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Are you expecting your first baby? Congratulations! We know that during this exciting time, questions like "What should I buy?" and "What do I really need?" are swirling in your head. Don't worry - in this guide, we've compiled everything you need before birth and for the first 3 months, room by room, category by category.
When to Start Shopping?
Starting between weeks 28-32 of pregnancy is ideal. If you start too early, your needs may not be clear yet; if you wait too long, fatigue and rushing may overwhelm you. Buy big items (stroller, crib) first, smaller items later.
Recommended Age Group
This list is prepared for the first 3 months from birth. Some products can be used up to 6 months.
Quick Overview: Essential Needs Summary
Before getting into details, here's a summary of must-have essential items:
Newborn Essential Needs List
9/9 checks completed
- Safe baby crib and mattress(Critical)
- Stroller or travel system(Critical)
- Car seat (required for hospital discharge)(Critical)
- Diapers (newborn + size 1)(Critical)
- Bodysuits and sleepers (5-7 pieces)
- Bottles or breastfeeding supplies
- Baby bathtub
- Baby towels and blankets
- Hospital bag(Critical)
Now let's examine each category in detail.
1. Nursery
The nursery, where your baby will spend the most time, should be where safety and comfort meet.
Baby Crib and Mattress
Newborns sleep 16-17 hours a day. Therefore, a safe sleep environment will be your most critical investment.
Joie
Joie Roomie Glide Bedside Crib
Chicco
Chicco Next2Me Magic Crib
Maxi-Cosi
Maxi-Cosi Iora 2-in-1 Crib
We used a bedside crib for the first 3-4 months, nighttime feedings were so easy. I didn't have to get up to reach the baby. Definitely recommend!
Baby Crib Safety Criteria
5/5 checks completed
- EN 1130 or EN 716 safety certification(Critical)
- Firm and flat mattress surface(Critical)
- NO pillows, quilts, fluffy toys(Critical)
- Slat spacing 4.5-6.5 cm
- Baby should be placed on their back(Critical)
Baby Mattress and Bedding
Newton
Newton Baby Crib Mattress 60x120
Wardrobe and Storage
Baby clothes are small but there are so many! An organized storage system is a lifesaver.
Changing Station
You'll change diapers 8-12 times a day. An ergonomic changing area is essential for your back health!
Chicco
Chicco Cuddle & Bubble Comfort Bath Set
Nursing Chair
Create a comfortable corner for nighttime feedings.
Tutti Bambini
Tutti Bambini Oscar Rocking Chair
2. Feeding
Whether you breastfeed or switch to formula, feeding supplies will definitely be needed.
Bottles and Pacifiers
Philips Avent
Philips Avent Natural Response Bottle Set
MAM
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle Set
Tommee Tippee
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
How Many Bottles Should I Buy?
4-6 pieces of 125ml bottles are sufficient for newborns. You can switch to 260ml bottles as the baby grows. You don't need to buy all from the same brand - use whichever one your baby accepts.
Breastfeeding Supplies
If you're planning to breastfeed, these products will make your life easier:
Medela
Medela Swing Maxi Double Breast Pump
Lansinoh cream was a lifesaver! My nipples got very sensitive in the first weeks, I might have quit breastfeeding without this cream. Apply after every feeding, no need to wipe off.
Sterilizer
Philips Avent
Philips Avent 3-in-1 Sterilizer
Tommee Tippee
Tommee Tippee Microwave Sterilizer
High Chair
Not essential for the first 3 months but will be needed when starting solids at 4-6 months. For those who want to buy early:
Joie
Joie Multiply 6in1 High Chair
3. Bath and Care
Newborn baths 2-3 times a week are sufficient. Don't give full baths until the umbilical cord falls off (7-14 days), give sponge baths instead.
Baby Bathtub
Stokke
Stokke Flexi Bath Foldable Tub
Chicco
Chicco Cuddle & Bubble Bath Tub
Skip Hop
Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling Tub
Bath Products
Mustela
Mustela Newborn Bath Set
Johnson's
Johnson's Baby Newborn Shampoo
Hygiene Products
Bath & Hygiene Essential List
11/11 checks completed
- Baby bathtub
- Bath thermometer(Critical)
- Hooded towels (2-3 pieces)
- Soft washcloths
- Baby shampoo/body wash
- Baby lotion
- Diaper rash cream(Critical)
- Baby oil
- Cotton balls/swabs
- Nail clippers/file
- Nasal aspirator(Critical)
Braun
Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer
Nosiboo seemed expensive at first but it was worth its weight in gold during flu season! Much more hygienic and effective than mouth-suction aspirators. Definitely a product worth investing in.
4. Clothing
Newborns grow very fast! Don't buy too many clothes for the first months - they'll quickly outgrow 0-1 month sizes.
Basic Clothing List
Newborn Clothing Needs
9/9 checks completed
- Snap bodysuits (5-7 pieces)(Critical)
- Footed sleepers (4-5 pieces)
- Cardigan/jacket (2-3 pieces)
- Hat/beanie (2 pieces)
- Socks/booties (4-5 pairs)
- Mittens/scratch mittens (2-3 pairs)
- Sleep sack (1-2 pieces)(Critical)
- Blankets (2-3 pieces)
- Muslin swaddles (5-6 pieces)(Critical)
Size Recommendation
Buy few items in newborn (0-1 month) size, more in 1-3 month size. Many babies fit into 1-month size at birth. Also consider the season - thicker clothes for winter babies, lighter for summer babies.
