Newborn Essentials Checklist 2026: What You Actually Need
Skip the marketing hype. Here's what real parents say you need — and what's a waste of money.
Essential Categories
✅ True Must-Haves: Safe sleep space, car seat, diapers, feeding supplies
⭐ Very Helpful: Swing/bouncer, monitor, diaper bag
⚠️ Wait to Buy: High chair, walker, most toys
❌ Skip: Wipe warmers, baby shoes, bottle sterilizers
Feeding Essentials
For Formula Feeding
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | 1-2 cans to start | Don't stockpile until baby tolerates it |
| Bottles | 6-8 bottles | 4oz for newborns, 8oz later |
| Nipples | Size 0/1 (slow flow) | Most bottles include these |
| Bottle brush | 1-2 | Essential for cleaning |
| Drying rack | 1 | Nice to have, not essential |
| Burp cloths | 10-12 | You'll use these constantly |
Best First Formulas
- Budget-friendly: Kirkland (Costco), Parent's Choice, Up & Up
- Premium: Enfamil NeuroPro, Similac 360 Total Care
- Organic: Kendamil, Bobbie, Earth's Best
- Sensitive tummies: Gerber Good Start SoothePro
Compare formulas side-by-side →
For Breastfeeding
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing bras | Essential | 2-3 comfortable ones |
| Nipple cream | Essential | Lanolin or organic coconut oil |
| Breast pads | Essential | Disposable or reusable |
| Nursing pillow | Very helpful | Boppy or My Brest Friend |
| Breast pump | If returning to work | Check insurance coverage first |
| Milk storage bags | If pumping | Start with small pack |
Skip These
- ❌ Bottle sterilizer: Dishwasher or boiling water works fine
- ❌ Bottle warmer: Most babies accept room temp; use warm water bath
- ❌ Formula mixer/pitcher: Nice but not essential
Sleep Essentials
Must-Haves
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bassinet OR crib | $80-$400 | Bassinet for first 4-6 months is convenient |
| Firm mattress | $50-$150 | Usually included with bassinet/crib |
| Fitted sheets | $20-$40 (2-3) | Get extras for middle-of-night changes |
| Swaddles | $30-$50 (3-4) | Velcro/zipper swaddles easier than blankets |
Top Bassinet Picks
- Budget: Graco Dream Suite ($100)
- Mid-range: Halo BassiNest ($180-250)
- Premium: Snoo ($1,695) — pricey but can rent
Safe Sleep Rules (AAP)
- ✅ Firm, flat surface
- ✅ Nothing else in sleep space (no blankets, pillows, toys)
- ✅ Baby on back for every sleep
- ✅ Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for first 6 months
Very Helpful
- White noise machine: Game-changer for sleep ($20-$50)
- Blackout curtains: Help establish day/night ($20-$50)
- Baby monitor: Audio or video depending on preference ($30-$200)
Skip These
- ❌ Sleep positioners: Not safe, AAP warns against
- ❌ Fancy crib bedding sets: Bumpers, blankets not safe
- ❌ Movement monitors: Create anxiety, not proven to prevent SIDS
Diapering Essentials
Must-Haves
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn diapers | 1-2 boxes | Don't stockpile — babies grow fast! |
| Size 1 diapers | 1 box | Some babies skip newborn size |
| Wipes | 2-3 large packs | Water wipes for sensitive skin |
| Diaper cream | 1-2 tubes | Desitin, Aquaphor, or A&D |
| Changing pad | 1 | Contoured pad on dresser works |
Diaper Math
Newborns use 8-12 diapers per day. That's:
- ~250-350 diapers per month
- ~$60-100/month for disposables
- Cloth diapers: $300-600 upfront, saves money long-term
Nice to Have
- Diaper caddy: Portable basket for supplies ($15-30)
- Diaper pail: Contains odors ($25-50)
Skip
- ❌ Wipe warmer: Wipes dry out, babies adjust to room temp
- ❌ Changing table: Use dresser top or floor with pad
Clothing Essentials
Newborn Wardrobe Basics
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onesies (bodysuits) | 6-8 | Side-snap for umbilical cord |
| Sleepers/footies | 4-6 | Zipper easier than snaps at 3am |
| Pants | 3-4 | Optional with sleepers |
| Hats | 2-3 | Hospital will provide first one |
| Socks/booties | 4-6 pairs | They fall off constantly |
| Mittens | 2-3 pairs | Prevent face scratching |
Pro Tips
- Buy mostly 0-3 month size, not newborn
- Accept hand-me-downs — babies outgrow quickly
- Zip-up sleepers > snap sleepers for night changes
- Buy a few sizes ahead on sale
Skip These
- ❌ Baby shoes: They don't walk; socks are fine
- ❌ Tons of newborn size: Many babies skip this size
- ❌ Fancy outfits: They're in sleepers 90% of the time
Bath & Hygiene
Must-Haves
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baby bathtub | Sink insert or small tub; $15-40 |
| Hooded towels | 2-3, keeps head warm |
| Washcloths | 6-8 soft ones |
| Baby soap/shampoo | Fragrance-free recommended |
| Baby lotion | Especially for dry skin |
| Nail clippers/file | Baby nails grow fast |
| Nasal aspirator | NoseFrida or bulb syringe |
| Thermometer | Rectal most accurate for infants |
Bath Frequency
Newborns only need baths 2-3 times per week. Daily bathing can dry out skin.
Gear & Travel
Absolute Must-Haves
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car seat (infant) | $100-$350 | Required to leave hospital |
| Stroller | $100-$500+ | Can wait; use carrier initially |
Car Seat Recommendations
- Budget: Graco SnugRide ($110-150)
- Mid-range: Chicco KeyFit 30 ($200)
- Premium: Nuna Pipa ($350)
Very Helpful
- Baby carrier/wrap: Hands-free holding ($30-$180)
- Swing or bouncer: Safe place to put baby down ($50-$200)
- Diaper bag: Backpack style most practical ($30-$150)
- Play mat/gym: For tummy time and development ($30-$100)
Can Wait
- High chair (need around 6 months)
- Exersaucer/jumper (4+ months)
- Walker (controversial; AAP recommends against)
Complete Budget Breakdown
Minimum Budget (~$500-800)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Car seat (basic) | $100 |
| Bassinet or Pack 'n Play | $80-150 |
| Feeding supplies | $50-100 |
| Diapers/wipes (first month) | $80 |
| Clothing basics | $50-100 |
| Bath supplies | $30-50 |
| Total | $500-800 |
Mid-Range Budget (~$1,500-2,500)
Add: nicer car seat, travel system, baby monitor, more clothing, bouncer/swing
Monthly Ongoing Costs
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Formula | $100-200 |
| Diapers | $60-100 |
| Wipes | $20-30 |
| Total | $180-330 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Baby registry: Amazon, Target, and Buy Buy Baby offer completion discounts (15-20%)
- Buy secondhand: Everything except car seat and mattress
- Generic diapers: Work great (Costco Kirkland, Target Up & Up)
- Generic formula: Same nutrition, half the price
- Wait to buy: See what you actually need vs what's hype
- Accept hand-me-downs: Babies use things briefly
Compare Baby Formula Options
Find the right formula for your newborn's needs and budget.
Compare Formulas