New baby shopping checklist

Plan purchases for the first weeks, using the quantities as examples. Delete covered or unnecessary purchases and use notes for measurements and arrangements. Done moves a priced row to Paid; do not use it to mark an item you already own. Choose feeding equipment for your household's actual plan.

Ready-made list. It saves when you change something.

0/24 done

A simple sleep setup
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Crib or bassinetChoose one infant sleep space that meets local safety rules; check recalls and complete instructions.1
Crib or bassinet mattressNew, firm, flat and a snug fit for the exact sleep-space model; check whether it is included.1
Fitted sheetsMatch the mattress dimensions and fit securely; adjust the spare quantity to laundry frequency.2
Baby monitorOptional for observing the baby: check home range, maker's placement instructions and cord reach. The AAP reports no evidence that home cardiorespiratory monitors reduce SIDS risk.1
Diaper changes
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DiapersStart with a small pack, disposable or reusable as chosen; check fit before stocking up on one size.1
Cotton balls or wipesChoose a small pack; wipes should be gentle, fragrance-free and alcohol-free.1
Changing padCheck dimensions, cleaning and permitted placement in the maker's instructions; keep needed supplies within reach.1
Clothes and washing
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BodysuitsCheck the maker's weight/length sizing, openings and care instructions; four is an editable starting count.4
SleepersChoose the maker's size range and fastening that suit the baby; adjust count to washing and other clothes.4
Pairs of socksCheck the actual size and cuff fit rather than buying a size to grow into.2
Cardigan or outer layerCheck the maker's size range and openings and choose for the expected weather; follow care-team clothing advice.1
Seasonal outdoor hatFor outings if needed; remove indoors and do not add it to the sleep setup.1
Soft towelsCheck size, washing and drying instructions; adjust the two-towel example to your routine.2
Soft washable clothsCheck intended use and washing/drying instructions; a material name alone does not establish drying speed or skin suitability.2
Baby bathCheck maker's placement and use instructions. An adult must supervise continuously; a bath seat does not replace supervision.1
Nail file or clippersChoose a baby nail tool and follow its instructions; NHS guidance includes baby clippers, rounded safety scissors or a fine emery board.1
Feeding equipment, if needed
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Burp clothsCheck care instructions and quantity for your routine; keep loose cloths out of the baby's sleep space.4
Bottles and nipplesIf needed, check bottle/nipple compatibility and the care team's advice on nipple flow before buying a set.2
Bottle and nipple brushIf using bottles, choose a brush reserved for feeding equipment and follow cleaning guidance.1
Sterilizing suppliesSteam, cold-water or boiling: pick the method that suits your bottles and kitchen first.1
Breast pumpCheck flange size, single or double pumping and spare parts; ask about loan or rental first.1
Getting out and about
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Newborn car seatRear-facing, suitable for a newborn; confirm local approval, baby's size, vehicle fit and installation.1
Newborn strollerNeeds a lie-flat newborn position; check the folded size against your trunk and what's included.1
Bag for changing suppliesTry an existing bag first; check space, cleaning instructions and whether any changing pad or bottle pocket is needed.1

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Printable checklist (24 items)

A simple sleep setup

Crib or bassinet
Crib or bassinet mattress
Fitted sheets x2
Baby monitor

Diaper changes

Diapers
Cotton balls or wipes
Changing pad

Clothes and washing

Bodysuits x4
Sleepers x4
Pairs of socks x2
Cardigan or outer layer
Seasonal outdoor hat
Soft towels x2
Soft washable cloths x2
Baby bath
Nail file or clippers

Feeding equipment, if needed

Burp cloths x4
Bottles and nipples x2
Bottle and nipple brush
Sterilizing supplies
Breast pump

Getting out and about

Newborn car seat
Newborn stroller
Bag for changing supplies

Start with a safe place to sleep: a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly and nothing loose in the crib. For the ride home, choose a rear-facing car seat suitable from birth and skip used seats whose history you don't know.

Before you shop

Buy for your laundry routine

Treat the clothing quantities as a starting point. Check gifts and the first size before adding more, then adjust when your washing routine shows what is missing.

Check fit before comparing prices

Measure the room, storage space and folded stroller, and confirm car-seat compatibility. Once an item fits your setup, compare the exact model and the parts included in the price.

Keep the sleep shopping list short

Focus on the sleep space, matching mattress and fitted sheets. Leave pillows, crib bumpers, nests and decorative bedding off the sleep setup; follow current local safer-sleep guidance.

Choose feeding equipment after the plan is clear

Bottles, a pump and sterilizing supplies depend on your feeding plan. Delete purchases that do not apply. For relevant equipment, check the care team's advice, compatible parts and any loan or rental before buying a set.

Questions about this list

Do I need to buy every item before the baby arrives?

No. Keep the relevant sleep, changing, clothing and travel purchases and delete the rest. Feeding rows should follow the household's plan and care-team guidance. Review existing supplies and gifts before buying; nothing in the starting list establishes what you own.

What can I buy second-hand?

Clothes and washable everyday items may be useful after checking their condition. For a crib, check recalls, parts and instructions, and plan for a new matching mattress. Do not buy a car seat with unknown history - confirm its labels, recalls, age, parts and instructions against manufacturer guidance and local rules.

Which baby items are worth a price check?

The crib or bassinet, mattress, car seat and any stroller or pump you decide to buy are useful candidates. First match the exact model, fit and included accessories; a cheaper incompatible item does not solve the need.

Sources

Updated: October 5, 2026

NHS - What to buy for your newborn baby
UK public-health starter categories for changing, clothes and conditional feeding equipment. The list below uses its own editable quantities and is not an NHS or locally approved list.
Checked: 2026-10-05
AAP HealthyChildren - How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
US pediatric guidance supporting a compliant infant sleep space, a firm flat matching mattress and fitted sheet. It also states there is no evidence that home cardiorespiratory monitors reduce SIDS risk. US product standards do not establish Israeli or Italian approval.
Checked: 2026-10-05
NHS - Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
UK guidance supporting a separate clear infant sleep space and avoiding pillows, bumpers, nests and loose sleep accessories. Supports shopping exclusions, not an individualized sleep plan.
Checked: 2026-10-05
NHS - Choosing a baby car seat
UK guidance on newborn suitability, rear-facing travel, vehicle fit and manufacturer instructions. Local approval rules and the provider's discharge requirements must be confirmed separately.
Checked: 2026-10-05
NHTSA - Used Car Seat Safety Checklist
US transport authority checks for used-seat history, labels, recalls, parts and instructions. A seller's claim alone is not verification, and local rules still apply.
Checked: 2026-10-05
NHS - Sterilising baby bottles
UK guidance on bottle brushes and alternative sterilising methods. Supports conditional equipment selection; local care-team advice and product instructions determine the household's method.
Checked: 2026-10-05
NHS - Washing and bathing your baby
UK guidance supporting basic towels, a baby bath or suitable existing bowl, and infant nail-care tools. Bath equipment never replaces an adult's continuous supervision.
Checked: 2026-10-05