Baby Essentials: The Ultimate Newborn Checklist

When a new addition to the family is on the way, there’s obviously so much to prepare for. Between planning for breast and bottle feeding, baby registry, expressed milk and cloth nappies, down to planning your baby car seat and nappy bag, it’s a busy time. So busy, that it's hard to know where to start when it comes to bub’s wardrobe.

From bodysuits and muslin wraps to singlets and booties, the newborn checklist seems to be never-ending. But fear not, soon-to-be mums and dads, Boody is here to help. Whether you’re new to parenting or on to baby number three, every parent can do with a bit of help or a gentle reminder as to what they need to buy for their little bambino on the way.

Here’s our Ultimate Newborn Baby Checklist to give you a helping hand when you’re planning to buy baby clothes.

What baby clothes do you need to buy?

When it comes to preparing for your newborn, finding the right baby clothes is usually right at the top of the list. But where do you start? Bub will grow so quickly, it seems wasteful to dress your little princess or prince in clothing just because it’s ‘trendy’. This is why we suggest keeping it simple and sticking to the basics when it’s time to buy clothing for your little one.

1. The Onesie

Whether you’re having a winter baby or a summer baby, a onesie is a timeless staple that belongs in the wardrobe of every little cherub. Our adorable Baby Long Sleeve Onesie is wonderfully soft on baby’s skin and super cosy for snuggle time. Crafted from organically-grown bamboo, our onesies are durable and breathable – perfect for little explorers.

2. The Bodysuit

A bodysuit is another handy addition to your newborn’s wardrobe. Also a good choice all year round, a bodysuit is easy to put on bub and ideal for layering. Our comfy Baby Sleeveless Bodysuit is perfect for your baby girl or boy and makes an ideal, nappy-covering all-in-one. Featuring discreet colour-matched press studs for easy nappy-access, our bamboo baby bodysuit is truly a must-have.

3. The Singlet

A newborn’s wardrobe should be stocked up with comfy basics that are perfect for layering, which is what makes a singlet so essential. Perfect for helping bub maintain a consistent body temperature, singlets can be slipped under any outfit, or worn alone when it’s boiling hot outside. Our Baby Singlet is finished off with our gentle signature elastic trim, so it can easily be pulled over any little one’s delicate head.

4. The T-Shirt

When it comes to staple pieces to stock up on for baby’s arrival, it doesn’t get more essential than a classic crew neck t-shirt. Perfect for teaming with an adorable pair of pants or shorts, a simple tee is an easy go-to staple for your little bundle of joy. Our Baby T-Shirt is silky soft and features a handy shoulder opening, secured by delicate colour-matched press studs. Perfect for pulling off when bub makes a mess!

5. The Long-Sleeve Top

A great alternative to a classic tee, a long-sleeve top is another great all-rounder. Great for layering or wearing alone, a long-sleeve top is also ideal for protecting bub’s delicate skin from the harsh Australian sun. Our Baby Long Sleeve Top is cut from our signature organically-grown bamboo fabric, which is luxuriously-soft but resistant.

6. The Shorts

When it’s warm outside, a cute pair of shorts are perfect for showing off bub’s dear little legs. At their best when breathable and ultra comfy, shorts are an adorable staple for baby. Our Baby Pull on Shorts are designed with our stretchy bamboo fabric and an elastic waistband, making them easy to pull on over bodysuits or paired with a simple tee. Cuteness overload!

7. The Pants

In addition to a sweet pair of shorts, a comfy pair of pants will also make a great addition to your newborn’s wardrobe. The key here is to opt for a roomy pair that will allow ease of movement and big cloth nappy bums. Our Baby Pull on Pants are ultra soft and roll up super small – perfect for keeping a spare pair in the nappy bag.

8. The Finishing Touches

Last but in no ways least, you’ll want to think about the finishing touches of your newborn’s capsule wardrobe – socks, wraps and accessories. From muslin wraps for swaddling to a quality baby bib, these baby products will make all the difference to your newborn checklist. Our Baby Socks are handily anti-fungal, anti-odour and thermo-regulating, while our Baby Beanie & Booties keep tiny heads warm thanks to our exceptionally-soft jersey knit fabric.

What is the baby clothes size guide?

You’re probably wondering what size clothing you will need for the little one on the way. It’s important to remember that newborn sizes differ from one baby to the next, and babies grow at different rates. They also, like us adults, have different body shapes and sizes. Clothing sizes also vary slightly from brand to brand, but here’s our Baby Size Guide to get you started:

How quickly will baby grow out of clothes?

As mentioned previously, every baby is different and grows at a different rate. But the best rule of thumb to go by is that 000 will fit most babies, so is your safest bet. That said, if your baby is on the smaller side, a 0000 is probably more in line with what you’ll need to be buying.

So there you have it, soon-to-be mums and dads. Our Ultimate Newborn Checklist to help you deck bub out in the most essential everyday staples. We hope it helps to make a few decisions easier for you – now there’s only another million things to think about! Shop all our babywear now.

Other newborn checklist essentials

1. Nursery furniture

We all know bub's room requires adorable decor, but it's the furniture you fill the nursery with that's really important. Not only will it make caring for your baby easier, but safer, too. Here are the newborn baby checklist essentials for the furniture in your nursery:

• A crib or cradle
• A rocking or armchair
• A baby monitor
• A nightlight
• A toy basket
• A dresser

2. Baby bedding

Any new parent will know how sacred sleep is, for both them and their little one. To make sleep just that little bit easier during those early weeks and months, ensure to invest in some essential baby bedding:

• Light receiving blankets
• Washable crib mattress pads
• Fitted crib sheets
• Heavier blankets for when it's cold

It's a good idea to have a few of each of the above for when each piece of baby bedding needs to be washed.

3. Health essentials 

From feeding must-haves to health and safety staples, there is a range of health essentials you'll need to ensure you stock up on before bub arrives:

• A pump (if breastfeeding)
• Nursing pads (if breastfeeding)
• Milk storage bags (if breastfeeding)
• Nipple cream (if breastfeeding)
• Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
• Formula (if not breastfeeding)
• Burp Cloths
• A first aid kit
• A baby thermometer
• Baby nail clippers

4. Nappies

Many parents will dread having to change nappies, but they soon pick it up. Having some simple baby essentials on hand will help you get the hang of it even quicker:

• A nappie bag
• Nappie cream
• A changing table or cushioned changing pad
• Unscented baby wipes
• Soft washclothes
• Cloth diapers (much better for the environment than disposable ones!)

4. Other baby essentials

From rushing out the house in the morning to preparing for dinner, there are some final baby essentials that are important to own:

• A high chair
• A stroller or infant carrier
• A convertible car seat
• A baby swing or bouncer

Lastly, our friends over at Fluent Woof have put together a great guide on how to introduce bub and pup. Read their 30 essentials tips to introduce your dog to a new baby here.