Newborn Checklist
Newborn Checklist: Everything You’ll Need for Baby’s Arrival
Ensure that you have everything you’ll need for your infant with this newborn checklist from AGC Pediatrics:
Our pediatricians recommend purchasing scent-free, dye-free laundry detergent.
- 6 to 8 Onesies (mix of short and long-sleeves)
- 6 to 8 One-piece sleepers (snaps or zippers)
- 2 Newborn hats
- 2 pairs of Scratch mittens
- 4 pairs of Socks
- 2 pairs of Stretchy pants
- 2 Hoodie jackets
- 2 Special dress-up outfits
- 8 to 12 Receiving blankets
- 1 Large blanket
- Summer babies: Sun hat
- Winter babies: Bunting bag or snowsuit
Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding
- Breast pump
- Breast pads
- Nursing bra
- Nursing pillow
- Milk storage containers
- Pure lanolin ointment (if breastfeeding)
- 2 to 4 Bibs
- 6 to 8 4-oz. bottles with nipples
- 6 8-oz. bottles with nipples
- Bottle brush
Optional: Bottle sterilizer & warmer
Diapering
Disposable Diapers
- 2 boxes Newborn diapers
- 1 Diaper pail
- Disposable wipes
- Diaper rash cream or baby ointment
Cloth Diapers
- 24 Pocket diapers
Or
- 24 Prefold diapers, 5 diaper covers and 2 Snappi fasteners
- 24 Washcloths for wiping
- 1 Diaper wet bag
- Organic coconut oil
Safe for your newborn and cloth diapers, and perfect to treat diaper rash.
Optional Accessories
- 1 Diaper change pad
- Diaper bag
- Diaper changing table
Bathing
- Baby wash
- Plastic baby tub
- 10 Washcloths
- 1 Hooded towel
Sleeping
Our pediatricians recommend choosing one of the following newborn sleeping options:
- Bassinet with 2 fitted sheets
- Crib & mattress with 2 mattress covers & 2 fitted sheets
- Pack ‘N’ Play
- Optional: 2 Swaddle blankets or sleep bags
Health
- Nail emery board
- Ear thermometer
- Bulb syringe
- Any prescription medications
Necessary Safety & Transportation Gear
- Stroller
- Newborn/infant car seat
- Baby sling or carrier
Nice-to-have Items
- Infant swing
- Vibrating chair
- Activity/play center
- Infant/newborn books
- Travel toys for car seat/stroller
- Teething toys
- 2 Pacifiers
- Sun shades for car windows
- Nightlight
- Mobiles (portable and stationary)
FAQs for New Mothers & Expecting Parents
How often should my newborn visit the pediatrician?
Infants develop rapidly during their first few weeks of life, making regular check-ups essential. At AGC Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended schedule. Your newborn should be seen by a doctor within 3 to 5 days after birth, followed by wellness exams at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age to monitor growth, track milestones, and administer routine immunizations.
How should I safely bathe my newborn?
Bathing a newborn can feel intimidating for many new parents. You should only give your baby sponge baths until their umbilical cord stump naturally falls off and heals completely, which typically takes one to three weeks. Once healed, you can transition to an infant tub using lukewarm water, mild baby soap, and a gentle touch, ensuring they are always supported securely.
How much sleep does my newborn actually need?
Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep occurs in short increments. During the first month, your baby may sleep up to 16 hours a day or more, cycling in and out of naps primarily to wake up and eat. Because their stomachs are small, breastfed newborns typically wake up to feed every 1 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies may sleep 3 to 4 hours between feedings.
What is the safest sleeping position and environment for my baby?
To protect your baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place your newborn flat on their back for every sleep. The AAP recommends room-sharing (sleeping in the same room) but strictly not bed-sharing. Keep the bassinet or crib entirely clear of loose blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and stuffed animals; utilize a wearable sleep sack or swaddle instead to keep them warm.
How do I know if my newborn is getting enough to eat?
The best way to track your baby’s nutritional intake is by monitoring their diapers. In the first few days of life, diaper output will increase daily. By the end of the first week, a well-hydrated newborn should produce at least six wet diapers and three to four soiled diapers every 24 hours. Our pediatricians will also carefully track your baby’s weight during wellness visits to ensure steady growth.
When should I contact the pediatrician immediately?
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Unresolved lethargy or extreme difficulty waking up to feed
- Frequent, forceful vomiting (not just typical baby spit-up)
- Fewer than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period after the first week
- Signs of breathing distress, such as rapid breathing or grunting
Contact AGC Pediatrics
Our expert team at AGC Pediatrics offers complete care for children from newborns to age 21.
Our faith-based practice offers experience and compassionate care to patients across North Georgia. Schedule an appointment in one of our offices online or via telephone at 706-625-5900 to learn more about our pediatric care.
Please note that the information on this site is educational in nature and should not be used to diagnose or substitute an examination or assessment from your child’s pediatrician. Please schedule an appointment with AGC Pediatrics if you are worried about your child’s health.