Newborn Checklist & Baby Essentials
Having a baby and not sure where to start? Start with our newborn checklist.
This newborn checklist is split into eight lists, from the nursery to the hospital bag. Each one covers one part of life with a newborn. It tells you what you need, how many, and what to look for, with options from our range beside every item. Tick things off as you go and your progress is saved on your device.
8 checklists
The Nursery Checklist
A calm, safe place to sleep, change and feed.
Open the checklist →12 itemsThe Feeding Checklist
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding essentials for the early months.
Open the checklist →9 itemsThe Bath and Care Checklist
A calm bath routine and everyday care.
Open the checklist →13 itemsThe Out and About Checklist
What to push, carry and pack when you leave the house.
Open the checklist →9 itemsThe Car Checklist
The right car seat and the extras that make drives easier.
Open the checklist →9 itemsThe Play and Bonding Checklist
Simple things for stimulation, connection and development.
Open the checklist →11 itemsThe Family Travel Checklist
Light, compact gear for a first family getaway.
Open the checklist →11 itemsThe Hospital Bag Checklist
What to pack for mum, baby and the trip home.
Open the checklist →How it works
- 1Pick a checklist
- 2Read what you need and how many
- 3Tick items off as you shop
- 4Print the list to take with you
Newborn essentials at a glance
If you only buy the basics before your baby arrives, these are the newborn essentials most families use from day one. Each list has the full detail.
Sleep
A bassinet or cot with a firm, snug-fitting mattress, fitted sheets, and two or three wraps or a sleeping bag. See the checklist →
Feeding
Breast pads and nipple balm if breastfeeding, or four to six bottles and a steriliser if bottle feeding. Bibs and burp cloths for every feed. See the checklist →
Nappy change and bath
Newborn nappies, wipes, a change mat, a baby bath, soft towels and gentle skincare. See the checklist →
Clothing
Six to eight bodysuits, four to six sleepsuits, a hat, socks and a light blanket. Newborns outgrow 0000 size quickly, so do not overbuy. See the checklist →
Car and getting around
An approved rear-facing capsule or car seat for the trip home, a pram or carrier, and a nappy bag. See the checklist →
Play and settling
A play gym or mat for tummy time, a few soft toys and a bouncer for short supervised breaks. See the checklist →
Turn your checklist into a baby registry
Family and friends often ask what you need. Add items from any checklist to a free Baby Little Planet baby registry and share one link, so you get the things you actually want and no doubles.
Newborn checklist FAQs
What do I need to buy before my baby arrives?
Before your baby arrives you need a safe place for them to sleep, a correctly fitted car seat, nappies and a place to change them, a few outfits, and feeding supplies. Our nursery checklist, car checklist and feeding checklist cover these first.
When should I start buying baby things?
Many parents start buying larger items such as the cot, pram and car seat in the second trimester, because some are made to order. Smaller items can wait until the third trimester.
Which baby checklist should I start with?
Start with the nursery checklist and the car checklist, because furniture and car seats take the longest to choose, deliver and set up. The feeding and bath and care checklists are quicker to finish closer to your due date.
Can I print the baby checklists?
Yes. Each checklist has a Print checklist button that prints only the list of items, ready to take shopping or share.
What are the newborn essentials?
The newborn essentials are a safe place to sleep, a correctly fitted rear-facing car seat, nappies and wipes, a few outfits and wraps, and feeding supplies. A pram, baby bath and play mat are useful soon after. Everything else can wait until you know what your baby needs.
How many newborn clothes do I need?
Six to eight bodysuits, four to six sleepsuits, two or three wraps, a hat and a few pairs of socks is enough for most newborns. Babies grow out of newborn size quickly, so buy a mix of 0000 and 000.
What should I put on my baby registry?
Put the bigger items you need first on your registry, such as the pram, car seat, cot and nursing chair, then add smaller everyday items from each checklist. Our baby registry is free to set up and easy to share.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Pack your hospital bag by about 36 weeks. Our hospital bag checklist covers what to pack for mum, baby and the trip home.