The Best Newborn Essentials Guide & Nursery Checklist

Newborn Essentials: The Ultimate Nursery

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time filled with anticipation and a whirlwind of preparations. One of the most delightful parts of this adventure is creating a warm and nurturing nursery for your little one with the items on your nursery checklist. To create this special space you'll need newborn essentials, from the nursery room to the bathroom and from playtime to trips to Grandma's house. With our checklist of newborn must-haves, you can help ensure a safe, organized environment, where dreams are dreamed, cuddles are shared, and countless memories are made.

So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and together we'll ensure you have the right newborn baby gear to navigate this new chapter.

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Need help choosing the right car seat or stroller for your newborn? Use our Car Seat Guide and our Stroller Guide.

Newborn Nursery Essentials

Having a room filled with the right newborn nursery essentials provides a dedicated space for your baby's sleep, hygiene, playtime, and comfort, helping you feel prepared — especially during those hectic early months. This nursery checklist includes essentials to start your nursery and nice-to-haves that every new parent should consider. From a cozy baby bassinet to a helpful baby monitor, make sure these items are on your nursery essentials list:

  Baby Bassinet For keeping baby close during the early months Shop Baby Bassinets
  Baby Crib & Mattress – Secure a safe place for your baby to sleep with a high-quality crib and mattress
  Changing Pad or Table – Essential for quick and organized diaper changes
  Baby Swing or Bouncer – Keep your newborn calm and entertained hands-free
  Fitted Sheets & Waterproof Crib Mattress Cover  – Keep multiple, breathable fitted sheets on hand—along with a waterproof mattress cover for easy cleaning
 Baby Monitor – Stay connected with Baby with a baby monitor at sleep time
 Board Books – Choose soft, colorful board books to stimulate and support bonding
 Newborn Diapers – Stock up on newborn diapers to prepare for frequent changes
 Diaper Pail — Contain odor with a tight seal diaper pail for easy disposal
 Baby Rocking Chair – For feeding, soothing, and bonding a rocking chair is helpful
 Crib Mobile – Add a gentle mobile above the crib to help soothe your little one to sleep
 Diaper Cream – Prevent and soothe diaper rash with a gentle, baby-safe diaper cream
 Baby Wipes – Stock up on hypoallergenic baby wipes for your newborn's sensitive skin
 Receiving Blankets or Baby Swaddlers – Keep soft receiving blankets for swaddling
 Night Light – Try not to disturb their rest with a night light for night feedings or changes
 Baby First Aid Kit & Thermometer – Stay ready with a baby first aid kit & thermometer

With these newborn nursery essentials, you can help ensure you have the essentials for a functional, comforting space, especially during those precious early weeks.

Newborn On-the-Go Essentials

Getting out and about with your little one also requires newborn necessities to ensure safety, comfort, and engagement while on the go. Whether a quick trip to the store or a longer outing to visit the grandparents, make sure you have these newborn on-the-go essentials for safer, smoother, and more enjoyable adventures with your newborn, big or small: 

Infant Car Seat or Convertible Car Seat – A secure infant car seat or convertible car seat that transitions with your newborn is a top priority for car seat safety
 Newborn Stroller – Choose a newborn stroller with ample support to take your baby out comfortably
Double Stroller – For outings with an older child, a double stroller helps simplify travel
 Newborn Travel System – Combine an infant car seat and stroller with a travel system
Newborn Baby Carrier – Keep your baby close with a carrier for hands-free comfort
 Stroller Toys – Help keep your baby entertained during trips with attachable stroller toys
 Baby Window Shade – Protect your baby from sun exposure on car rides with a shade

With these newborn on-the-go essentials, you can confidently venture out with your newborn, helping to ensure they're safe, comfortable, and ready for any outing.

Newborn Playtime Essentials 

Playtime is more than just fun – it's important for your little one's development and curiosity. Outfitting your nursery or living space with these newborn playtime essentials provides a safe, stimulating environment where your baby can explore, learn, and play:

 Pack and Play & Pack n Play Mattress – Perfect for play, tummy time, or quick naps
 Baby Toys – Choose newborn-safe toys that stimulate sight, sound, touch, and fun
 Toy Storage – Keeping tidy play areas is easier with toy storage bins or organizers

With these newborn playtime essentials, you can create playful spaces to engage your newborn.

Newborn Diaper Bag Essentials

Before you bring your baby outdoors, packing a newborn diaper bag is essential to care for them wherever the day takes you. Here's a list of newborn diaper bag essentials to keep in reach while you're out and about:

 Anti-Colic Bottles – If bottle-feeding, pack anti-colic bottles to reduce colic symptoms
 Newborn Pacifier – Help soothe your baby with comforting newborn pacifiers
 Diaper Bag – Access essentials in a roomy diaper bag with organized compartments
 Newborn Diapers – Pack plenty of newborn diapers to prepare for frequent changes
 Baby Nose Sucker – For clearing nasal congestion, a nose sucker is always useful
 Baby Changing Pad – Always have a clean surface for changes with a portable pad
 Diaper Cream – Keep diaper cream on hand to help prevent diaper rash
 Baby Wipes – Baby wipes are essential for diaper changes, sticky hands, or cleanups
 Newborn Bibs – For protecting baby's clothes from dribble while feeding
 Burp Cloths – Help keep both you and your baby clean after feedings

With these diaper bag essentials , you can feel confident and prepared, as you and your baby have what you need for a comfortable outing.

