on the top, so it doubles up for storage as well. Alternatively if you want to avoid extra furniture or need to save space, a changing mat on the floor does a perfectly good job.

You May Also Enjoy The Two Great Myths About Baby Skin Care

Baby Bathing

• A large, soft towel
• Soft baby sponges or face cloths x2 (one for face, one for body)
• Baby soap (try to avoid products with ingredients including parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phenoxyethanol and glycol)
• Baby shampoo

A baby bathtub can be useful but isn’t essential and takes up space – just use the bath, or even the sink during the first weeks.

Baby Care

• Digital thermometer
• Baby nail clippers or nail file
• Bulb nasal aspirator to clear any snuffles
• Soft brush and comb
• Play mat for tummy time

You May Also Enjoy This Advert from St John Ambulance Helps Parents Learn Baby CPR

The ‘Nice to Have’ List of Extras

• Baby monitor
• Nursing pillow
• Adjustable back seat car mirror
• A baby bathtub
• Changing station
• Baby bouncer seat, or somewhere for baby to chill during the day if he/she is not flaked across your chest
• Rocking chair
• Cot mobile

You May Also Enjoy 41 Reasons You Know You’re Mom to a New Baby

Save Your Money: The Non-Essentials

Sometimes it’s better not to jump on trends and splash the cash because it’s the ‘in’ thing. Here are a few items you just don’t need:

• Nappy disposal bin (just walk out to the bin!)
• Baby shoes (not until they can walk)
• Designer baby clothes (they’ll grow out of them so quickly, and particularly avoid if they are ‘handwash only’)
• Baby robes or dressing gowns
• Wipe warmers (who even thinks of these things?)
• Bath thermometer (be old school and use your elbow)
• A nappy stacker (it won’t stay stacked and they are a nuisance to fill)
• Clothes that go over a newborn’s head (you will understand in time)
• Fussy clothes with lots of buttons, zips, etc
• Cot bumper, cushions or cot toys (they may be pretty, but they are considered dangerous for young babies)
• Scented baby skincare products (newborn skin is very delicate, so stick to a few simple baby-friendly items)

Where to Buy

I asked around a few friends and some favourite baby retailers include:

• Mothercare both online shop as well as stores around the country (UK and Ireland)
• Bellababy has an online shop and stores in Cork, Maynooth, Galway and Dublin (Ireland)
• Babydirect.com.au online store (Australia)
• Buy Buy Baby online store (US)

You May Also Enjoy 30 Blooming Cute Flower Baby Names for Girls and 75 Unique Nature Baby Names You Are Sure to Love

Is there anything you would add to our baby checklist? Or anything you bought for your baby that you wish you hadn’t? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!