20+ Sample New Baby Checklists

What Is A New Baby Checklist?

A new baby checklist is a comprehensive list of items needed to care for a new baby. Parents have the option to organize the list further by grouping similar items together.  

According to the ranking website Ranker, many parents have personal preferences and favorites when it comes to baby brands. From baby food, strollers, diapers, to cribs, baby brands cover a wide range of products. Choosing the right brand for a newborn baby is important because parents want to make sure that the items and products are of good quality and will not pose any risk for the baby. The main factors when it comes to picking a good brand are comfort and safety. The top 10 baby brands on the Ranker list are the following: Avent, Baby Brezza, Gerber Products Company, Pampers, Graco, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, Chicco, Baby Trend, and Amy Michelle.          

Item Suggestions for a New Baby Checklist

The sheer length of a typical new baby list can overwhelm some people. However, it is good to note that events like baby showers are good opportunities for parents to cross out some of the items on the list. A lot of well-meaning friends and relatives give gifts to celebrate a new baby’s arrival; so parents don’t need to stress too much about purchasing everything themselves. The examples listed below are common items that are usually included in a new baby checklist:   

Nursery: One exciting aspect of expecting a baby is designing and preparing the nursery or baby’s room. A basic requirement for a newborn is a crib. You can opt to buy a brand new one or make use of a secondhand or hand-me-down crib. The baby’s crib would also need mattresses and fitted sheets. Other good investments for a nursery would be a changing table or pad for changing diapers; and a laundry hamper for soiled clothes. All these can be found in a department store or a typical baby store. You can also add some character and color to the nursery by painting the walls or hanging family pictures and other interesting frames. Feeding: A newborn baby’s diet is not at all complicated because they solely depend on their mother’s breast milk or formula milk during those first crucial months. Before the baby arrives, it is good to have several bottles ready for interchangeable use. Essential items like bibs and burping cloths are needed too for easy clean up. A baby can start eating solid food as early as half a year old; depending of course, on the pediatrician or doctor’s advice. For this, a high chair is an important investment. The high chair can still be used even until the child becomes a toddler. Bathing: Bathing an infant can be quite tricky because of how fragile their bodies are. A sturdy and durable bathtub is essential. Include other bathroom items like a non-slip mat, sponge, baby shampoo and body wash, hooded towels, and washcloths. Baby lotion or moisturizer is optional but it can help soothe dry skin or diaper rash. However, make sure the moisturizer is suitable for baby’s sensitive skin. Lastly, having to bend over to bathe the baby can put a lot of pressure on one’s back, so it is best to get a stool or small chair to help address this. Clothing: A baby’s clothes need to be functional. But it’s important to note that this will also depend on how old the baby is. A one month old baby will not have the same set of clothes as a 10-month old baby. In the first few months of life, an infant will develop at a pretty quick pace; and most babies will outgrow their onesies in just a number of months. But as a general rule, most common clothing essentials include mittens, socks, baby caps, onesies, side-snap tees, shorts, sleeping gowns, and pants. Sleeping: A baby will spend a lot of his or her time sleeping. Parents need to make sure their baby sleeps soundly and comfortably as much as possible. Swaddles and blankets are important to protect the baby from cold and/or insect bites. Pacifiers and baby monitors are optional, but are pretty common purchases for a lot of parents. A rocker or bassinet may also help the infant fall asleep faster. Health and Safety: Invest in an infant grooming kit that comes with a nail cutter, comb or soft brush, and mini scissors. For anyone caring for a new baby, another basic need is a first aid kit. Make sure the kit includes a digital thermometer, Band-Aids, alcohol and disinfectant, basic medications for fever, cough, and colds, etc. Diaper Changing: Aside from milk, diapers are one of the most essential baby items that should be on your checklist. In addition to diapers, diaper accessories like a changing mat, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, and a diaper bag are all vital as well. Parents have the option to choose between disposable diapers, reusable cloth diapers, or a combination of both. Travel: Safe and comfortable equipment and gear are important for when babies travel to and from the doctor, or whenever they go out. Ensure your list includes a baby stroller, carrier, a car seat, travel crib, and other stroller accessories. Toys: Age-appropriate toys can enrich a baby’s experience. These can also help develop their fine motor skills. Toys like rattles, play mats, teething toys, and even books can help keep a baby engaged and develop their curiosity.

