Our nursery checklist is organized into two sections for each category, recommended essentials and “nice to have” for additional add-ons.
Nursery
- Bassinet + fitted sheets (for first few months)
- Crib + mattress + fitted sheets (convertible cribs can extend usable time)
- Changing table and/or changing pad for dresser (think what will work long-term for you & your growing baby)
- Dresser
- Baby monitor (if you plan on traveling, note that wifi monitors usually need a password-protected network to function)
- Sound machine (we recommend a portable one or night light combo)
- Blackout curtain/shade (try and get an option that can get your nursery 100% dark)
Nice To Have
- Waterproof mattress cover (not needed if using newton mattress or other washable mattress)
- Dresser organizer/bins
- Rocker
- Night light
- Storage baskets
- Baby hangers
- Nursery decor
Bath & Potty
- Diapers (we recommend getting a few brands to try & combo of newborn + size 1)
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Bath seat
- Bath thermometer (water should not be hotter than 100F)
- Baby shampoo/wash (fragrance-free & non toxic)
- Baby lotion and/or unrefined coconut oil (natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties)
- Diaper caddy or small bins
Nice To Have
- Diaper pail
- Bath toys (no squirt toys, quick to mold inside)
- Rinse cup
Health & Safety
- Baby nail clippers & file
- Nosefrida snot sucker & saline spray
- Genexa (or other baby pain & fever reducer)
- Thermometer (rectal readings are the most accurate)
- Teething gel
Nice To Have
- Blueberry subscription (24/7 access to pediatric care via telehealth + at-home medical kit)
- Safety gate (needed once baby starts to crawl)
- Childproofing cabinet locks (needed once baby starts to crawl)
- Teether (needed once baby begins to teeth around 3-6 months)
- Humidifier (if you're in a dry climate)
Nursing & Feeding
- Breast pump + storage bags (should be partially or fully covered through insurance)
- Dishwashing soap (a good alternative for entire family, fragrance-free)
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads (to absorb leaking milk)
- Bottles & nipples
- Bottlebrush & drying rack
- Burp cloths
Nice To Have
- Nursing pillow
- Nipple cream
- Formula (we recommend having a box on hand)
- Bottle sterilizer (it’s recommended to sterilize bottles after each use, this makes that process much easier)
- Dishwasher basket
- Bottle warmer
- High chair or table chair (not needed until around 6 months)
- Bibs (not needed until around 6 months)
- Sippy cups (not needed until around 6 months)
- Baby bowls, plates, spoon, fork (not needed until around 6 months)
Clothing
- Onesies (try getting a few w/ mittens to cover hands + toes)
- Short sleeve bodysuits
- Socks
- Swaddles (we love velcro swaddles for foolproof swaddling)
- Baby blankets
- Mittens
- Beanies & hats
Nice To Have
- Shirts
- Pants
Baby Gear
- Toys
- Books
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Pacifiers
Nice To Have
Traveling
- Car seat + newborn insert if needed
- Stroller
- Backseat mirror or camera (we highly recommend a camera for they are safer & work at night)
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Diaper bag
- Changing pad
- Diapers & wipes
- Baby wash, lotion, & diaper rash cream (travel size)
- Disinfecting wipes
- Plastic bag for dirty diapers/clothes
- Muslin swaddle blanket and/or nursing cover
- Nursing pads
- Pacifier
- Portable sound machine (or download an app on your phone)
- Cold & fever reducer (we recommend Genexa)
- Baby/toddler first aid kit
- Mineral sunscreen (for babies 6 months and older)
- A change of clothes for baby
- Snacks for mom
Nice To Have
- Pacidose
- Travel baby bottle cleaning kit
- Car sun shade
- Toys and/or books