Preparing for the arrival of a child can be overwhelming, especially for first-time mums. But don’t worry because we’re here to help with a handy newborn checklist. From baby diapers and formula milk to newborn carriers and infant car seats, what are the baby essentials required for the first 3 months? 

Find out all that and more in the handy newborn essentials checklist below.

Newborn essentials #1: Clothes 

Must-haves

●      Stretchy onesies/jumpsuits/tops – get those that open from the front for an easier time, such as kimono style shirts

●      Sleepsuits – whether footed or footless, zippered ones make for an easier diaper change!

●      Mittens – to prevent newborns from scratching themselves.

Good-to-have

●      Dress-up outfits – for special days.

●      Socks or booties – optional since baby’s feet will be covered most times.

Newborn essentials #2: Feeding

Must-haves

●      Milk bottles – a must-have for both bottle-fed and breastmilk-fed babies

●      Breast pump – manual breast pumps are cheaper and quieter while electric breast pumps are more convenient and efficient if you are pumping several times a day.

●      Nursing bra – for breastfeeding when you’re out.

●      Breast pad – helps with leakage and engorgement during the first 6 weeks!

●      Nipple cream – helps to soothe your skin if you are breastfeeding.

●      Milk storage bags – must-have for storing excess milk in the fridge or freezer.

●      Formula milk for newborns – for non-breastfeeding mums or those who want to supplement feeds with formula.

Good-to-have

●      UV steriliser – while boiling water does the same job, some parents swear by a steriliser as it saves so much time and helps dry your bottles too.

●      Nursing pillow – to help make long, uncomfortable feeds more pleasant.

●      Bottle warmer – to thaw and warm breast milk safely without losing its nutrients.

Newborn essentials #3: Sleeping

Must-haves

●      Crib, bassinet or cradle – bassinets are smaller and portable, but newborns grow out of these quickly, compared to cribs.

●      Swaddles or sleep sacks – swaddles are tried and tested, but sleep sacks work as well if not better.

●      Baby monitor – essential if you need to keep an eye on the baby while moving about the house.

Good-to-have

●      Pacifier – helps to soothe the baby to sleep.

●      Crib mobile – a useful distraction for babies! Get one with bright colours and in a variety of shapes.

●      Mattress protector – important to defend against spills and accidents. 

Newborn essentials #4: Cleaning

Must-haves

●      Baby diapers and cream – newborns grow quickly so don’t stock up too much on one size of diapers!

●      Wet wipes – opt for non-alcohol and unscented wipes that are gentle on baby’s skin

●      Changing mat or table – a changing table that comes with dedicated storage space for cleaning essentials is great, but otherwise a changing mat works too.

●      Bathing essentials – This includes shampoo, towels, lotions and a tub.

Good-to-have

●      Diaper pail – compared to a regular bin, a diaper pail keeps all the unpleasant smells within the bin.

Newborn essentials #5: Going out

Must-haves

●      Stroller – great if you’re travelling longer distances or carrying heavier loads

●      Newborn carrier – a convenient, hands-free option of bringing your baby around

●      Infant car seat – required by law as long as you’re travelling in a car, and definitely needed when heading back home from the hospital after birth.

●      Diaper bag – essential for packing items including diapers, creams, bottles, and an extra set of clothes.

●      Portable changing mat – for more hygienic changes outside 

Good-to-have

●      Stroller organiser/caddy – you’ll be surprised at how much you need to pack even for a quick outing!

Newborn essentials #6: Health and safety

Must-haves

●      Thermometer

●      Nail clipper – keep your baby’s nails trimmed to prevent self-inflicted scratches!

●      Maternity or baby insurance – every parent wants to protect their child, and one of the most tangible ways of doing that is getting maternity or baby insurance. Besides protecting mum against pregnancy complications, childbirth medical negligence and hospitalisation from as early as the 13th week of pregnancy, some maternity insurance plans also cover the baby right from birth. 

Good-to-have

●      Cradle cap brush – good for getting rid of the flaky scales associated with cradle cap, a common condition in newborns.