Newborn essentials checklist: what to have, and how many of each
In shortFor a baby born in New York City on March 15, 2027, with balanced amounts, Cotokim's checklist has 70 entries, counting each size apart, and 43 of them are for before the birth. That includes 61 clothing items in sizes NB to 6M and 1,432 diapers until 6 months. The amounts are a Cotokim proposal and change with your city, due date, laundry routine and how much slack you want.
The amounts below are Cotokim's list for one baby in New York City, born on March 15, 2027, with balanced amounts, laundry every two days, a clothes dryer and a home heated in winter. The tool builds the same checklist for your city and due month, and prints it with a box to tick next to each item.
71 items on the list for the birth and the first 6 months, with 1,432 diapers, for the weather in New York City.
Free forever. Save it to check off what you have, invite family and set up the shower.
The math runs here on your device: your due month is not sent to Cotokim.
The first 6 months in New York City
- Feb36°F2.2 °CcoldNB
- Mar43°F6.0 °CcoldNB and 3M
- Apr54°F12.1 °Ccold3M
- May63°F17.3 °Ccold3M and 6M
- Jun72°F22.2 °Cmild6M
- Jul78°F25.3 °Chot6M
- Aug76°F24.5 °Chot6M and 9M
The first and last months count only the days that fall within the first 6 months. Typical weather: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals (1991-2020), station NEW YORK CNTRL PK TWR, NY US, 5 mi (8 km) away.
Tap a phase to see the items, the amounts and the reason behind each number. The amounts are a Cotokim proposal.
Phase 1: Ready for the birth
44 items
Clothes
2Short-sleeve bodysuitNBWhy?
2 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Long-sleeve bodysuitNBWhy?
2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)NBWhy?
2 sleepers: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
1Short-sleeve romperNBWhy?
1 short-sleeve romper: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Footed or pull-on pantsNBWhy?
2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Cardigan or light jacketNBWhy?
3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City.
3SocksNBWhy?
3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Scratch mittens (optional)NBWhy?
2 pairs of scratch mittens: optional, for the first weeks. Short, filed nails are the alternative.
2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)NBWhy?
2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size NB · newborn between February and March, with cold weather in New York City.
1Snowsuit or bunting (for going out in freezing weather)3MWhy?
1 snowsuit or bunting: for going out on freezing days; your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between February and May in New York City. Take it off before buckling the car seat and when you get home.
Sleep
1CribWhy?
1 crib: a sleep space just for your baby, with a firm mattress and only a fitted sheet inside.
1Crib mattressWhy?
1 crib mattress: firm and flat, covered only by a fitted sheet.
3Fitted crib sheetWhy?
3 fitted crib sheets: one on the mattress, one in the wash and spares for nights when the diaper leaks; you do laundry every two days.
2Waterproof mattress coverWhy?
2 waterproof mattress covers: one on the mattress and one in the wash.
2Wearable blanket (sleep sack)Why?
2 wearable blankets: keeps your baby warm without a blanket in the crib; with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City in the first months, choose the TOG by your room temperature. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Swaddle (blanket or wearable)Why?
3 swaddles: for the first weeks, until your baby tries to roll; you do laundry every two days.
3Baby blanket (for holding and outings)Why?
3 baby blankets: for holding and outings, with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City in the first months.
Bath and hygiene
1Baby bathtubWhy?
1 baby bathtub: one per home is enough, even with twins (one bath at a time).
2Hooded towelWhy?
2 hooded towels: one in use, one in the wash and one spare; you do laundry every two days.
1Mild baby washWhy?
1 bottle of baby wash: a bottle lasts weeks at first; buy more when you open the last one.
1Baby nail file and clippers (or rounded scissors)Why?
1 nail care kit: one per home is enough.
1Cotton balls or pads (optional)Why?
1 pack of cotton balls: optional; buy more as you go.
Diapering
348Disposable diapersNWhy?
348 size N diapers (about 3 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 5 weeks, with 8 to 12 changes a day.
3Fragrance-free baby wipesWhy?
3 packs of wipes: for the first weeks; Pampers says newborns may need about 20 to 30 wipes a day, so buy more as you go.
1Diaper rash barrier creamWhy?
1 tube of diaper cream: a tube lasts weeks at first; buy more when it runs low.
1Portable changing padWhy?
1 portable changing pad: it stays in the diaper bag.
1Changing pad (for a dresser)Why?
1 changing pad: saves your back at changing time.
Out and about
1Infant car seat (rear-facing)Why?
1 infant car seat: your baby should ride rear-facing from the first ride home from the hospital.
1Diaper bagWhy?
1 diaper bag: goes on every outing; it can be the hospital bag too.
1Mosquito net for stroller and carrier (optional)Why?
1 mosquito net: optional, for mosquito season in the first months, with cold (February, March, April, and May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.
Feeding
7Burp clothWhy?
7 burp cloths: three or four a day go in the wash; you do laundry every two days.
1Nursing pillow (optional)Why?
1 nursing pillow: optional, for mom's comfort; it stays out of the crib.
Nursery
1Room thermometerWhy?
1 room thermometer: sleepwear and the sleep sack's TOG are chosen by the room temperature.
