The ultimate baby checklist

Getting ready to welcome a new addition? This is all you’ll need, from muslins to monitors

Feeling like there are a thousand things you need to get ready before your baby arrives? It can be daunting but, with our baby checklist, you’ll have all the essentials covered. Our top tip is to start early, spacing out your shopping to make things easier on your bank balance (and your sanity).

For an extra helping hand, book a free online or in-store appointment with our All Things Baby experts, who will run through the baby essentials with you.

A bedside crib

The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months. A bedside crib is designed to be kept right by your bed with the side down, making it super helpful for night feeds. During the day, a Moses basket or SnüzPod can be handy for keeping your little one near you for naps.

Cot or cotbed

Babies usually grow out of their crib or Moses basket by six months old, at which point they can be moved into a cot or cotbed. What’s the difference? A cotbed is slightly larger than a standard cot and has removable sides, so it can be made into a toddler bed eventually. If you’re reusing a crib or cot, the NHS recommends you buy a new mattress for every baby, so it’s firm and fits well with no gaps.

Fitted cot sheets

You’ll be changing bedding a lot in the early days, so having four or five fitted cot sheets on rotation is a good amount to start with – and don’t forget the all-important waterproof mattress protector.

Blankets

Duvets, quilts and pillows are not recommended for babies under 12 months, so buy a couple of blankets that can be layered up depending on how cold it is. Cellular blankets can be safely layered, allowing air to circulate and helping to regulate your baby’s temperature.

Sleeping bags

Some parents like to swaddle their baby in the early months to give them the cocooned feeling from the womb. Before they can roll over, a swaddle with a blanket tucked over them will keep them cosy. If they don’t enjoy swaddles, you can always pop them in a sleeping bag; choose the thickness based on the season – the lower the tog, the lighter the sleeping bag.

Night-time accessories

A room thermometer, sound machine and night light are handy, as well as a video baby monitor. The new generation of smart baby monitors link up to an app that allows you to monitor information like heart rate and oxygen levels.

Nursing bras

An essential if you’re breastfeeding, nursing bras are specially designed for comfort and have handy clips for easy access. Take a measurement to get an accurate size after 30 weeks. Add breast pads to help deal with any leaks when your milk comes in. Breast pumps are easier and more efficient than ever – the Elvie Single Electric Breast Pump is an ultra-quiet, wearable pump that allows you to go about your day while you express.

Bottles and accessories

If you’re bottle feeding, you’ll need a selection of bottles with slow-flow teats, but be prepared to try a few before finding the one your baby prefers. You’ll also need a bottle brush and steriliser – newer UV sterilisers, such as this one by Vital Baby, use LED lights to clean everything without the need for water or tablets.

Muslins

These large cotton squares are real multitaskers – especially if you decide to breastfeed and want a bit of privacy.

High chairs

While you don’t need a high chair in the early days, it’s definitely something worth thinking about because those weaning days creep up on you faster than you’d think. Choose a design that puts your baby’s comfort first, but is also easy to wipe clean three times a day.

Baby bath or bath support

There are two main options here. First is a traditional baby bath, which is a small, plastic tub that can be used anywhere. The second option is the increasingly popular bath support, which is designed to sit in an existing tub. You need one or the other – it is hard (and even unsafe) to hold your baby every time you bathe them.

A changing station

Babies need a lot of nappy changes. The key is to set up a changing station where everything you need is to hand. A changing table is a practical option if you have space, but a portable changing mat, plus a basket of wipes, nappies and cream, also works.

Cuddle robe or towels

Nothing is cuter than a baby straight out of the bath. Choose a soft towel with a hood to keep them warm. We’ve got all the baby towels and robes you need.

Baby toiletries

You’ll need baby shampoo and a hairbrush to get them used to brushing and washing from an early age. Nail clippers or scratch mitts will help stop them hurting themselves – those little nails grow quickly but can be hard to trim initially. This Tommee Tippee Healthcare Kit contains several essentials.

Car seat

A rear-facing infant car seat is essential for taking your baby home from hospital – you can’t leave by car without one. At John Lewis we have a selection of the most dependable car seat brands, including Maxi-Cosi (read our review of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro i-Size car seat) and Cybex. Our All Things Baby experts will be able to help you choose and fit the right one for your car. Practise fitting it on your own a few times before your baby’s arrival.

Prams and pushchairs

When it comes to choosing a pram, think about your lifestyle. Do you need a lightweight buggy to move on and off public transport easily, or a more sturdy model for countryside life? A travel system will last until your child is a toddler, and consists of a base, a carrycot (for a newborn) and a pushchair seat (for when they can sit up). Some come with a car seat, but otherwise you can choose a car seat that attaches to your base with special adaptors – great for when your baby is asleep and you need to get them from car to house.

A pushchair is undoubtedly one of the most important purchases any parent will make, it pays to go with a trusted brand that really knows what they are doing. Enter: Nuna, the global brand that puts design, practicality and longevity of products above all else.

Nuna’s TRIV Next Stroller quickly converts to a travel system, packs up easily and stands on its own when folded. Plus, it’s sturdy but lightweight and designed with both parent and baby in mind. We’ve also road-tested (and highly recommend) the Bugaboo Butterfly. Most importantly, check that the pram you buy is suitable to be used from birth and can be reclined fully. Some models are only suitable from six months old. If you want to explore more options, our prams and pushchairs buying guide will help you decide.

Baby carrier or sling

A baby carrier means you can keep your baby close while on the move (say, when you’re popping to the shop). Invest in a decent one that your baby will fit in until they’re too heavy to carry.

Changing bag

Home to everything from nappies and wipes to changing mats and a spare set of clothes, a changing bag will be your on-the-go best friend. Our range includes brands such as Finnsøn, which also scores highly in the style stakes.

You’ll be surprised how many times you have to change your baby’s clothes in a day. One word of warning: don’t buy too much, as newborns grow so quickly that any clothes probably won’t fit them for more than a few months. As a rule, 10 bodysuits and 10 sleepsuits should be enough.

Then add three or four knits that can be layered over the top if it’s chilly. Lots of sleepsuits have built-in socks and scratch mittens, but get a few pairs of each if some of the suits you’ve bought don’t have them.

When you’re out and about, take a pramsuit and a hat. Our full range of newborn clothes has plenty to get your arrival kitted out practically and with maximum cuteness.

We offer both in-store and virtual appointments where you can speak to our experts for advice with your essential baby, toddler and child purchases.

Our appointments cover buying everything you need for babies and children, from the perfect car seat and cot to smaller items such as clothes and toys. The appointments are free, with no pressure to buy and no minimum spend, and we’ll email you a personalised shopping list after your appointment.

To find out more click here.