Baby essentials checklist: what you really need before birth

· 3 min read

A calm newborn shopping list: what to buy before your baby arrives, what can wait, and what is fine second-hand — sleep, nappies, clothes, feeding and travel.

🩺 This article is general information and not medical advice. Every child is different — please talk to your paediatrician, midwife or health visitor about your child.

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Baby shops can make it feel as if you need a whole room full of things. You don’t. Newborns need surprisingly little in the first weeks, and many items are easy to buy later — once you know what your baby actually likes. This list splits things into must-haves before birth, nice to have and can wait.

Tip: Ask friends and family what they used most — and what they never used. Borrowing saves money and space.

Sleep: the most important part

A safe sleep space matters more than any other purchase. Health organisations recommend that babies sleep on their back, on a firm, flat mattress, in their own cot or Moses basket, without pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys.

  • Cot, crib or Moses basket that meets current safety standards
  • Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly (buy this new)
  • Waterproof mattress protector
  • 3–4 fitted sheets
  • 2 baby sleeping bags or thin cellular blankets tucked in firmly

A sleeping bag with the right TOG rating for your room temperature (roughly 16–20 °C is comfortable) cannot be kicked off and replaces loose blankets.

Nappies and changing

  • Newborn-size nappies (disposable or cloth) — one or two packs to start
  • Cotton wool and water, or fragrance-free wipes
  • Changing mat
  • Barrier cream (ask your midwife or pharmacist which one)
  • A small bin or bucket with a lid

You don’t need a special changing table — a mat on the floor or on a bed with you right there works well.

Clothes

Babies grow fast, so buy only a few items in newborn size and some in the next size (56/62).

  • 6 sleepsuits or rompers
  • 4–6 bodysuits (wrap-over styles are easiest)
  • 2 cardigans or light jackets
  • Socks or booties, a soft hat for outdoors
  • A snowsuit or pram suit if your baby is born in winter

Feeding

Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed or do both, you can keep it simple at first.

  • Muslin cloths (lots of them!)
  • For breastfeeding: nursing bras and breast pads
  • For formula feeding: 4–6 bottles, teats, a bottle brush and first infant formula — follow the instructions on the pack exactly
  • A comfortable chair or pillows for you

If breastfeeding feels difficult, ask your midwife or a breastfeeding counsellor early — support is often free.

Out and about

  • Rear-facing infant car seat (i-Size / ECE R129), fitted before the birth
  • Pram or pushchair with a lie-flat position for newborns
  • A blanket or shawl
  • A bag for nappies and spare clothes

Bath time

  • Baby bath, washing-up bowl or a shared bath with you
  • 2 soft towels
  • A bath thermometer or your elbow — around 37 °C is comfortable

Never leave a baby alone in the bath, not even for a moment.

Nice to have

  • A baby carrier or sling — check the instructions for newborn use
  • A baby monitor (in a small home, an open door may be enough)
  • A nursing pillow
  • A bouncer — always on the floor, never on a table or sofa

Can wait

High chair, cups and spoons (around six months), toys, a big cot if you start with a Moses basket, and most gadgets.

New or second-hand?

Second-hand clothes, baths and many toys are great value. Buy the cot mattress and the car seat new, or a car seat only from someone you trust who knows its full history. For toys, look for the CE mark and an age label.

Don’t forget the hospital bag

Once the basics are at home, pack your bag for the birth. Our hospital bag checklist helps you get ready step by step.

🛒 Where to buy

Before you buy, check the age label, the CE mark and the safety standard printed on the product. Affiliate disclosure

Frequently asked questions

How much does a newborn really need?

Less than most lists suggest. A safe place to sleep, a car seat, nappies, a few clothes and a way to feed are the real basics. Many other things can wait until you see what your baby and your family need.

What should I not buy second-hand?

Health services commonly advise buying the cot mattress and the car seat new. Second-hand clothes, baby baths and toys are usually fine if they are clean and in good condition.

Sources

🩺 This article is general information and not medical advice. Every child is different — please talk to your paediatrician, midwife or health visitor about your child.

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