Benefits of Having a New Baby Checklist

We have all heard about the sleepless nights and exhausting hours that all parents go through when taking care of a newborn baby. Parenting is, after all, a full-time job. The nine months that a baby is in the womb can be an important window that parents can take advantage of. Because once the baby arrives, it will be much harder to schedule any personal time. This is especially true for parents or a parent raising their child without any help whatsoever. Still not convinced of having a new baby checklist? There are several benefits listed below that parents might want to consider:  

It promotes convenience: Again, once the baby arrives, chances are you will be slightly overwhelmed, caught up, or fully immersed in the new experience. This is not a bad thing but as much as possible, you will want to have everything in place so you can focus on caring for the infant. And when the various needs do arise, you won’t be scrambling trying to buy diapers or teethers online. Having a new baby checklist gives you the freedom to focus your time and attention on the newborn baby. It’s time saving: Preparation is key. When you are expecting, it’s a good idea to start planning as early as possible. Don’t wait for the baby to arrive to buy all the essentials. Save time by creating a list and following through with it. In the long run, it will be more efficient and easier that way. Since the first few months are the most crucial, you’ll want to stock up on the necessities like diapers, wipes, baby wash, teething toys, etc. You do not have to purchase everything on your list in one go. Make plans to slowly tick off items on your list as you go along or when you anticipate the baby’s needs. It keeps you organized: Some parents are guilty of spending unnecessarily for something they unknowingly already had. For instance, a mother received a diaper bag as a gift during her baby shower. However, she ends up buying another diaper bag because she forgot or was unaware she was given one. A new baby checklist helps keep your essential items organized. It helps prevent double purchasing or unnecessary spending. It’s an effective monitoring tool: In addition to keeping your items in order, having a new baby checklist will also promote effective monitoring. To illustrate, parents-to-be will likely receive gifts from friends and family during a baby shower. And much like a baby registry, a checklist can serve as a tracking worksheet to prevent any duplicate gifts. A good tip is to share an editable wish list to friends and relatives. It will be easier for them to choose items they want to give as a baby shower gift.

How To Create a New Baby Checklist

Like any checklist or to do list, it’s pretty simple and straightforward. All you need is an adequate idea of what you want included in your list. The great thing about a new baby checklist is you can customize and personalize it in whatever way you want. But if you’re looking for something easier, there are a number of editable templates above. Simply choose one and tailor fit it to meet your needs. Otherwise, follow the steps below: 

Step 1: Design a Creative Checklist 

A simple checklist will do. Yet others prefer to tap into their creativity. Before listing your baby essentials down, you can add life to your checklist by creatively designing it or incorporating a theme with interesting colors, pictures, and borders. Pick any color that will reflect your personality and character. You can either design it yourself, use online applications, or download an existing template.

Step 2: List and Group the Items 

It is easier to keep track of your items if you group them into categories. Listing items in random order can be quite confusing for some people. Batching helps organize your items into several sections. For example, play mats, teething toys, books, rattles, and stuffed animals can all be grouped under toys. Onesies, mittens, pants, socks, and infant gowns can be classified under clothing.  

Step 3: Do Some Research 

A baby’s needs during the first year can be a long list. First time parents will need a lot of advice and help. Sometimes, it’s not enough to list the items down. Try doing some research about the items you are unfamiliar with. You can also start canvassing prices to get better deals and early discounts. The more details, the better. If you have the time, add notes for those baby items you specifically want to focus on or are still undecided about. Browse online shops or go window shopping while you have the time. You can also bookmark your favorites so it is easier to refer back to it later.  

Step 4: Keep Track of Purchases

Once you’ve started going over your checklist, gradually tick off the purchased or closed items. If you want an even more detailed list, take note of the store name and date of purchase. In case of any defects, you’ll want to keep the official receipts to return an item or to claim your refund.   

FAQs

What does a baby need in the first 3 months?

The first few months of life are crucial. The new born baby will need all the nutrients and protection he or she can get. The main essentials are obviously milk and diapers. The right clothing is important too. A baby is still highly sensitive to their new surroundings, so it’s critical that they are protected from harsh temperatures, especially when sleeping. A good swaddle and blanket are basic necessities. For additional warmth, you can let the baby wear socks and mittens as well.

What should you not buy for a baby?

If you are caring for a newborn baby, you want to use natural and organic products if they are available. Avoid any harmful chemicals that can possibly irritate the baby’s skin. Perfumed or scented shampoo, detergent, body wash, or soap are not necessary. You are much better off sticking to fragrance-free or hypoallergenic baby products.

What to check when a baby is crying?

Crying is natural for all babies. Because of their inability to verbalize their needs, they have no other choice but to cry. If your baby is crying, check the usual signs such as hunger, a full diaper, diaper rash or discomfort, too much heat and humidity, etc. Sometimes, babies cry when they’re feeling bodily discomfort such as too much gas, stomach pains, or a fever.

What should babies wear overnight?

Depending on the climate, babies need to be kept warm and protected when they sleep during the night. For colder and temperate environments, make sure the head, feet, and hands are protected with a cap, socks, and mittens. For warmer climates, sleeveless onesies and lightweight clothing are preferable. Use a swaddle or blanket for additional layers and protection.

What size is best to buy for a newborn?

Most baby clothes come in standard sizes designed for 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months. Most newborns can fit in clothes labeled 0-3 months. Newborn babies that have a heavier weight at birth may fit in clothes intended for 0-3 months or 3-6 months.

Expecting a new baby can be both an exciting and nerve wracking experience. For new parents, the anxiety and excitement can even be greater. Having a baby checklist can ease these worries a little bit. Knowing that you have all you need to take care of a new baby can bring a certain level of consolation and peace. Try creating your own personalized baby checklist by choosing any of the sample templates above!