The Complete Parent’s Preparation Guide
This comprehensive newborn essentials checklist is your ultimate preparation companion for welcoming your baby in 2025. Carefully curated following the latest WHO guidelines and pediatric safety standards, this printable checklist covers everything from pregnancy must-haves to your baby’s first year essentials.
What’s Included:
- 75+ essential items organised by category and timeline
- Safety-first approach with 2025 updated guidelines
- Budget-friendly tips highlighting what to buy new vs. second-hand
- Quantity specifications to avoid over or under-purchasing
Key Features:
✅ Pregnancy preparation items
✅ Hospital bag essentials (including mandatory car seat reminder)
✅ Safe sleep setup following current guidelines
✅ Complete feeding solutions for breast and formula feeding
✅ Baby-proofing and safety checklist
✅ Development-appropriate toys and activities
Perfect for: First-time parents, baby shower planning, gift-giving guidance, and ensuring nothing important is forgotten during this exciting but overwhelming time.
Updated June 2025 with the latest safety recommendations and parenting best practices.
Pregnancy Essentials
Hospital Bag
- ☐ Comfortable clothing for yourself
- ☐ 2-3 newborn outfits (different sizes)
- ☐ Blankets for the trip home
- ☐ Rear-facing infant car seat (REQUIRED)
- ☐ Going-home outfit (newborn & 0-3 months)
Sleep Safety Essentials
- ☐ Bedside crib or bassinet
- ☐ New cot mattress (buy new only)
- ☐ 4-5 fitted cot sheets
- ☐ 2 sleeping bags or cellular blankets
- ☐ Room thermometer (16-20°C optimal)
- ☐ Nightlight
- ☐ Humidifier
Feeding Essentials – Breastfeeding
- ☐ Nursing bras (get measured at 36-38 weeks)
- ☐ Breast pads
- ☐ Nipple cream
- ☐ Nursing pillow
- ☐ Muslin squares (6-8 pieces)
Feeding Essentials – Formula
- ☐ 4-6 bottles (glass or BPA-free)
- ☐ Formula milk powder or ready-to-feed
- ☐ UV sterilising equipment
- ☐ Bottle brushes
Baby Clothing
- ☐ 6+ all-in-one sleepsuits with feet
- ☐ 4-6 vests/bodysuits with poppers
- ☐ 2 wool/cotton cardigans (no nylon)
- ☐ Scratch mittens
- ☐ Socks or booties
- ☐ Weather-appropriate hats
- ☐ Snowsuit (if cold weather)
Daily Care Items
- ☐ Newborn Nappies (few packs)
- ☐ Gentle, fragrance-free wipes
- ☐ Burp cloths
- ☐ Cotton wool
- ☐ Baby nail clippers
- ☐ Digital thermometer
- ☐ Baby-specific first aid kit
- ☐ Cradle cap brush
Bathing Essentials
- ☐ Baby bath or washing-up bowl
- ☐ 2+ soft hooded towels
- ☐ Tear-free baby shampoo/body wash
- ☐ Bath thermometer
- ☐ Non-slip bath mat
Development & Play
- ☐ High-contrast toys
- ☐ Rattles
- ☐ BPA-free teething rings
- ☐ Activity centres (supervised use)
Safety & Mobility
- ☐ Outlet covers
- ☐ Baby gates
- ☐ Cabinet locks
- ☐ Corner guards
- ☐ Newborn-suitable stroller
- ☐ Baby carrier or sling
Nursery Setup
- ☐ Changing station or mat
- ☐ Baby-safe laundry detergent
- ☐ Blackout curtains
- ☐ White noise machine (optional)
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