The Ultimate Newborn Checklist: Must-Have Items for New Parents
Everything you actually need for the first weeks at home, a safe nursery setup, and what to pack in your hospital bag — no fluff, no overwhelm.
Bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting moments of your life. It's also one of the most overwhelming. Between the endless product lists, conflicting advice, and things you didn't know you needed until 3am — it can be a lot. This checklist cuts through the noise.
We've broken it into three sections: what you need for the first weeks at home, how to set up a safe nursery, and what to pack in your hospital bag. Save it, share it, tick it off.
🏠 What You Really Need for the First Few Weeks
Focus on the basics. You can always buy more later — but these are the things you'll reach for every single day.
Nappy changing:
- 8–12 nappies per day — newborns go through more than you'd expect; have a good stash ready before birth
- Unscented wipes or cotton wool with warm water — for the first few weeks, water is gentler on newborn skin
- Barrier cream — apply at every change to prevent nappy rash from day one
- Muslins and bibs — you'll use these constantly; aim for 8–10 minimum
Clothing:
- Soft, breathable bodysuits and sleepsuits — cotton only; zip-up sleepsuits are far easier than poppers at night
- Scratch mitts and hats — newborns can't regulate temperature and have sharp nails
- Enough for 2 days without washing — they go through clothes faster than you expect
Swaddling and comfort:
- Muslin swaddles — light, breathable, and get softer with every wash
- Baby blankets — for pram walks, not for the cot (use a sleeping bag instead)
Feeding:
- Breast pads — whether breastfeeding or not, you'll need these in the early days
- Bottles and steriliser — even if breastfeeding, worth having on standby
- Burp cloths — a muslin over the shoulder after every feed; you'll want several in rotation
- Lanolin cream — a lifesaver for sore nipples in the first weeks of breastfeeding
💡 Mimi Tip: Our organic cotton muslins are one of the most-used items in the first weeks — swaddling, burp cloths, shade covers for the pram, impromptu changing mats. Stock up.
🛏️ Setting Up a Safe and Cosy Nursery
Your nursery doesn't need to look like a magazine shoot. It needs to be safe, functional, and easy to navigate at 3am. Here's the essentials-only list.
📌 Safe Sleep (Lullaby Trust): Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface, with no loose bedding, pillows or toys. Room-share for the first 6 months. A well-fitted sleeping bag removes the need for blankets entirely.
🏥 What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Have your bag ready by week 36 — babies don't always wait. Pack it in two separate bags if you can: one for labour, one for after.
- Loose, comfortable clothes for labour and after
- A front-opening top or nightgown (easier for feeding)
- Maternity pads — pack more than you think you need
- Toiletries: toothbrush, dry shampoo, lip balm, moisturiser
- Snacks and a water bottle
- Phone charger and headphones
- Your birth plan and ID documents
- Outfit to go home in — something loose and comfortable
- 2–3 bodysuits and sleepsuits in newborn and 0–3m sizes
- Hat and scratch mitts
- Nappies (hospitals provide some, but bring your own)
- Cotton wool or gentle wipes
- Muslins — 3–4 minimum
- Swaddle blanket for the journey home
- Installed car seat — you won't be allowed to leave without one
💡 Mimi Tip: Our maternity bags are designed by a mum for exactly this — roomy enough for everything, organised enough that you can find things without emptying the whole bag at 3am.
🛍️ Everything on this checklist — Mimi Barcelona
Muslins, bibs, blankets, sleeping bags, hooded towels and maternity bags — all handcrafted in Barcelona from GOTS-certified organic cotton, designed to coordinate beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many muslins do I actually need for a newborn?
Aim for 8–12. Muslins are used for everything — burp cloths, swaddles, pram covers, changing mat liners, and emergency bibs. Having enough to get through a full day without doing laundry makes the early weeks significantly easier.
What TOG sleeping bag should I use for my newborn?
For a room at 16–20°C (the NHS-recommended range), a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is appropriate in winter. In warmer rooms above 20°C, use 1.0 TOG. Always use a room thermometer rather than guessing, and dress your baby in a single layer underneath.
Do I need to bring everything to the hospital or will they provide things?
NHS hospitals will provide basic nappies, wipes, and a few essentials, but it's worth bringing your own — you'll feel more comfortable with familiar things and won't run out at an inconvenient moment. Private hospitals vary, so check with yours in advance.
When should I have my hospital bag ready?
By week 36 at the latest — some babies arrive early. Many parents pack around weeks 34–35 so there's time to add anything they've forgotten. Keep it somewhere easy to grab on the way out the door.
Handcrafted in Barcelona from organic cotton — beautiful, practical, and designed by a parent who's been there.
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