Newborn Essentials Checklist: What Do You Need for a Newborn?

1. Sound Machine/night Light: The Sleep Savior

Newborns sleep a lot (thankfully!), but it’s not always the most peaceful sleep - enter the sound machine. Not only do they help drown out background noise, but they also create a calming environment for your baby. Some even come with built-in night lights, which makes those late-night feedings and diaper changes a bit easier on your tired eyes. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!

Our Top Pick - Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

2. Burp Cloths: Because Babies Are Messy

Let’s face it: newborns are messy eaters. That’s where burp cloths come in! You’ll need a bunch of these handy little cloths to catch any spills or spit-ups during and after feedings. Keep them close by, because you never know when your little one will need a quick clean-up!

Our Top Pick - Burt’s bees Burp Cloth

3. Deep Clean Before Baby Arrives: Less Stress, More Cuddles

This one might not be a “baby item,” but it’s a total lifesaver. If you’re feeling wiped out toward the end of your pregnancy, consider having a cleaning service come in for a deep clean before your baby arrives. This little pre-baby pampering will give you peace of mind and help you feel more prepared.

4. Bottle Sterilizer (wall Plug-in): Clean Bottles, Happy Baby

If you’ll be bottle-feeding or using a pump, a sterilizer is a must-have. Sure, you can go with a microwave sterilizer, but the one that plugs into the wall? Total time-saver! It’ll sterilize bottles quickly, and some even have the added benefit of warming milk, making it super convenient. 

Our Top Pick - Philips AVENT Advanced Electric Steam Sterilizer

5. Nursing Pillow: Support for You and Baby

Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or just need somewhere to rest your arms during those long feeding stretches, a good nursing pillow earns its keep fast. The Boppy Nursing Pillow wraps around your waist and gives baby a supported, comfortable spot to feed — and once they're a little older, it does double duty for tummy time and early sitting practice. It's an item you'll reach for several times a day, so one that actually holds its shape matters more than it sounds.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

6. Nappy Caddy: Keep Everything Handy

A nappy caddy is a must-have for every room you spend time in with your baby. It holds all the essentials - nappies, wipes, bum cream, and a change mat - so you can change your little one on the go, whether you’re in the living room or their nursery. It’s so much easier than running back and forth to the changing table all the time!

Our Top Pick - Munchkin Diaper Caddy

7. Baby Wrap/carrier: Keep Baby Close While You Get Things Done

You’ll be surprised at how often you’ll need your hands free while still wanting to keep your baby close. That’s where a baby wrap or carrier comes in! Many parents here at Door Buddy swear by their wraps, which helped them get things done while their baby naps snugly against them. Whether you’re going for a walk or need a free hand to cook dinner, a carrier is an absolute lifesaver.

Our Top Pick - Ergobaby Omni Dream Baby Carrier

8. Glow Baby App: Track Feeding, Sleep, And Milestones

Keeping track of feedings, naps, and milestones can get overwhelming. Enter the Glow Baby app! It helps track feeding times, milk amounts, and sleep schedules - all in one place. Plus, it’s a great way to capture memories like your baby’s first bath with notes and dates. No need to carry a notebook around - your phone is all you need!

Link

9. Door Buddy Door Strap: Keep Baby Out, Keep the Cat's Access

If your cat's litter box, food, or favorite hiding spot is behind a door your newborn will eventually crawl straight for, this is exactly the moment Door Buddy is built for. The Door Strap holds the door open just enough for your cat to slip through, while it helps keep a crawling baby or new walker out of the room — nothing permanently mounted to your door or frame, and nothing to drill.

It installs in minutes with adhesive alone, and pairing it with the foam Pinch Guard adds a layer of finger protection for little hands exploring the door itself. One parent in the same spot put it simply: "So I have cats and I have a 1 year old… this thing is AWESOME. The kid can't get in, but the cats can. It's perfect."

Door Buddy is the original no-cut cat door alternative, assembled in the USA — over 1 million products sold, 50,000+ positive reviews, and a 2022 Mom's Choice Award. It comes in Caramel and Grey, and every order is backed by a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

10. Diaper Disposal System

A diaper disposal like Diaper Genie can be a total game-changer for managing odors and maintaining hygiene. It’s a must-have for any nursery or changing area! Curious about how many diapers do i need for a newborn? Check out this article here for all the details!

11. Baby Monitor (audio & Video): Peace Of Mind For Parents

We all know those moments when you want to check on your baby, but don’t want to risk waking them up. A baby monitor with both audio and video is an absolute must-have. It’s the perfect way to keep an eye on your little one while you take a break or get a few things done around the house. Plus, it’s great for those middle-of-the-night checks when you don’t want to go into their room and risk disturbing them.

Our Top Pick - Nanit Pro Camera

12. Baby Bag: Your New Best Friend

You'll be carrying this bag everywhere - from the hospital to every outing. Choose a well-designed baby bag that's practical but also stylish. Trust us, you'll get a lot of use out of it!

Our Top Pick - Skip Hop Diaper Bag

Non-product Essentials: The Real Mvps

Now, while products are great, there are a few non-product things that are even more valuable during those first few weeks. Think things like:

• Pre-made meals: Having a freezer stocked with meals for the first week or two can make all the difference when you are exhausted and just want to focus on your baby.

• Scheduled time with Dad: Get some mental break time with planned help from your partner. It’s important!

• One-way communication group: Create a family chat or broadcast list to keep everyone updated with your baby’s progress (and keep the well-wishers at bay).

• No-visit period: Consider setting a no-visit rule for the first 2-3 weeks after birth. It’s surprisingly helpful in giving you time to adjust.