Newborn Essentials

Not long to go now until your little one is finally here, so it's time to start preparing the nursery with everything your baby may need during the first year of life. We've put together a checklist for you of everything you could possibly need or want to help you shop, add to your baby shower registry, and prepare for your little one's arrival.

Nesting will likely start in a few weeks, so having everything ready and waiting will give you something to organize and beautify once your nesting instincts kick in.

If you don't think you'll need everything on the list below, just cross out what you won't need and check off what you buy as you go. Have fun!

Furniture

  • ☐  Crib & mattress, mattress cover, fitted sheets
  • ☐  Changing pad/mat, changing pad cover
  • ☐  Moses basket/bassinet/portable crib
  • ☐  Nursing chair
  • ☐  Wardrobe/chest of drawers

Changing & Bath Time

  • ☐  Towels
  • ☐  Bath insert/Newborn bathtub
  • ☐  Wash cloths
  • ☐  Creams & lotions
  • ☐  Soap & shampoo
  • ☐  Nail trimming kit
  • ☐  Hairbrush
  • ☐  Baby wipes
  • ☐  Disposable diapers or reusable diapers & liners
  • ☐  Diaper rash cream
  • ☐  Bath thermometer
  • ☐  Diaper genie/genie refill bags

Electronics

  • ☐  Baby monitor
  • ☐  Room thermometer
  • ☐  Night light/lullaby/white noise machine
  • ☐  Baby body temperature thermometer
  • ☐  Nasal aspirator

Travel

  • ☐  Car seat & base
  • ☐  Sun blinds for car
  • ☐  Stroller/travel system
  • ☐  Rain cover/sunshade
  • ☐  Diaper bag with changing mat
  • ☐  Travel crib
  • ☐  Baby carrier/sling

Clothes

  • ☐  Sleepsuits/long sleeve onesies
  • ☐  Short-sleeve suits/vests
  • ☐  T-shirts/dresses
  • ☐  Leggings/trousers
  • ☐  Cardigans/jackets
  • ☐  Socks
  • ☐  Sleep bag
  • ☐  Snowsuit/swimsuit
  • ☐  Hat/mittens/booties

Feeding

  • ☐  Bibs/Burp cloths
  • ☐  Breast pump, nipple covers & creams
  • ☐  Milk storage bags
  • ☐  Muslins/Cover-ups
  • ☐  Bottles, nipples & bottle brush
  • ☐  Pacifier
  • ☐  Bottle/Pacifier/Nipple Sterilizer
  • ☐  Nursing pillow
  • ☐  Nursing bra
  • ☐  Breast pads
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Just remember, babies go through quite a few outfit changes from spit-up, diaper explosions, and drool, so make sure you stock up (and in lots of different sizes), making note of what season it will be when your baby potentially fits into each size. This will minimize how many loads of laundry you’re washing and means you don't have to feel guilty buying a whole host of different outfits and cute clothes.

If you're looking for a helping hand during pregnancy, to get some of these newborn essentials for free, or for less, check out our offers and take advantage of our freebies, discounts, competitions and more.

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