Your ultimate checklist for baby essentials

Shopping for baby clothes online? As a new parent-to-be, you’ll be surprised to find out just how much stuff your baby needs. Use this checklist to help you budget and stock up on items you need for a new baby.

Baby wardrobe essentials

Baby clothes sizes are typically organized by age - you’ll often find them organized as newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. However, some brands have their own unique sizing preferences. Choose clothes that also list height or weight guidelines to help you find what fits your little one best.

Some babies never need newborn sizes and go straight to wearing sizes intended for 3 months, but you can’t predict that in advance, so you might as well stock up on a couple of newborn clothes. It’s also useful to have a few outfits in the next size up before your little one actually grows into it - babies grow at a rapid rate. Consider accepting hand-me-downs and buying secondhand clothes so that you have many size options to choose from.

When shopping for baby clothes online, always think of comfort and ease. Choose soft, roomy, and durable clothing. Look for well-made items that will hold up through regular washings. Steer clear of items that feature tassels, ribbons, dangling strings, and other choking hazards. Below are the clothing basics to add to your baby’s wardrobe::

• 4-8 onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 4-8 leggings or stretchy pants
• 4-8 sleepers
• 4-6 outer layers (zip-up sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece jackets)
• 1-3 hats (a warm hat that protects the ears for chilly days and a broad-brimmed sun hat for sunny days)
• 4-8 socks or booties
• 1-3 no-scratch mittens
• 4-8 pajamas or nightgown

Some nice-to-have clothing extras include:

• 1-3 special outfits 

You may want some dress-up outfits for festive occasions such as holidays or weddings

• Shoes 

Your little one won’t need shoes for his/her first year, but you may want to have a pair or two for photo sessions.

• Hair accessories

Although they’re not necessary, hair accessories for babies such as colorful bows and headbands are adorable.

Diapering

Changing your little one’s diaper may seem like a daunting task, but you’ll get the hang of it within no time  - and these baby essentials will help you learn even faster.

• Diapers

Whether you use disposable or cloth diapers, your baby will go through around 10 to 12 diapers a  day in those first couple of weeks, so make sure you plan accordingly. 

• Diaper bag

Look for a diaper bag that is big enough to accommodate diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, your own essentials, and more. See this complete checklist of what to pack in your diaper bag.

• Diaper rash cream

Keep a diaper rash cream handy to treat or prevent skin irritations.

• Wipes

Wipes are one of the best newborn baby accessories that you will need. Go for unscented wipes as they can be less irritating to your baby’s sensitive skin.

• Changing table or pad

To make diaper changing a lot easier, look for a changing table. Some parents opt to use a changing pad on a dresser instead.

Some nice-to-have diapering add-ons include:

• Baby wipes warmer

It can help to have warm wipes handy to ease the shock of a cold wipe on a bare bottom, especially at night.

• Non-talc powder

This helps to dry the diaper area faster.

Feeding

For breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding, consider buying the following essentials:

• Nursing or feeding pillow

These are specially made to support your little one while you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and can also help you avoid straining your neck or shoulders.

• 6-10 bibs

Even if your baby is yet to transition to eating solids, have some bibs on hand to keep his/her clothes dry, especially if he/she spits or drools a lot. When shopping for baby clothing online, you will definitely come across a variety of bibs.

• 6-12 burp cloths 

To catch spit-up and clean up other baby fluids.

• 2-4 nursing bras

These allow your little one easy access at feeding time.

• Nipple cream

It can help to have balms and creams to relieve sore nipples.

• Breast pads

Breast pads help to manage leaking and keep you and your tops nice and dry.

• Nursing cover

If you prefer to cover up while nursing in public, a nursing cover is a must-have.

• Breast pump

A breast pump comes in handy if you plan to breastfeed your baby or relieve engorgement.

• Breast milk bags

You have the option to pump milk straight into a bottle, but it may be more convenient to use breast milk bags, which don’t take up much space in the freezer and can be easily defrosted. 

• Formula

If you don’t plan to breastfeed, stock up on formula.

• 6-12 bottles

You can start with the 4-ounce size bottle for your newborn, and then transition to 8-ounce bottles as your baby starts to drink more.

• 1-2 bottle brushes

For cleaning bottles, bottle parts, and nipples.

When your little one is ready for solid food, these feeding supplies can make the transition easier:

• 2-4 sippy cups
• 2-4 bowls
• 3-6 spoons
• 4-8 waterproof bibs
• Highchair 

Sleeping

• Crib and crib mattress

You may not want to use a crib right away, but it’s useful to have one handy for when your child outgrows your bed or the bassinet. This is one of the essential newborn baby accessories that you need..

• 4-6 swaddling blankets

Newborns love being swaddled, and having a few blankets specially made for this purpose can make nap times and bedtimes much easier.

• 1-3 wearable blankets

Cotton or fleece sacks can help keep your little one warm on chilly nights.

• Bedding

All you need is 3-5 fitted crib sheets and a few washable crib mattress pads.

• Baby monitor

For keeping tabs on your little one.

Bathing 

• Baby bathtub

Many baby bathtubs are designed to grow with your little one, from the newborn stage to age 1.

• 4-6 washcloths

You can use these for bath time as well as for diaper changes.

• Soap and shampoo

Look for hypoallergenic, no-tears formulas that won’t irritate your baby’s eyes and skin.

• 1-3 infant bath towels

Soft, hooded towels are ideal for wrapping up your little nugget and drying him/her after a bath.

Baby gear

Whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home, you’ll need the following baby gear:

• Baby carrier
• Car seat
• Stroller
• Play-yard
• Baby swing or bouncer

Baby health essentials

Babies need grooming once in a while. Plus, if your child happens to fall sick, you need the right essentials on hand.

• First-aid kit (with items such as antiseptic ointment, a thermometer, bandages)
• Nail clippers
• Soft-bristled baby hairbrush
• Nasal aspirator

Baby soothers and entertainment

• 4-6 pacifiers
• Toys
• Books
• Play mat
• Activity center

Final thoughts

There are many things to consider when shopping online from a baby boutique. You may prefer this list of necessities to make day-to-day life with your little one a bit easier.