Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyful and expensive experiences. Between the excitement, exhaustion, and endless lists, it’s easy to overspend on every adorable onesie or gadget marketed as “essential.” But the truth is, you don’t have to break the bank to be fully prepared. A new baby checklist is a lifesaver for overwhelmed parents-to-be.
With so many baby products on the market, it’s easy to feel lost or pressured into buying things you don’t actually need. A new baby checklist helps you stay focused, organized, and budget-conscious, while making sure you’re prepared with the true essentials without overspending. It turns chaos into clarity, so you can shop with confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s a list of the 20 true essentials you need for your newborn, plus tips on how to get each one affordably, whether through secondhand sources, discount retailers, or smart online deals. You can download our free printable New Baby Checklist below.
1. A Safe Crib or Bassinet
How to save: Check for gently used cribs on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood groups. Make sure it meets current safety standards (no drop sides). IKEA and Amazon also offer budget-friendly cribs under $150.
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it! Buy used if money is tight and better spend more on the mattress.
2. Firm Crib Mattress
How to save: You don’t need a luxury brand. Look for GREENGUARD Gold certified options from Amazon Basics or Newton during sales.
Pro Tip: Never buy a used mattress.
3. Swaddles & Sleep Sacks
How to save: You’ll need a few to rotate. Buy multi-packs or consider secondhand bundles. Brands like Halo and Love to Dream often go on sale.
Pro Tip: Swaddling helps soothe newborns by mimicking the snugness of the womb, which can lead to longer, more restful sleep from the start.
4. Diapers (Lots of Them)
How to save: Test a few brands before buying in bulk. Consider Amazon’s Subscribe & Save or warehouse clubs like Costco for serious savings.
Pro Tips: Also, don’t overlook store-brand diapers, as many are just as effective as name brands but come at a fraction of the cost.
Read more: 7 AMAZING TIPS FOR A BUDGET-FRIENDLY NURSERY
5. Wipes
How to save: Generic brands often work just as well. Look for bulk deals or try reusable cloth wipes if you’re open to low-waste options.
Pro Tips: Signing up for baby registries or parenting clubs can also score you free sample packs to test before committing.
6. Onesies and Footed Pajamas
How to save: Babies outgrow clothes fast. Accept hand-me-downs and shop sales at Target, H&M, or Amazon. Thrift stores are also goldmines.
Pro Tips: While those adorable onesie prints are tempting, stick to buying most onesies in bulk and plain white, like these ones. They are far easier to wash in high temperatures and perfect for the inevitable messes.
7. Diaper Bag
How to save: Choose a multi-functional backpack over a trendy brand. You can find stylish, durable options on Amazon for under $20 or even repurpose a bag you already own.
Pro Tips: Look for one with plenty of compartments and a wipeable interior, as it’ll make on-the-go changes way easier and cleaner.
8. Baby Bathtub
How to save: Something that must not be missed on the new baby checklist. Look for a compact, foldable tub on Facebook Marketplace or get a sink insert. Many families pass these down after only a few months.
Pro Tip: Strive to find a used one. But in case you are adamant about buying new, do not spend more than $20-$30 on this item.
9. Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
How to save: Choose fragrance-free, gentle formulas. Look for store-brand versions of trusted names or buy in bulk from Amazon.
Pro tip: A little goes a long way. Start with travel sizes to test what works best for your baby’s skin before committing to full bottles.
10. Changing Pad + Covers
How to save: Skip the expensive table and just get a portable pad you can place on any surface. Buy extra covers secondhand or use small towels.
Pro Tip: Accidents happen often during diaper changes, so having at least 2-3 washable covers on rotation is a must. Some parents even use waterproof pet pads as a budget-friendly, easy-to-clean alternative!
11. Burp Cloths & Bibs
How to save: These get messy quickly, so stock up. Consider cheap muslin cloths, or even use soft old t-shirts or towels cut to size.
Pro Tip: Darker colors and patterns hide stains better, making them look fresher longer.
12. Bottles & Nipples
How to save: Don’t overbuy! Try a couple of different brands before committing. Many baby boxes (from Amazon, Target, or Babylist) include free bottles.
Pro tip: Dr. Brown’s bottles are highly recommended by parents for reducing colic, gas, and spit-up thanks to their venting system. My younger one was a very colicky baby, and these bottles saved us during the first few months. Definitely worth trying if your baby seems uncomfortable after feeding.
13. Breast Pump (If Nursing)
How to save: Most health insurance plans in the U.S. cover a breast pump, so contact them early in your pregnancy. You can also find affordable hand pumps if you’re pumping occasionally.
Pro tip: The Harmony hand pump from Medela is budget-friendly, easy to use, and known for its quality—perfect for on-the-go or part-time pumping.
14. Formula (If Bottle-Feeding)
How to save: Ask your pediatrician for free samples. Sign up for programs like Similac Rewards or Enfamil Family Beginnings to receive coupons and discounts.
Pro Tip: Always keep an extra box on hand for emergencies. Believe me, between the chaos and mom brain, it’s surprisingly easy to run out when you least expect it.
15. Pacifiers
How to save: Only buy one or two at first to see what baby likes. In fact, these are often included in welcome baby kits from retailers.
Pro Tip: Opt for glow-in-the-dark pacifiers. They’re a lifesaver during midnight searches when every minute counts. Plus, they are already adorable.
16. Thermometer
How to save: A basic digital thermometer works just fine. Check pharmacy sales or include one in your baby registry to get it as a gift.
Pro tip: It’s smart to have it on hand from day one, as you don’t want to be scrambling for one in the middle of a fever scare.
17. Nail Clippers or Baby Grooming Kit
How to save: Get a grooming kit with multiple items bundled together. Avoid overpaying for fancy kits with branding.
Pro tip: Baby nails grow fast and can be sharp, so having the right tools early on can help prevent accidental scratches.
18. Car Seat
How to save: This is a safety item on the new baby checklist. Buy it new unless you trust the person and know it’s never been in an accident. Look for travel systems on sale or use registry completion discounts.
Pro tip: Check for trade-in events at stores like Target, where you can exchange an old seat for a discount on a new one.
19. Stroller
How to save: Consider secondhand or look for bundle deals with a car seat included. Lightweight umbrella strollers are great for budget and ease of use.
Pro tip: Try out strollers in-store to see how they fold and maneuver, as what looks good online may not suit your daily routine.
20. Baby Carrier or Wrap
How to save: Join local parent groups or buy-nothing groups for hand-me-downs. Look out for gently used carriers like BabyBjörn or Boba at a fraction of retail price.
Pro tip: Carriers make life easier when your baby needs closeness and you need free hands. Try a few styles (structured, wrap, or sling) to see what fits your comfort and lifestyle best.
Final Thoughts: With A New Baby Checklist You Can Absolutely Be Prepared Without Going Broke
Raising a baby comes with plenty of emotional ups and downs but financial stress doesn’t have to be part of the package. By planning ahead, shopping smart, and keeping your list focused on the real essentials, you can give your little one everything they need without spending a fortune.
Download our Free Printable New Baby Checklist & Free Pregnancy Planner below.
And remember, babies don’t care about brand names, they care about being warm, fed, and loved. 💛
Bonus Tip: Create a Baby Registry
Use services like Amazon, Babylist, or Target to create a baby registry. Not only do you get a welcome box with samples, but you’ll also often receive a completion discount for anything you don’t receive as a gift.
With love and financial empowerment,
E
*I only endorse things I have personally used or come highly recommended by friends and family. If you grab anything I mention using my referral links, I may get a small commission. However, there’s no extra cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.*
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