A Baby Essentials Checklist For New Mamas

This post is all about the new baby essentials checklist you are going to need if you are newly pregnant! It is always good to be prepared!

Are you pregnant or did you just have your precious bundle of joy recently? Chances are, you need some things for them, right? Trust me, there is ALWAYS something (or many things!) that a new (and seasoned!) mom and dad forget to buy! 

I have some great new baby toys and gear below. Hopefully, my printable new baby essentials checklist (found at the end of this post) with new baby gear will help you finish off your baby registry list! 

*This post includes my affiliate links

New Baby Essentials Checklist

A new baby needs SO many things, it is true! Below, you will find my top must-have baby gear items that deserve a spot on your baby registry. 

Newborn Carrier 

We are loving the new hope&plum Sprout Newborn Carrier that was just released on February 4th!!! The Sprout Newborn Carrier is the latest release from hope&plum.

They are a brand created by two moms who were done with gear that didn’t fit real life or real bodies. This buckle carrier is made just for those early days and weeks and is perfect for babies 7 to 24 pounds. 

This carrier is made with their signature soft woven fabric that holds its shape and is made for all body types. It has a higher waistband that sits higher to help avoid any sensitive areas on new mama’s who have just given birth.

It is breathable and made with natural fibers, making it comfy for mama and babe. It can also be packed down to fit in the palm of your hand!

Makes it so easy to take with you on the go! And? It is ethically made the USA! This newborn carrier retails for $99–$114! It comes in 20 different colors/patterns. Check out the full collection here!

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Convertible Car Seat or Infant Car Seat

You can’t leave the hospital without a carseat for your littlest one. Your baby’s first big ride home needs to be safe and secure. Start with an infant seat or go with a convertible that grows with them. Either way, it’s a must-have!

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Breast Pump (If Breastfeeding)

A breastpump, for me, was essential to have! I don’t think I could have breastfed my littles without one! They are affordable, but if you don’t have the money to buy one, you can check what’s covered by your insurance. Don’t forget extras like milk storage bags, nipple balm for those sore nips, and a comfy pumping bras!

Using a breastpump is also great for building a freezer stash when returning to work, or just getting a break from breastfeeding and allowing someone else to feed baby! 

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Soft Baby Blanket & Muslin Swaddle Blankets

I always had a really soft and cozy baby blanket, and I had a few different muslin swaddle blankets to wrap my baby in. I feel these are important to have on hand.

These are great for not only comforting your baby, but you can also swaddle your little one snuggly in a muslin blanket, and they actually will sleep more soundly! They sleep better because it resembles your snug womb and really comforts the baby. 

Nursing Pillow

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a nursing pillow will support your baby and keeps your arms from feeling like they’re going to fall off (been there!).

It also helps with positioning and can be a comfy spot for baby to lounge later on. I loved my Boppy Nursing Pillow and used it for all three of my babies!

I couldn’t be without it when feeding my littles! Plus, my babies always feel asleep because it was so comfy for them! I thought it was cozy too!

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Nursing Cover

A nursing cover was also something I didn’t know I needed! Breastfeeding mamas feed their babies when they are hungry, and if that means we are out and about, then so be it.

A nursing cover helps conceal your nursing baby and any nip slips you may have. Perfect for wandering eyes or unneeded attention when you are only trying to feed your hungry baby.

It really is ridiculous how people react when they see a breastfeeding mama just trying to feed her hungry babe. Like, stop looking at me! Duh!

I have A LOT to say about this subject, but I will stop! Haha…Ugh. Anyway, if you are planning on breastfeeding, get a nursing cover!

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Bottles & Bottle Brush

Even if you’re nursing, having bottles on hand is SO helpful for pumped breast milk. Add a bottle brush or bottle sterilizer for deep cleaning the baby bottles, and maybe a few different nipples to test, to find the best one for your little one. I liked this glass bottle that helps with colic and gas!

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Bottle Warmer

A bottle warmer heats milk or baby formula to just the right temp without any guesswork (or hot spots), and is a safer way to warm bottles. They are perfect to use for late-night feeds when you’re bleary-eyed and don’t want to fuss with too much.

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Diapers & Wipes

You’ll go through these soooooooo fast! Make sure to register for a few different sizes (not just newborn as they grow SO fast!) and fragrance-free wipes or water wipes! That way, the wipes won’t hurt your new baby’s delicate skin.

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Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail

Trust me when I say, you will NEED this!!! Not only does the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail keep all the poopy, gross odors away and hidden, but it also makes a new mama’s life SO much easier!

It is easy to set up and even easier to use! This is definitely a must-have item for new mamas that I didn’t know I needed so badly! GET ONE!

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Burp Cloths

Tiny but mighty and much much needed! Burp cloths help to protect your clothes (and everything else) from spit-up, drool, or milk dribbles. I always kept a them stashed all around the house because I was grabbing for them constantly!

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Infant First Aid Kit

Thermometer, baby-safe nail clippers, nasal aspirator, gas relief drops, saline spray, medicine dropper, etc.! You’ll want an infant first aid kit for peace of mind!

