The Ultimate Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist (0–3 Months)

The baby product industry wants you to buy everything. You don't need everything. Here's the honest, no-fluff checklist of what you actually need for the first 3 months — and what you can skip.

The Non-Negotiables

🛌 Sleep

• Safe sleep surface — firm, flat, breathable. A bassinet, crib, or portable baby space works well.
• Fitted sheets x3 — because you'll be changing them at 3am
• Swaddle blankets x4–6 — muslin is breathable and forgiving for beginners
• Portable baby space — for daytime naps and moving room to room. The Avera Baby Space is washable, foldable, and breathable — one of the most practical things you'll own.

🍼 Feeding

• Nursing bras x3 (if breastfeeding)
• Breast pump (check if covered by insurance)
• Bottles x4–6 (even if breastfeeding — for expressed milk)
• Burp cloths x8–10 (you will use all of them)
• Nursing pillow

🛀 Bathing & Changing

• Baby bathtub or bath insert
• Changing mat (waterproof)
• Nappies/diapers — don't stockpile newborn size, babies grow fast
• Fragrance-free baby wipes
• Nappy cream

👕 Clothing

• Sleepsuits/onesies x6–8 in 0–3 month and 3–6 month sizes
• Scratch mitts
• Hats x2–3
• Socks x6

🚗 Getting Around

• Car seat — non-negotiable, legally required
• Pram or baby carrier (or both)

The Nice-to-Haves

• Baby monitor
• White noise machine
• Baby bouncer or rocker
• Nursing cover
• Nappy bag

What You Can Skip (For Now)

• Baby shoes (they can't walk)
• Elaborate nursery furniture sets
• Wipe warmers
• Dozens of toys (newborns can barely see past 30cm)
• Anything that promises to "do it all" — simplicity wins

The One Thing Most Lists Miss

A portable, washable baby space. Most checklists focus on the nursery — but your baby won't spend most of their time there. They'll be in the kitchen while you cook, in the living room while you work, in the bathroom while you shower. You need a safe space that moves with you.

The Avera Baby Space is the only baby space that's fully washable, breathable, foldable, and travel-ready — from newborn to 10 months.

👉 Add it to your checklist — you'll thank yourself later.