Newborns don’t need a lot! If you’re trying to keep a clutter free, peaceful home environment, you don’t need to bring in every single baby item that is marketed to you.

Read along for the most thorough minimalist list of baby items.

These are the only items I had with my first baby, and I actually used every single item! If it’s not on the list, that means I didn’t have it and didn’t miss it. If you love this list, you can download the checklist to keep on your phone or print out.

Happy nesting!

A few honest notes before we get started, from one parent to another:

1. Do not open all of your new baby items before bringing your newborn home. You will learn very quickly exactly what you personally need. Baby items purchased off of a registry at Target can be returned up to a year after the purchased date.
2. This is a list of all the things I had.

The Essentials for a Newborn

These are the bare-bone essentials for a little newborn.

1. Nutrition
2. Diapering and clothing
3. Safe sleeping arrangement
4. Carseat for transportation, required to leave the hospital

Other than unconditionally LOVE, you’ve got to feed the baby, catch the poop, and have a place for them to sleep. This is great starting place as you prep for a new little one.

Even if you’re planning to breast feed, it is still a good idea to have the following in your toolkit, especially if you’re a first time mom.

1. Breast pump

Most women qualify for a free breast pump because of health insurance. Choose a basic, hospital grade pump, such as the Spectra, and get familiar with it before baby comes home. A breast pump is useful to help ease a little bit of engorgement when your milk comes in, pump a bottle so a family member can feed baby, and build a little stash if you choose to do so.

2. Bottles and bottle brush

Have about 4 bottles on hand. After doing my research we landed on the Philips Avent glass bottles, because the nipple only releases milk when baby is sucking, unlike other bottles which have a fast flow. Glass bottles are easier to clean, and less toxic.

Thanks to my baby registry on Amazon and Target, I also received samples of a couple other brands such as Dr.Brown’s and MAM bottles which we experimented with. You don’t need a lot of bottles!

We used a bottle brush to wash our bottles, because I’m a germaphobe and wanted a designated brush for baby’s bottles.

3. Small can of organic, high quality formula

I know, I know, “formula?!”. This is purely for peace of mind. Purchase a small can of organic, high quality formula, and tuck it away in your pantry. Trust me.

Especially if you’re a first time mom, this little backup can will bring you immense peace of mind as you figure out your breastmilk situation.

4. Nipple care

I have to admit, breastfeeding was incredibly difficult and painful for me. I was not prepared with the necessary items to take care of the pain. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime! Nipple care items are a must-have for your fourth trimester.

• High quality nipple cream
• Silver nipple covers
• Ibuprofen for clogged ducts
• Sunflower lecithin for clogged ducts
• Breast pads for leaky breasts

5. Nursing and/or pumping bra

You don’t need a lot of new bras, but chances are your bra size will change with pregnancy and nursing. It is convenient to have a pair of comfortable nighttime nursing bras, as well as a pair of sturdier nursing bras that you can wear in public under your outfits.

Diapering and Clothing

1. Diapers

Decide if you will cloth diaper or use disposable diapers. If using disposable diapers, have a package of newborn and size one on hand.

Tip: You don’t need to bring diapers to the hospital, they will be provided. Take home the open package of diapers from the hospital room that is used for your baby! Each diaper counts.

2. Diaper cream

Consider getting a talc-free baby powder for dusting your cuties little bum between changes, as well as a trusted diaper cream. I used the Burt’s Bees baby powder, and the Desitin zinc oxide diaper paste when needed.

3. Clothing and fragrance-free laundry detergent

You will need practical and comfortable clothing for baby. Think cotton!

When I was expecting my first, my sister recommended wrap-over bodysuits, and fold-over waist footed pants. Game changer!

In this concoction, the endless diaper changes were easy and didn’t require unclothing the entire scrunchy newborn. I had a three pack of these fold-over waist pants, and a 5-pack of the body suits. Along with a few newborn onesies that were gifted to me at my baby shower and a pack of baby socks, this was plenty of clothes for my newborn.

Depending on the season in which your little one is born, you might need a couple more layers.

Tip: From my experience both attending countless baby showers, and having my own, people always bring baby clothes! So you might want to hold off spending a ton of money on baby outfits…I know, it’s tempting!

3. Fragrance-free detergent

If you don’t already have a fragrance-free laundry detergent, consider getting some for your newborn’s laundry. It doesn’t need to be a specific “baby detergent”, that’s just a marketing tactic!

Safe Sleep

1. Bassinet, crib, or a “pack ‘n play”

I scored a brand new bassinet for $30 on Facebook marketplace. It was as basic as a bassinet gets but…$30 brand new!

I had initially thought I would just use the crib for our baby, but I couldn’t pass up a $30 cute bassinet and I am so thankful we made that purchase. The bassinet was a cozy spot for my little one, it had wheels so I could push it into any space, and it barely took up any space in our bedroom.

2. Crib mattress and crib sheets

Eventually, even if you do use a bassinet for a little while, you will need to move baby over into their crib. You will need a mattress, two waterproof mattress covers, and two crib sheets.

3. Swaddle and blanket

From experience and observation, people enjoying gifting expectant parents a ton of blankets, and swaddles. The hospital will also have a swaddle for baby that you can take home.

We realized within 24 hours of being mom and dad, that we were amateurs when it came to swaddling. Thankfully, my Amazon baby box had come with a baby swaddle wrap, which had velcro on it for a fool proof swaddling experience. We used that swaddle over and over, and eventually purchased a second one!

Bath and hygiene