I knew absolutely NOTHING about parenting, becoming a mom, pregnancy, etc. So when it came time to figure out the baby essentials I needed for the first 3 months to do my baby registry I was CLUELESS on where to even begin!
I binged watched every single Youtube video and every blog post I could find on what items I needed for my newborn. When I actually had my baby I soon realized what items were must haves and and what items were merely nice to haves.
So without further a do here is my straight to the point check list of newborn baby essentials for the first 3 months of your baby’s life.
For my top newborn product recommendations check out my blog post here.
Reminder every baby and parent is different so what may be on my list, may not be something suitable for you or your family and that is totally ok! Do what works best for you and your baby!
Baby Essentials for the First 3 Months Check List
Baby Gear
- Car Seat
- Stroller (travel system is ideal- stroller and carrier)
- Bassinet
- Baby monitor (optional, but nice to keep an eye on your little one when napping, etc.)
- Crib (Optional— you don’t need this until their about 6 months old)
- Firm crib mattress
- Fitted crib sheets (at least 2 EA)
Toiletries/ Diapers
- Diaper bag
- Diapers (at least 1-2 box of newborn size)
- Changing pad
- Baby diaper rash ointment/ cream
- Pacifier (optional– great for soothing fussy babies– at least 2 EA)
- Nail clippers or nail file
- Baby snot sucker/ nasal aspirator
- Baby thermometer
- Cradle cap brush
- Baby soft bristle brush (optional– nice to have if your baby has a lot of hair)
Clothing
- Sleep sack (at least 2 EA)
- 1 thick baby blanket
- 1 thin baby blanket
- Baby sleep and play pajamas a.k.a body suits with zippers and hand covers (4-8 EA)
- Plain white baby onesies (mix of short and long sleeve- 4-8 EA)
- Newborn socks (at least 4 PR)
- Newborn hats (1-2 EA)
- No- scratch hand mittens (optional— not a necessity. They fall off and get lost all of the time.)
- Infant laundry detergent
- A couple up cute outfits (optional– not needed. It’s so much easier to have your baby in a one piece, but I totally get wanting to dress them up all cute)
- Dresser or closet to store clothes in
- *You may need additional clothing depending on the climate/ weather
Bath Time
Breast Feeding/ Nursing
- Portable breast pump
- Nursing Pillow (optional)
- Milk storage containers
- Nursing bras/ tank tops (optional)
- Nursing cover (optional)
- Breast pads
- Lotion for sore nipples
- Nipple shield (optional if needed)
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Bottles (at least 4 EA, 4 oz bottles. *Try a couple different brands. Every baby is different and your baby may prefer a specific bottle.)
- Bottle brush (for cleaning)
- Baby dish soap (optional)
- Formula (if formula feeding)
- Bottle drying rack (optional)
- Insulated bottle carrier (optional)
Nice to haves/ optional
- Sound machine (You can always use your phone to play sound)
- Baby lounger pillow
- Rocking chair for feeding/ nursing
- Change table or dresser w/ changing pad
- Baby carrier
- Swing
- Diaper pail
- Bouncer
- Mobile for crib
- Play pen (you can always go w/ a play pen that can double as a bassinet— very budget friendly option)
- Swaddle
- Bottle warmer
- Wipe warmer
- Bottle sterilizer
- Humidifier
- Play mat
- Activity center
- Toys + storage basket for toys
- Baby books