1Dim night lightWhy?
1 night light: for night feeds, without turning on the bright light.
1Laundry hamperWhy?
1 laundry hamper: helps you keep your laundry routine.
Health
1Digital thermometerWhy?
1 digital thermometer: one per home, instead of a mercury thermometer.
1Saline nose dropsWhy?
1 bottle of saline drops: to have at home; use as your baby's doctor advises.
Hospital bag
1Coming-home outfitWhy?
1 coming-home outfit: the outfit for the ride home, planned for the weather of the birth month in New York City.
1Hospital bagWhy?
1 hospital bag: it can be the diaper bag, if everything fits.
For mom
2Nursing braWhy?
2 nursing bras: one on, one in the wash and one spare; you do laundry every two days.
1Nursing padsWhy?
1 box of nursing pads: for the first weeks; not every mom needs them.
3Postpartum padsWhy?
3 packs of postpartum pads: for the hospital and the first weeks at home.
4High-waist cotton underwearWhy?
4 pairs of underwear: two a day in the first weeks; you do laundry every two days.
2Nursing nightgown or pajamasWhy?
2 nursing nightgowns or pajamas: for the hospital and nights at home; you do laundry every two days.
Phase 2: Up to 6 months
27 items
Clothes
3Short-sleeve bodysuit3MWhy?
3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Short-sleeve bodysuit6MWhy?
3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Long-sleeve bodysuit3MWhy?
3 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Long-sleeve bodysuit6MWhy?
2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)3MWhy?
3 sleepers: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)6MWhy?
2 sleepers: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Short-sleeve romper3MWhy?
2 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Short-sleeve romper6MWhy?
3 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
1Fleece or plush sleeper3MWhy?
1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
1Fleece or plush sleeper6MWhy?
1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Footed or pull-on pants3MWhy?
2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Footed or pull-on pants6MWhy?
2 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Cardigan or light jacket3MWhy?
3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City.
2Cardigan or light jacket6MWhy?
2 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.
3Socks3MWhy?
3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Socks6MWhy?
3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
1Scratch mittens (optional)3MWhy?
1 pair of scratch mittens: optional, for the first weeks. Short, filed nails are the alternative.
2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)3MWhy?
2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 3M · 0 to 3 months between March and May, with cold weather in New York City.
1Knit hat (for going out in the cold)6MWhy?
1 knit hat: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 6M · 3 to 6 months between May and August, with cold (May), mild (June), and hot (July and August) weather in New York City.
1Sun hat (optional)6MWhy?
1 sun hat: optional, for walks in the shade in the hot months.
Bath and hygiene
1Soft baby hairbrush (optional)Why?
1 soft hairbrush: optional.
Diapering
530Disposable diapers1Why?
530 size 1 diapers (about 4 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 10 weeks, with 6 to 10 changes a day.
554Disposable diapers2Why?
554 size 2 diapers (about 5 packs): your baby will likely wear this size for about 11 weeks, with 5 to 9 changes a day.
Out and about
1StrollerWhy?
1 stroller: for walks; in the essential list it is optional, because holding and a carrier also work.
Feeding
2Drool bibWhy?
2 drool bibs: for the drooling phase; you do laundry every two days.
Nursery
1Dresser (optional)Why?
1 dresser: optional; a closet you already have also works.
Health
1Oral syringe (no needle)Why?
1 oral syringe: to measure liquid medicine exactly, when prescribed.
Later
14 items
Clothes
3Short-sleeve bodysuit9MWhy?
3 short-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Long-sleeve bodysuit9MWhy?
2 long-sleeve bodysuits: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Sleeper or footie (long sleeves and legs)9MWhy?
2 sleepers: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Short-sleeve romper9MWhy?
2 short-sleeve rompers: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
1Fleece or plush sleeper9MWhy?
1 fleece sleeper: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Footed or pull-on pants9MWhy?
3 pairs of pants: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
3Cardigan or light jacket9MWhy?
3 cardigans or light jackets: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City.
3Socks9MWhy?
3 pairs of socks: your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City, and you do laundry every two days. Your home is heated in winter, so cold months count as mild for clothes worn indoors.
2Knit hat (for going out in the cold)9MWhy?
2 knit hats: for going out on cold days; your baby will wear size 9M · 6 to 9 months between August and December, with hot (August), mild (September), and cold (October, November, and December) weather in New York City.
1Sun hat (optional)9MWhy?
1 sun hat: optional, for walks in the shade in the hot months.
Feeding
1High chairWhy?
1 high chair: for starting solids.
1Baby plate, spoon and cup (optional)Why?
1 plate, spoon and cup set: optional; your own dishes work if the spoon fits your baby's mouth.
2Feeding bibWhy?
2 feeding bibs: one per meal of the day, plus one in the wash.
Nursery
1Outlet covers and cabinet latchesWhy?
1 childproofing kit: before your baby starts to move around.
Before the birth
What the list puts in place before the baby arrives, group by group:
- Clothes: 2 short-sleeve bodysuits NB, 2 long-sleeve bodysuits NB, 2 sleepers NB, 1 short-sleeve romper NB, 2 pairs of pants NB, 3 cardigans or light jackets NB, 3 pairs of socks NB, and 2 knit hats NB.
