Newborn Shopping Checklist

What You Really Need Before the Baby Arrives

Preparing for a newborn can quickly turn into a very long shopping list. Walk into any baby store or start searching online, and it can feel like your baby needs hundreds of products.

They don't.

At Birth You Desire®, we recommend buying, organizing, and having your newborn essentials ready before 36 weeks of pregnancy. Babies do not always arrive on their due dates, and getting these tasks done early gives you more time to rest and prepare for birth.

Here is a practical newborn shopping and preparation checklist.

Start With a Safe Place for Baby to Sleep

Your baby needs a safe sleep space from the first night home.

Choose a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets current safety standards. You will also need fitted sheets designed specifically for that sleep surface.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs for every sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface.

Keep pillows, loose blankets, stuffed animals, bumper pads, positioners, and other soft items out of your baby's sleep space.

Preparing for birth and feeling unsure about your options? The Birth You Desire doulas support families in Phoenix, Washington, DC, and virtually.

Newborn Sleep Shopping List

Consider purchasing:

• Crib or bassinet

• 2 to 3 fitted sheets

• Several swaddles or wearable swaddles

• White-noise machine

• Baby monitor

You may want several types of swaddles because babies and parents have different preferences. Traditional muslin blankets work well for some families, while Velcro or zippered swaddles may be easier in the middle of the night.

Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll.

Car Seat and Stroller

Your baby's car seat is one of the most important purchases you will make.

Your newborn should ride in a properly installed, rear-facing car seat.

Install your car seat before 36 weeks. Read both the car seat manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual. Or consider having your installation checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

If you purchase an infant carrier with a separate base, the base typically remains installed in your vehicle while the infant carrier can be removed.

You may also want:

• Stroller

• Diaper bag or backpack

• Baby carrier or wrap

Babywearing can be a convenient way to keep your baby close while freeing your hands. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure your baby's airway remains visible and unobstructed.

Newborn Clothing

Newborns do not need an enormous wardrobe. Babies grow quickly, and some babies are already too large for newborn-size clothing when they are born.

A practical starting point is:

• 6 onesies- newborn size for babies estimated under 7.5 pounds, or 0- 3 months for babies over 7.5 pounds

• 4 newborn sleepers

• 12 burp cloths

• 6 baby washcloths

• Several swaddles

• Baby bath towels

• Fitted crib or bassinet sheets

Diapers and Hygiene Supplies

Newborns go through a surprising number of diapers. Having enough supplies at home means you will not need an emergency shopping trip during your first few days home.

Stock up on:

• Newborn and size 1 diapers

• Unscented baby wipes

• Diaper barrier ointment

• Gentle baby shampoo or wash

• Nasal aspirator

• Digital thermometer

• Nail file or emery board

• Diaper pail or covered trash can

• Baby bathtub or sink insert

• Cool-mist humidifier

Avoid buying too many newborn-size diapers before birth. Babies grow at different rates, and some will move into size 1 quickly.

Feeding Supplies

What you need will depend on how you plan to feed your baby. Even families planning to breastfeed exclusively may decide to have a few bottles available.

Consider having:

• A few newborn bottles

• Slow-flow nipples

• Bottle brush

• Bottle drying rack

• Bottle-cleaning supplies

• Burp cloths

• Breast pads if nursing

If you plan to pump, learn how your breast pump works before your baby arrives.

Your feeding needs may change after birth. You do not need to purchase every feeding product before you know what works for you and your baby.

Tummy Time and Baby Gear

Newborns need very little entertainment. Your face, voice, touch, and interaction provide enormous stimulation during the early weeks.

A few useful items include:

• Tummy-time mat or clean floor blanket

• Baby carrier

• Age-appropriate books

• A few simple toys for later

• Pacifiers, if desired

A bouncer or similar infant seat can be convenient when your baby gets a little older, but these products are not safe sleep spaces. If your baby falls asleep somewhere that is not approved for infant sleep, move them to an appropriate firm, flat sleep surface as soon as practical.

Don't Forget About the Parents

Some of the best things you can purchase before birth are not technically baby products. Think about what will make your postpartum recovery easier.

Consider stocking:

• Easy meals and snacks- get 10% off Chiyo prepared meals here.

• Large water bottle and electrolytes

• Postpartum recovery supplies

• Comfortable clothing

• Nursing or pumping supplies, if needed

• Household essentials

• Toiletries

• Medications approved by your healthcare provider

You may also want to arrange grocery delivery, meal delivery, housekeeping, dog walking, or other services before your baby arrives.

What Should Be Done Before 36 Weeks?

Shopping is only part of preparing for a newborn.

Try to complete these important tasks before 36 weeks:

• Install your car seat

• Prepare your baby's safe sleep space

• Choose a pediatrician

• Discuss daycare or childcare

• Complete childbirth education

• Take an infant CPR class

• Complete a newborn care class

• Take a breastfeeding or infant feeding class

• Prepare your birth preferences

• Discuss pelvic floor care

• Identify postpartum mental health resources

• Make a postpartum support plan

The goal is not to have a perfect nursery.

The goal is to have the essentials ready so you can focus on recovery, bonding, feeding, and learning about your new baby.

Prepare for Your Baby With Birth You Desire®

There is a big difference between buying everything your baby might need and actually feeling prepared to bring your baby home.

Birth You Desire® helps families prepare for pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and postpartum recovery with evidence-based education and individualized support.

Our services include childbirth education, birth doula support, postpartum doula care, infant CPR education, lactation support, newborn education, and additional pregnancy and postpartum resources.

Your birth. Your body. Your baby.

Visit BirthYouDesire.com to explore our services and connect with the Birth You Desire® team.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Talk with your pediatrician, OB, midwife, lactation professional, or other qualified healthcare professional about your family's individual needs.

Birth You Desire doulas have supported thousands of families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Have Questions About Your Birth Journey? Talk With A Doula.

The Birth You Desire team supports families in Phoenix, Washington DC, and virtually through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. During a discovery call, we’ll talk about your goals and answer any questions you may have.