Newborn Feeding Essentials

When preparing for a baby, securing the right newborn feeding essentials is crucial. Here are items you need for a smoother feeding experience and to nurture your baby for their well-being:

 Baby Formula – If not nursing, you'll need baby formula for your baby's nutrition
 Bottle Warmer – Conveniently heat milk to the ideal temperature for your newborn
 Wearable Breast Pump – Allow hands-free milk expression when you're multitasking
 Nursing Pillow – For supportive comfort for you and baby during feeding
 Burp Cloths – Protect clothing when burping from spit-up and drool with burp cloths
 Bottle Sterilizer – Eliminate bacteria with a sterilizer so bottles are clean for every feed
 Nursing Pads – Stay dry and comfortable with discreet nursing pad protection
 Baby Nail Clippers – Safely trim little nails with clippers made for tiny hands
 Anti-Colic Bottles – For reducing gas and fussiness for calm, comfortable feeding times
 Milk Storage Bags – Securely store and freeze breast milk with sturdy, easy-seal bags
 Baby Bottle Brush – Ensure thorough bottle cleaning between feeds
 Bottle Drying Rack – Organize bottles and accessories with a rack on your countertop
 Newborn Bottle Nipples – For the ideal milk flow and more comfortable feedings
 Newborn Bibs – Protect clothes from spills during mealtime

So, help simplify feeding time with these essentials while you focus on nourishing your little one and cherish these bonding moments.

Newborn Clothing Essentials

When you welcome your little one into the world, having the right newborn clothing essentials is key to keeping them cozy. Here's a checklist of soft and snuggly newborn baby clothes to ensure your baby feels secure and comfortable:

 Newborn Onesies – Start your baby's wardrobe off with several soft, stretchy onesies
 Baby Footie Pajamas – Keep your little snoozer warm and snug in cozy footie pajamas
 Baby Mittens – Protect those tiny hands in gentle mittens for an extra layer of warmth
 Baby T-Shirts – Layer comfy baby t-shirts, perfect for mixing and matching
 Newborn Socks – Keep your baby's toes warm in newborn socks
 Newborn Pants – Pair comfy and stretchy newborn pants with any top for a cozy outfit
 Baby Sleep Sack – Wrap your baby in a soft sleep sack for a snug sleep that allows cozy movement
 Baby Beanie – Top off your baby's outfit by keeping their head warm with a beanie

Keeping your baby warm, cozy, and comfortable at home or outdoors is easier with the right newborn clothing essentials. With these pieces in your nursery, you'll have your newborn ready for the day ahead.

Newborn Bath Time Essentials

Bath time is a special bonding moment between you and your baby, filled with gentle care. To make this experience delightful and safe, check these newborn bath time essentials off your list to create an easier bathing routine for your little one:

 Baby Soap – Clean your baby's sensitive skin with gentle, tear-free baby soap
 Baby Washcloths – Use gentle baby washcloths for thorough cleaning during bathtime
 Baby Shampoo – Give your little one gentle hair care with baby shampoo
 Baby Bath Tub – Make bath time safe and enjoyable with a baby bathtub
 Baby Hooded Towel – Wrap your baby in a hooded baby towel for head-to-toe drying
 Baby Lotion – Moisturize and protect your baby's soft skin with soothing baby lotion
 Bath Rinse Cup – Make rinsing easy and fun with a bath rinse cup that you gently pour

During tender bath time moments, these newborn bath time essentials help you keep your baby clean and your mind clear.

Newborn Essentials That Bring You Peace of Mind

Preparing for your baby's arrival is a journey that begins with understanding and gathering the right newborn essentials. With Graco by your side, you can feel confident in your preparations as you help ensure your newborn has what they need for a joyful start in life. Embrace this exciting chapter with all the love and care you can provide, and get ready for countless precious moments with your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start setting up the nursery?

It's best to start setting up your nursery around the second trimester. This period provides plenty of time to organize and decorate before the baby arrives — without the stress of last-minute preparations. Plus, it lets you personalize the nursery and make it a cozy haven for your little one before they arrive.

What are the must-haves for a newborn nursery?

Internal Nursery must-haves include a crib or bassinet, changing table, swaddles, feeding supplies, storage solutions, toys for early development, and more. These items will ensure your nursery is functional, comfortable, and welcoming. A well-equipped nursery supports your baby's needs while making parenting a little easier in those early days.

How can I create a calming atmosphere in the nursery?

To create a calming atmosphere, consider soft lighting, soothing colors, and gentle decor. Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark for naps, and include a comfortable chair for late-night feedings. Adding soft toys and blankets can also make the space feel warm and inviting.