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Pacifiers

I know not every parent wants to give their new baby a pacifier. However, it was the ONLY thing my youngest son would take. It helped soothe him to sleep. I would have been admitted to an mental hospital had I not had a pacifier for him!

He was very fussy and cried ALL the time (despite many doctors visits and trying so many different things!). Sometimes babies are just criers!

I also red that they can help reduce the risk of SIDS when used during naps and bedtime (of course do your own research!). Be sure to add a few different shapes or brands to your baby registry as some babies are picky!

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Soft Baby Towels & Washcloths

Since baby skin is super sensitive, it is important to have really soft towels and washcloths that are gentle and safe for bath time.

Hooded towels keep them warm and dry after a soak in the baby tub, and the cuteness factor doesn’t hurt either! Especially if you get a cute hooded baby towel that resembles a cute animal! Amazon has some REALLY cute ones!

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Baby Bathtub

Having a baby bathtub makes bathtime way easier in the beginning. It will help keep your baby safe and supported while bathing them (they get so slippery at times!). Some baby tubs fit in the sink, others go in the tub so just pick what works best for your space.

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Baby Lotion & Diaper Cream

Newborn skin is soooo delicate and can dry out really fast. A gentle, fragrance-free natural baby lotion will help to keep their skin soft and hydrated. Diaper rash cream is also a must for protecting baby’s bottom from irritation and redness from diapers and other things.

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Portable Diaper Caddy

A portable diaper caddy keeps diaper-changing essentials in one spot so you can move it from room to room, especially helpful during those newborn days when you’re camped out in the living room half the time.

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Diaper Bag Backpack

Trust me, the backpack style will save your shoulders and your sanity. Bonus if it has insulated pockets for breastmilk or formula! 

It will also hold all the other things a new mama needs, like: diapers, wipes, bottles, extra clothes, snacks (for mom too!) bottled water, etc.! Backpack styles = comfier and way easier to carry!

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Bassinet Or Co-Sleeper

Keep baby close and safe during those sleepy, long nights! This is perfect for those early newborn months. It will keep your baby close and makes middle-of-the-night feeds so much easier because you don’t have to get out of bed!

Unless you formula feed and have to warm a bottle! But even then, having a bassinet or a co-sleeper by your bedside is just SO much easier for the new mama!!

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Sound Machine!!!

I absolutely cannot recommend a sound machine enough!!! It really helps soothe the baby (and YOU!!!) with white noise, lullabies, or nature sounds.

White noise helps baby fall asleep and stay asleep. It also helps to block out barking dogs, doorbells, and loud siblings, and more.

I couldn’t live without my sound machine when my kids were so little! We all slept SO much better! I still use my sound machine every single night!

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Baby Clothes

Swaddles are a must-have for the early weeks! Swaddles help calm newborns by mimicking the womb. Once baby starts rolling, switch to sleep sacks for safer, cozier sleeping. I always had a few on hand so I could grab one and put it on my babe, whenever I needed to get my little one to sleep.

You’ll go through way more baby clothes than you think! From yellow newborn poops to spit up and more, you will need lots of little onesies and sleepers! Zippered sleepers (easy to put on and take off) and onesies are the MVPs for daily use and easy washing!

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Baby Monitor

Whether it’s audio-only or a full-on video setup, peace of mind is priceless! I don’t think I could have done the earlier years without a baby monitor because I was always SO nervous about something happening! 

A baby monitor helps you keep eyes and ears on your baby from another room. Some have video, night vision, or even heart rate tracking, which is so helpful to parents!

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High Chair

Once your little one is able to sit by themselves, a sturdy, easy-to-clean high chair is a must! When your baby starts solids (usually around 6 months, but ultimately it is up to you, mama!), you’ll want a safe place to feed them that’s easy to clean and supports their little body. Look for one that grows with baby. 

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Stroller (Lightweight Or Travel System)

Whether you’re doing long walks or running some quick errands, a good, strong, easy to push lightweight stroller that can be easily folded up, is key.

Bonus if it clicks in with your infant car seat (these are usually called ‘travel systems‘ and usually come with the car seat).

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Baby Bouncer Or Swing

Trust me when I tell you that having a baby vibrating bouncer or baby swing will be a lifesaver for you, because it WILL!! I promise! There were so many times I was alone with a crying baby, and I just needed a moment to myself!

When I needed a safe place to put my new baby, I used a baby bouncer and a swing for him. It helped me SO much and gave me a little time away from holding my baby so I could do a little self-care or housework! Definitely put these on your baby registry!

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Baby Laundry Detergent

Baby skin is sensitive, so you’ll want a fragrance-free, gentle detergent for washing all those tiny clothes, blankets, and burp cloths.

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Baby Health Tracking Notebook

A baby health tracking notebook helps you keep track of feedings, diaper changes, sleep patterns, medications, and milestones all in one place (kinda like a baby memory book!).

It’s perfect for spotting routines, staying organized, and having all the info ready for doctor visits, especially when your brain’s running on zero sleep! This was a total lifesaver during those chaotic newborn days.

I also highly recommend writing in it for YOU! I used part of my baby health tracking notebook, for my diary to jot down how I was feeling and my thoughts! It really helped me as a new mama!!