Newborn baby checklist

Bits to buy when expecting

Baby on the way? How exciting! Whether it's your own little bundle of joy or a very special someone in your life who’s having a baby, it can be overwhelming to think of all the bits and bobs you need to buy to be ready for the little one’s arrival. We’ve compiled an easy-to -follow baby checklist of all the newborn essentials you need to gather before that special due date - and you can print it off and tick it as you go with our handy downloadable checklist.

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Baby sleeping essentials

To begin our baby essentials list, let's talk about sleep. In those early days, your newborn is likely to be sleeping a lot, so it's important to gather some high-quality sleeping essentials for their snuggly, snoozy slumbers:

	Zip sleepsuits – perfectly practical for night changes, and soft for those snuggly, newborn bubble days.
	Sleeping bags – we recommend a lighter 1.5 tog and 2.5 tog for colder months, but you can always check out our sleeping bag guide for a little more info.
	Soft swaddle blankets for soothing little wrigglers.
	A baby monitor for when they are sleeping or napping in another room.
	A cuddly comforter or two can be a great gift for little snoozers.

Baby feeding essentials

From nursing and breastfeeding to those first-taste nibbles, there are a lot of things to tick off your list regarding feeding & weaning. Start off by investing in comfy supportive maternity or nursing bras with easy access for those first feeds, then it's time to get ready for the leaky, crumbly, soggy munching moments.

Muslins – muslin cloths are great for mopping up spills, and throwing over your shoulder while burping or feeding. These dribble-proof, multi-use accessories are a must-have! Baby bibs are made for spills and messy meals, so grab a few for slurping, crunching and breakfast munching. Discover wipe-clean styles as well as machine washable wonders. Baby bowls & cutlery sets to make weaning a breeze. Here comes the aeroplane! Sip sip hooray! Sippy cups & baby drink bottles will have your tiny tot feeling oh so grown up. After all, crawling, playing (and mischief-making) is thirsty work...

Baby nursery essentials

Creating a nourishing nursery is as easy as one, two, three. With the right baby decor and furniture, you can make a calming and snooze-inspiring space for your little dreamer...

	Baby blankets are a great addition to little spaces, helping to add to the soothing and oh so cosy atmosphere.
	Get cot beds that suit your and your baby’s needs. In those early months, a next-to-me cot or bedside cot makes late-night feeding a breeze, and as they begin to sleep more independently, you may want to find a stylish snooze spot to make the nursery colours pop!
	Nursery & toy storage – important for keeping little playrooms clutter-free after those toy-scattered days.
	Add some playful nursery décor to not only make a fun-filled space but to also give your little one a special sense of ownership of their room.

Baby gear essentials

It’s time to get baby ready to head outside on an adventure! When taking your little one out and about, there are lots of bits you need to bring along so you can be prepared for any kind of emergency. We’ve compiled all the baby travel essentials you’ll need in this handy adventuring-with-a-newborn checklist...

	Find prams and pushchairs that are suitable to the size and needs of your baby.
	Pick out some pram accessories - these can help to make those first journeys more comfortable for you and baby, too!
	Pram toys are handy to have as they keep little hands (and little minds) occupied if they get a bit fussy.
	Pack your changing bag with a changing mat and a spare baby outfit for those inevitable little leaks.

Baby bath essentials

Splish-splash hooray! Make bubbly bathtime a fun and sensory experience for your little water baby. Create an engaging environment with toys and books as they explore the gentle movement of the bath water through touch, sight, and sound. This also helps to drain off excess energy and encourages the sleepiness that follows a good bedtime routine.

	Baby bubble bath/toiletries that will be sensitive to young skin
	Bath toys and books can be great for adding a bit more fun to bath time, keeping little hands busy while you clean them up.
	Bath robes or fluffy towels are perfect for bundling up and snuggling after bath time, making them extra cosy so little ones can wind down to a good night's sleep.

Baby playtime essentials

From peekaboo time to roll-around tummy time, create a stimulating environment for their physical development and motor skills whilst soaking up those gummy smiley moments! Whether it’s making memories at home or a sensory sing-along experience at a mum and baby class, discover all the play-perfect baby toys you need to help them learn about the world and themselves.

	Squishy soft toys are a great first companion for little world explorers, made to be loved for years and years.
	Rattles and teethers are perfect play pals for those wriggly days.
	A fabric book or two - a great way to engage your baby in the world of reading (and may even inspire those precious first words!)
	Activity toys introduce curious little minds to interactive and imaginative play.