Carter's
Carter's 5-Pack Bodysuit Set
Aden + Anais
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle 4-Pack
Muslin swaddles are useful EVERYWHERE - nursing cover, car sunshade, temporary blanket, burp cloth, changing mat... This was my most-used product!
5. Going Out
Stroller
The stroller is one of the biggest investments. Make the right choice according to your needs.
Cybex
Cybex Priam 4
Joie
Joie Chrome DLX Travel System
Baby Jogger
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
For more detailed information about stroller selection, check out our best stroller 2025 review. Our nursery setup guide may also be helpful.
Car Seat
Required for Hospital Discharge!
Hospitals won't release a baby without a car seat. Buy before birth and learn how to properly install it in your vehicle.
Cybex
Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size
Maxi-Cosi
Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
For car seat comparison, you can check our baby car seat comparison article.
Baby Carrier
6. Hospital Bag
The bag to be prepared when going to give birth. Have it ready by week 36!
For Mom
Mom's Hospital Bag
10/10 checks completed
- ID, insurance card, birth plan(Critical)
- Comfortable nightgown/pajamas (2-3 pieces)
- Nursing bra (2-3 pieces)
- Maternity pads (at least 2 packs)(Critical)
- Maternity underwear (5-6 pieces)
- Slippers and socks
- Personal care items
- Charger and headphones
- Light snacks
- Comfortable outfit for going home
For Baby
Baby's Hospital Bag
9/9 checks completed
- Undershirt or bodysuit (3-4 pieces)
- Sleeper (2-3 pieces)
- Hat and mittens
- Socks (2-3 pairs)
- Blanket/swaddle
- Newborn diapers (small pack)
- Baby wipes
- Going home outfit (season appropriate)(Critical)
- Car seat (ready in car)(Critical)
Prepare the hospital bag early! I had early labor at 38 weeks, it would have been very difficult if my bag wasn't ready. Also don't forget your partner's bag - they'll be staying there too!
7. Safety
Baby Monitor
Philips Avent
Philips Avent SCD923 Baby Monitor
Home Safety
Take home safety measures before the baby starts crawling. Not urgent in the first 3 months but good to be prepared.
Home Safety Checklist
7/7 checks completed
- Outlet covers(Critical)
- Cabinet and drawer locks
- Furniture anchoring straps(Critical)
- Corner protectors
- Stair safety gate (if needed)
- Window locks
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detector(Critical)
Safety 1st
Safety 1st Magnetic Cabinet Lock 8-Pack
8. Diapers and Wipes
You'll use 8-12 diapers a day. Stocking up makes sense but don't buy too many newborn diapers - they grow fast!
Pampers
Pampers Swaddlers Newborn
Huggies
Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn
WaterWipes
WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes
Diaper Stock Advice
Newborn size: 1-2 packs sufficient (they'll outgrow quickly) Size 1: 3-4 packs Size 2: Start stocking here
You can stock up on wipes - long expiration date and needed everywhere.
WaterWipes are expensive but we had no diaper rash during the newborn period. We switched to more economical wipes after month 3, but for the first months it's worth it for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start baby shopping?
Weeks 28-32 of pregnancy is ideal. Buy big furniture and equipment (crib, stroller, car seat) first because delivery times can be long. Clothes and small items can be bought later.
How much total budget should I allocate?
For basic needs $2,000-3,500, for mid-range $3,500-5,500, for premium products $5,500+. The biggest items will be stroller and car seat.
Should I buy newborn or 0-3 month size?
Many babies are already around 7-9 lbs at birth. Buy few newborn items (2-3 pieces), put more weight on 0-3 month size. Also consider the season.
Travel system or separate stroller + car seat?
A travel system (stroller + car seat + bassinet) is very practical in the first months - you can attach the sleeping baby to the stroller without removing from the car. However, quality separate pieces may last longer. Decide based on your budget and usage habits.
Is a sterilizer necessary?
Recommended for the first 3 months. Babies' immune systems aren't developed yet. While an electric sterilizer may seem like a luxury, it's a lifesaver in terms of practicality. Alternatively, you can boil or use a microwave sterilizer.
Is a bedside crib necessary?
Especially highly recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Being able to reach the baby without getting up for nighttime feedings is invaluable. Usually used until 6 months, then baby transitions to their own room.
Conclusion: Essential Needs Summary List
Newborn Essentials Checklist - Final Check
14/14 checks completed
- Baby crib and safe mattress(Critical)
- Stroller or travel system(Critical)
- Car seat (i-Size certified)(Critical)
- Bottle set or breastfeeding supplies
- Sterilizer
- Baby bathtub and bath supplies
- Bodysuits and sleepers (5-7 pieces)
- Muslin swaddles (5-6 pieces)
- Diapers and baby wipes(Critical)
- Diaper rash cream
- Thermometer
- Baby monitor
- Hospital bag ready(Critical)
- Car seat installed in vehicle(Critical)
Remember: You don't have to do everything perfectly. After meeting basic needs, you'll understand what you need as your baby arrives. The shopping list never ends - but that's normal!
Final advice: Share the list with your partner or a close friend. It can also be used as a "wish list" for baby shower or visitors. Instead of getting multiples of the same product, get what you really need.
Ready to Start Shopping?
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This guide was last updated on January 22, 2025. Prices may vary.
