What Do I Actually Need? The New-Parent Essentials Checklist

A newborn's true essentials fall into a few simple categories: a safe place to sleep, a way to feed, diapering supplies, a car seat and a way to get around, a few clothes and swaddles, basic bath and health items, and a couple of soothing extras. Here is the category-by-category checklist.

A safe place to sleep

A crib or bassinet, a firm mattress, and fitted sheets, plus sleep sacks or swaddles. Keep the sleep space bare, with no loose blankets, pillows, or bumpers.

Feeding

Bottles, bibs, and burp cloths. If you plan to nurse, add a breast pump and nursing supplies; if you plan to use formula, add bottles and a way to clean them.

Diapering

Diapers (register for a range of sizes, since newborns grow fast), wipes, a changing pad, diaper cream, and a diaper bag.

On the go

An infant car seat, a stroller or travel system, and a carrier. See our car seat guide and stroller guide to choose. Not sure which stroller or car seat? Take our Find Your Gear quiz.

Clothing

Onesies, footed sleepers, socks, hats, and a few weather-appropriate layers. Register for a range of sizes.

Bath and health

A baby tub, hooded towels, a gentle wash, a thermometer, nail clippers, and a nasal aspirator.

Soothe and play

Pacifiers, swaddle blankets, a sound machine, and a few first toys.