Welcoming your little one is exciting, but preparation can feel overwhelming. This expanded checklist covers everything you might need—essentials and extras—so you can decide what’s best for your family.
Sleep Essentials
- Cot or bassinet (with a firm mattress)
- Fitted sheets (2-3)
- Waterproof mattress protector (2)
- Swaddles or sleeping bags (3-4)
- Baby monitor
- White noise machine (optional)
- Nightlight (optional)
- Mobile for the cot (optional)
Feeding Gear
- Bottles and teats (if bottle-feeding or expressing)
- Breast pump (manual or electric)
- Breast pads (reusable or disposable)
- Nipple cream (for breastfeeding mums)
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Bibs (8-10)
- Burp cloths (6-8)
- Steriliser (optional—some parents prefer boiling or microwave bags)
- Bottle warmer (optional)
- Highchair (for when baby starts solids)
- Baby feeding set: spoons, bowls, and sippy cups (for later)
Nappy Changing Must-Haves
- Disposable or cloth nappies (newborn size to start)
- Wipes (sensitive or fragrance-free)
- Nappy rash cream
- Change mat or changing table
- Nappy bag (for on-the-go changes)
- Nappy bin (optional)
- Reusable nappy liners (if using cloth nappies)
Bath Time Basics
- Baby bathtub or bath seat
- Soft washcloths (4-6)
- Hooded towels (2-3)
- Gentle baby wash and shampoo
- Baby moisturiser or oil (optional, for dry skin)
- Bath thermometer (optional but helpful for nervous first-timers)
- Rinse cup (optional, but makes washing hair easier)
Clothing
- Onesies (6-10, including short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
- Singlets or bodysuits (6-8)
- Stretchy pants or leggings (4-6)
- Socks and booties (4-6 pairs)
- Hats: 1 for warmth, 1 for sun protection
- Cardigans or jackets (2-3)
- Mittens (to prevent scratching)
- Weather-specific items: pram snuggle bag for winter or a sunshade for summer
Travel and Outings
- Pram or stroller
- Car seat (ensure it meets safety regulations)
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Travel cot (if you plan on overnight trips)
- Pram rain cover and sunshade
- Nappy bag with compartments
- Portable change mat
- Clip-on pram toys (optional)
Health and Safety
- First aid kit (baby-specific)
- Digital thermometer
- Nasal aspirator or baby nasal spray (for blocked noses)
- Nail scissors or clippers
- Baby toothbrush and toothpaste (for when teeth arrive)
- Outlet covers and baby-proofing supplies
- Baby-safe insect repellent (optional, for warmer months)
- Teething toys (for later, but good to have ready)
Playtime and Comfort
- Soft toys and rattles
- Activity mat or baby gym
- Pacifiers/soothers (optional but helpful for soothing)
- Books: Board books and fabric books are ideal for babies.
- Bouncer or swing (optional, but many parents swear by them)
- Baby playpen (optional, for when they’re on the move)
Optional Extras
- Nursing pillow (helps with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding)
- Rocking chair or glider for the nursery
- Baby monitor with video function
- White noise machine
- Nappy bin with odour control
- Baby food maker (or use a blender)
- Baby-proofing kit (you won’t need it immediately but good to have)
- Dummy clips or pacifier holders
Make It Easy: Printable Baby Checklist
For an organised and stress-free prep, download our free Baby Shopping Considerations Printable down below. This expanded version includes tick boxes for every item, so you can keep track of what you’ve sorted and what’s left to do. Perfect for sticking on the fridge or taking shopping!
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BUMP & baby is New Zealand’s only magazine for pregnancy and early babyhood. Our team of mums and mums-to-be understand what it’s like to be pregnant in this connected age, and that’s why BUMP & Baby online is geared toward what pregnant women and new mums really want to know.
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