Newborn essentials checklist: Must-have baby items with diapers and a teddy bear in a cozy nursery.

Newborn essentials checklist: What you actually need

By Awaiting the Stork Staff

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Bringing home a newborn is exciting, overwhelming, and a little terrifying —kind of like realizing your grocery list was in your other purse after you get to the store. With so many baby products out there, how do you know what’s actually necessary and what’s just marketing hype?


We’ve put together a practical newborn checklist covering everything from diapering, feeding, and sleeping to on-the-go must-haves —plus Amazon recommendations to make your life easier. Let’s get you stocked up and ready to rock parenthood!


Newborn diapering essentials 💩

Diapers. So. Many. Diapers. Your newborn will go through about 8–12 diapers a day , so stock up! Here’s what you’ll need:

Must-have products

✔  Pampers Swaddlers – Soft, absorbent, and has a wetness indicator (because guessing is overrated).
✔  Hiccapop Wipe Warmer – Because nobody likes a cold surprise on their bum at 3 AM.
✔  Boudreaux’s Butt Paste  – Prevents diaper rash like a champ.

Pro tip

Try a diaper subscription — so you’re never caught without them (yes, it happens to the best of us).

Newborn sleeping essentials 😴

Babies sleep a lot—but not always when you want them to. The right setup can help make those precious hours count!

Must-have products

✔  Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet  – A safe, portable sleeping spot for those first months.
✔  Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine  – White noise helps mimic the womb and drowns out your noisy neighbor’s dog.
✔  HALO SleepSack Swaddle  – Because your little one is a baby ninja and will escape traditional swaddles.

Pro tip

Keep a diaper caddy next to your bed for middle-of-the-night changes—trust us, future-you will be grateful.

Newborn feeding essentials 🍼

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or both , having the right gear makes feeding time less stressful .

Must-have products

✔  Lansinoh Anti-Colic Baby Bottles  – Helps reduce gas and spit-up , because less crying = happier parents.
✔  Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – Catches extra milk while nursing—liquid gold doesn’t go to waste!
✔  Boppy Nursing Pillow – Supports your arms, neck, and sanity during endless feedings.
✔  Phillips Avent Bottle Sterilizer  – Because handwashing 10,000 bottles is not a vibe.

Pro tip

If you’re breastfeeding , stock up on nipple cream and breast pads to stay comfy.

Newborn clothing essentials 👕

Babies outgrow clothes faster than you can say “growth spurt”—so don’t overdo it on newborn sizes!

Must-have products

✔  Simple Joys by Carter’s Onesies – Soft, stretchy, and easy to snap at 2 AM.
✔  Love to Dream Swaddle – Perfect for babies who like their arms up while sleeping.
✔  Gerber Baby Mittens  – Because baby nails are tiny daggers waiting to scratch their faces.

Pro tip

Zipper pajamas over button pajamas...because no one has time for 20 snaps in the middle of the night!

Newborn bathing essentials 🛁

Newborns don’t need daily baths, but having the right baby-safe bath supplies makes bath time fun instead of stressful!

Must-have products

✔  Angelcare Baby Bath Support – Holds baby securely while you wash.
✔  Frida Baby 4-in-1 Grow-With-Me Tub  – Works from newborn to toddler stages.
✔  Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo  – Gentle and tear-free (for baby and you).

Pro tip

Use a soft washcloth instead of wipes for extra gentle cleaning.

Newborn travel essentials 🚗

Whether you’re taking baby on quick errands or a big trip , these on-the-go essentials make life easier.

Must-have products

✔  Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat  – One of the safest and easiest to install car seats.
✔  Skip Hop Portable Changing Pad  – For diaper changes anywhere (because blowouts happen at the worst times).
✔  Diaper Bag Backpack  – Hands-free and holds everything, including 20 extra pacifiers.

Pro tip
Keep an extra outfit (or two) in the diaper bag —because some disasters require a full wardrobe change.

Final thoughts: Newborn essentials made simple

You don’t need every fancy baby product out there—just the baby essentials that make your life easier . Focus on practical, safe, and functional items to save money and stress while caring for your little one.

✔️ Diapers, wipes, & changing supplies
✔️ Safe sleeping setup & swaddles
✔️ Feeding must-haves (bottles, pump, or formula)
✔️ Comfortable baby clothes (zip-up pajamas = lifesaver!)
✔️ Car seat & diaper bag for on-the-go convenience

With this newborn essentials checklist , you’re officially ready to welcome your baby home — you got this, mom!

The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances. 

Profile photo of Mindy Motta, FNP-C

Content contribution & expert reviewed by

Mindy Motta, FNP-C 

Mindy is a seasoned OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Awaiting the Stork™. After overcoming her own years-long fertility journey, she now blends clinical expertise with heartfelt empathy to offer new mom advice and evidence-based support for every stage of motherhood. Mindy’s mission is to nurture confidence, connection, and clarity for women stepping into motherhood’s many joys and challenges.

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