The Complete Checklist for New Parents
Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming. Between nursery setup, feeding supplies, and safety gear, there’s so much to consider. But here’s the good news: you don’t need everything on the market.
I’ve put together a complete checklist of the 10 essential items every new parent needs to have before bringing baby home. This guide covers everything from bedding to feeding to nursery essentials — and all of it is budget-friendly.
Let’s dive in.
1. SAFE CRIB & MATTRESS ($100–200)
Product: Graco Premium Crib or equivalent mid-range crib
The crib is the foundation of your nursery. Your newborn will spend 16–20 hours per day sleeping, so a safe, sturdy crib is non-negotiable.
Look for cribs that meet CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards. Graco Premium https://amzn.to/4qGOXvgcrib is an affordable option that checks all the safety boxes. It’s sturdy, has proper slat spacing (preventing baby from getting stuck), and meets all safety standards.
Pair it with a firm infant mattress. Soft mattresses, pillows, and bumpers increase SIDS risk, so always use a firm, flat surface. A good crib mattress costs $50–100.
You can check it here
2. FITTED CRIB SHEETS & WATERPROOF PADS ($30–50)
Product: Organic fitted crib sheets + waterproof mattress protector
You’ll need 2–3 fitted crib sheets so you always have a clean one while others are washing. Babies have accidents — spit-ups, diaper leaks, you name it — so a waterproof mattress protector is essential to keep your mattress lasting.
Look for breathable, organic cotton sheets. They’re gentler on delicate skin and you’ll wash them frequently anyway. Waterproof protectors are thin, machine-washable, and go under the sheet.
Get at least 3–4 fitted sheets so you’re never caught without a clean one.
Check our recommendations – variant 1 , variant 2, variant 3
3. SWADDLES & SLEEP SACKS ($40–60)
Product: HALO SleepSack or Nested Bean weighted swaddle
Swaddling mimics the womb and helps baby sleep longer. A good sleep sack or swaddle is safer than loose blankets (which are a SIDS risk) and allows you to keep baby warm without blankets in the crib.
The HALO SleepSack is the gold standard — it’s safe, easy to use, and lasts through multiple sizes. Nested Bean’s weighted swaddles are great for calming fussy babies.
Get 2–3 so you always have a clean one. Sleep sacks are used throughout infancy, so this is a worthwhile investment.
4. CHANGING TABLE OR DRESSER WITH CHANGING PAD ($50–100)
Product: Changing table or dresser with changing pad attachment
You’ll change 8–12 diapers per day, so having a dedicated changing station saves your back and keeps supplies organized.
You don’t need a fancy changing table. A simple dresser with a changing pad on top works perfectly and doubles as storage. Many changing pads fit standard dressers.
Pro tip: Put the changing pad at hip height so you don’t have to bend over constantly. Your back will thank you.
5. DIAPER ORGANIZER & WIPES WARMER ($25–40)
Product: Diaper organizer + wipes warmer
Keep everything within arm’s reach of your changing station: diapers, wipes, diaper cream, clean clothes, and blankets.
A simple organizer (hanging or stacking) keeps supplies tidy and accessible. A wipes warmer ($15–25) keeps wipes at a comfortable temperature — cold wipes on a baby’s bottom is not fun for anyone.
This isn’t essential, but it’s a game-changer for convenience.
6. BOTTLES & FEEDING SUPPLIES ($50–80)
Product: Philips Avent or Tommee Tippee bottles
Whether you’re exclusively bottle feeding or pumping and supplementing, quality bottles are essential.
Look for bottles that are:
- Compatible with popular breast pumps (if pumping)
- Easy to clean (fewer parts = less hassle)
- Anti-colic designed (reduces gas and reflux)
- Available in different sizes as baby grows
Philips Avent and Tommee Tippee are the most reliable. Get 8–10 bottles so you’re not washing bottles constantly.
7. ELECTRIC STERILIZER & BOTTLE WARMER ($40–70)
Product: Electric sterilizer + bottle warmer combo
Newborns have immature immune systems, so sterilizing bottles is crucial — especially in the first 3 months.
An electric sterilizer kills 99.9% of germs and sterilizes bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts in 5–10 minutes. A bottle warmer heats bottles to body temperature safely (no microwave — it creates hot spots that burn baby’s mouth).
Some combo units do both, saving space. This might seem like a luxury, but parents of bottle-fed babies swear by these.
8. INFANT CAR SEAT ($150–300)
Product: Infant car seat (required by law)
You literally cannot leave the hospital without a car seat. Many hospitals require proof of proper installation before discharge.
Infant car seats are separate from strollers (they click into stroller bases) and provide maximum safety for newborns. Look for crash-test ratings and NHTSA safety certifications.
Popular options: Chicco KeyFit, Graco SnugRide, Graco Extend2Fit.
This is non-negotiable and worth the investment. Your baby’s safety depends on it.
9. TRAVEL SYSTEM STROLLER ($200–400)
Product: Travel system stroller (connects to infant car seat)
A travel system stroller accepts your infant car seat, turning it into a complete system. This is incredibly convenient — you can go from car to stroller without waking baby.
Look for:
- Easy one-handed folding
- Good wheel suspension (smooth on uneven terrain)
- Spacious storage basket
- Compact when folded (if you have a small car)
You don’t need the most expensive stroller. Mid-range options ($200–300) have all the features you need. You can always upgrade later.
Popular choices: Graco FastAction, Baby Trend Ally, Chicco Bravo.
10. MUSLIN SWADDLES & COTTON BURP CLOTHS ($20–40)
Product: Muslin swaddles + cotton burp cloths (4–6 pack)
Lightweight, breathable muslin swaddles are multipurpose magic: swaddling, nursing cover, stroller cover, diaper changing pad backup, and more.
Cotton burp cloths protect your shoulder during feeding and cleanup. You’ll go through several per day with spit-ups and milk spills.
Get 4–6 of each. They’re inexpensive and become your most-used items.
YOU’RE ALL SET!
These 10 items will set you up for success with your newborn. You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive brands — just safe, reliable essentials.
Pro tips for saving money:
- Buy in advance during sales (Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day)
- Check second-hand markets for items like cribs and strollers (inspect for safety recalls)
- Start with the essentials and add more as you learn what works for YOUR family
- Many items can be found at discount retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco to save additional money
- Join parenting groups and Facebook communities — parents often give away items their kids have outgrown
FINAL THOUGHTS
Preparing for a baby is exciting and scary in equal measure. But remember: millions of parents before you have done this with far less. You don’t need everything — you just need the essentials to keep your baby safe, comfortable, and fed.
Start with these 10 items and build from there. Trust your instincts. Every baby is different, and you’ll quickly learn what YOUR baby needs.
Congratulations on your new arrival! 🎉
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in.
QUICK REFERENCE CHECKLIST
Print this and take it with you while shopping:
□ Safe crib
□ Firm crib mattress
□ Fitted crib sheets (3+)
□ Waterproof mattress protector
□ Swaddles/sleep sacks (2–3)
□ Changing table or dresser + pad
□ Diaper organizer
□ Wipes warmer
□ Quality bottles (8–10)
□ Sterilizer
□ Bottle warmer
□ Infant car seat
□ Travel system stroller
□ Muslin swaddles (4–6)
□ Cotton burp cloths (4–6)