Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most beautiful moments, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. We know firsthand the excitement and challenges that come with getting everything ready for your little one’s arrival. At Newborn Bliss, we’ve put together this newborn essentials checklist to help guide you through the process. From stocking up on diapers and onesies to making sure the nursery is cozy and safe, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or expanding your family, this list will help you stay organized and ready, so you can focus on savoring those precious first days with your newborn.

Conclusion

Preparing for a newborn is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking times we’ve experienced as parents. We remember the countless hours spent making sure everything was just right, from setting up the nursery to finding those must-have items that would make the first few weeks a little easier. This newborn essentials checklist is designed to help you feel more prepared, just like we needed to be. As you get ready, focus on practical items that will truly make a difference in your day-to-day life. The peace of mind that comes from being prepared allows you to savor those early moments, which will become some of your most cherished memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I start preparing for my newborn?

From our experience, it’s best to start preparing and gathering essentials around the second trimester, especially after 12 weeks. By then, you’ve likely had a chance to take a breath and get a sense of what you’ll need. Starting early gives you plenty of time to research, ask other parents for advice, and select items that will work best for you and your baby. We found that spreading the process out helped reduce stress, allowing us to enjoy the anticipation of our baby’s arrival.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic

2. How many outfits does a newborn need?

Newborns are experts at creating laundry! From spit-ups to diaper changes, they can easily go through multiple outfits each day. Based on our experience, having around 5-7 onesies, 4-5 footed pajamas, and some extras like hats, mittens, and socks is a good start. Remember, comfort is key—soft, easy-to-change outfits will be your best friends in those early days.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

3. What are the most important items to have for a newborn?

There are a few essentials that we couldn’t imagine getting through those first weeks without: a safe crib or bassinet, plenty of diapers, cozy baby clothes, a reliable car seat, and feeding supplies (whether that’s bottles or breastfeeding gear). These are the basics that help keep your baby safe, comfortable, and well-nourished. Once you have these in place, you can always add other items as needed.

Source: Mayo Clinic

4. Do I need both a stroller and a baby carrier?

This really depends on your lifestyle and personal preference, but we found that having both was incredibly helpful. The stroller was perfect for long walks or running errands, giving our baby a cozy place to nap while we were out. The baby carrier, on the other hand, was a lifesaver for keeping our hands free, especially around the house or during shorter outings. It’s all about flexibility, and having both gave us options depending on the day.

Source: Mayo Clinic

5. Can I reuse items from my first child for my newborn?

Absolutely! We reused a lot of items, from cribs to clothes, which made things easier and more cost-effective the second time around. Just be sure to check that certain items, like car seats and cribs, still meet the latest safety standards. Car seats in particular have expiration dates, so it’s worth double-checking. Otherwise, a lot of baby gear can easily be passed down!

Source: Cleveland Clinic

6. How can I avoid buying unnecessary baby items?

It’s so easy to get carried away with all the adorable baby gear out there—we’ve been there! The best advice we can offer is to focus on the essentials and talk to other parents about what they found useful (and what they didn’t!). Multi-purpose products that can grow with your child, like a convertible crib or a high chair that transitions into a toddler seat, were some of the best investments we made. It also helps to resist buying too many “nice-to-have” items before the baby arrives—you can always add things later if needed.

Source: Mayo Clinic

7. Should I stock up on diapers before my baby arrives?

Yes, having a few weeks’ worth of diapers ready is a great idea—we definitely appreciated not having to make late-night diaper runs! However, we recommend not going overboard with any one size, especially newborn-sized diapers, since babies can outgrow them quickly. A mix of newborn and size 1 diapers should cover you for the first few weeks, and you can always adjust your stock once your baby’s size becomes more predictable.

Source: Mayo Clinic

8. How should I organize my baby’s nursery?

Creating an organized, functional nursery was a game-changer for us. Start by arranging the essentials—like the crib, changing table, and storage—so they’re within easy reach of each other. Trust us, in those early days, you’ll appreciate having diapers, wipes, and onesies at arm’s length during late-night changes! Use baskets or drawer organizers for baby clothes, and keep frequently used items on hand. A comfortable chair for feeding or rocking your baby is also a must-have. Most importantly, make it a space you enjoy spending time in, because you’ll be there a lot!

Source: Cleveland Clinic

9. How many diapers should I expect to go through in the first month?

Brace yourself—newborns go through a *lot* of diapers! From our experience, you can expect to change about 8-12 diapers a day during those first few weeks. That adds up quickly, so make sure to stock up! Having a diaper station stocked with wipes, creams, and extra diapers will make the process smoother. We also found that having a small diaper caddy for different rooms made things more convenient.

Source: Mayo Clinic

10. How do I know if I’m picking the right car seat?

When it came to choosing a car seat, safety was our top priority. Look for car seats that meet or exceed the latest safety standards. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends really helped us. Make sure the car seat fits in your car and is easy to install correctly—many local fire stations or hospitals can check your installation to ensure it’s secure. And don’t forget, a rear-facing car seat is recommended for as long as possible, up to the height and weight limits.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

11. What type of baby monitor should I get?

There are so many baby monitors out there, it can feel overwhelming. We went with a video monitor that had a clear display, night vision, and two-way audio, so we could hear and talk to our baby. Depending on your comfort level, some parents prefer just audio monitors. Others find peace of mind in monitors with movement or breathing sensors. Think about what will give you the most reassurance during those first few months.

Source: Mayo Clinic

 

12. How can I manage sleep deprivation in the early weeks?

Sleep deprivation is real, and we experienced it firsthand. One of the best tips we received was to sleep when the baby sleeps, even if it’s just for a short nap. Having a partner or family member help with nighttime feedings or diaper changes can make a big difference, too. It’s all about finding a routine that works for you and remembering that this phase won’t last forever. Be gentle with yourself and rest whenever you can.

Source: Mayo Clinic

13. Should I get a breast pump before my baby arrives?

If you plan to breastfeed, having a breast pump ready before your baby arrives can be helpful. We found it useful to have one early on, especially for times when we wanted to share feeding duties or when I needed to relieve discomfort. Many health insurance plans cover breast pumps, so check with your provider. Even if you don’t plan to pump right away, having one on hand can offer flexibility.

Source: Mayo Clinic

14. How do I know if I need a diaper bag?

A good diaper bag quickly became one of our most-used items! You’ll want something with plenty of compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles, and extra clothes. We chose a backpack-style diaper bag that kept our hands free, but there are lots of stylish and practical options out there. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle and makes outings with your baby easier, not harder.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

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