- Sleep: 1 crib, 1 crib mattress, 3 fitted crib sheets, 2 waterproof mattress covers, 2 wearable blankets, 3 swaddles, and 3 baby blankets.
- Diapering: 348 diapers N, 3 packs of wipes, 1 tube of diaper cream, 1 portable changing pad, and 1 changing pad.
- Bath and hygiene: 1 baby bathtub, 2 hooded towels, 1 bottle of baby wash, and 1 nail care kit.
- Out and about: 1 infant car seat and 1 diaper bag.
- Feeding: 7 burp cloths.
- Nursery: 1 room thermometer, 1 night light, and 1 laundry hamper.
- Health: 1 digital thermometer and 1 bottle of saline drops.
- Hospital bag: 1 coming-home outfit and 1 hospital bag.
- For you: 2 nursing bras, 1 box of nursing pads, 2 nursing nightgowns or pajamas, 3 packs of postpartum pads, and 4 pairs of underwear.
The baby blankets are for holding, the stroller and outings, never in the crib: it holds nothing but a fitted sheet 4. If your hospital gives you a list for the hospital bag, follow it.
The first months, in all
Counting the bigger sizes and what comes later, the same baby's list adds up to:
- Clothes: 10 short-sleeve bodysuits, 9 long-sleeve bodysuits, 9 sleepers, 8 short-sleeve rompers, 3 fleece sleepers, 9 pairs of pants, 11 cardigans or light jackets, 1 snowsuit or bunting, 11 pairs of socks, and 7 knit hats.
- Diapering: 1,432 diapers, 3 packs of wipes, 1 tube of diaper cream, 1 portable changing pad, and 1 changing pad.
- Out and about: 1 infant car seat, 1 stroller, and 1 diaper bag.
- Feeding: 7 burp cloths, 2 drool bibs, 1 high chair, and 2 feeding bibs.
- Nursery: 1 room thermometer, 1 night light, 1 laundry hamper, and 1 childproofing kit.
- Health: 1 digital thermometer, 1 bottle of saline drops, and 1 oral syringe.
Optional, only if they fit your home:
- Sleep: bassinet.
- Out and about: baby carrier and mosquito net.
- Nursery: dresser, nursing chair, blackout curtain, baby monitor, crib mobile, and drawer organizer.
- Feeding: nursing pillow; breast pump; milk storage container and plate, spoon and cup set.
- Bath and hygiene: bath thermometer, soft hairbrush, and pack of cotton balls.
- Clothes: pair of scratch mittens, sun hat, and pair of booties.
What changes your checklist
- Your city and due month. The clothes follow the weather of the weeks your baby wears each size. A month counts as cold below 64 °F (18 °C) and hot from 75 °F (24 °C) up, a Cotokim proposal. A snowsuit only shows up when your baby will go out in freezing months, and it comes off for the car seat: NHTSA says bulky clothing or blankets can prevent a snug harness fit, so buckle your baby in first and then place coats or blankets over the harness 2. Weather by city is on the baby clothes by city pages.
- Your laundry routine. Doing laundry every day needs fewer clothes; every three days or more, more. Without a dryer, the list counts a day for clothes to dry.
- Your home in winter. In a heated home, the clothes for indoors follow the room, and only the ones for going out follow the cold.
- How much slack you want. The same baby's list has 51 entries with essential amounts, 70 with balanced amounts and 83 with complete amounts.
Left off the list
Some products stay off Cotokim's list on purpose:
- Crib bumpers and inclined sleepers. Federal law treats them as banned hazardous products 5, and since November 12, 2022 it is unlawful to sell, make or import them in the US 6.
- Weighted blankets and weighted swaddles. The CPSC says not to use them 4.
- Sleep positioners. The FDA says not to use infant positioners, because they pose a risk of suffocation 7.
- Products sold to prevent SIDS. The FDA is not aware of evidence that any baby product on the market prevents or reduces the chance of SIDS 7.
- Teething necklaces and bracelets. The FDA says not to use jewelry marketed for teething pain 3.
- Insect repellent before 2 months. The CDC says not to use it on babies younger than 2 months, and to cover the stroller and carrier with mosquito netting 8.
- Bottles, nipples and pacifiers. Cotokim does not promote them, so they are not on the suggested list. If you plan to use them, add them to your own list.
Frequently asked questions
What does a newborn really need before the birth?
A safe place to sleep, clothes in size NB, diapers, a way to bathe and change your baby, and an infant car seat for the ride home. For the baby in this page's example, that is 43 entries with balanced amounts. Many other things can wait until you know what your baby and your home need.
How many diapers does a newborn need?
For the first 6 months, the list counts 1,432 diapers: 348 in size N, 530 in size 1 and 554 in size 2. Before the birth, it counts only size N, because babies grow out of each size at their own pace.
Do I need a bassinet?
It is optional on Cotokim's list. The crib is enough, as long as it holds nothing but a fitted sheet 4.
Does the list change for twins?
Yes. The tool asks how many babies you are expecting: clothes, diapers and the crib are counted per baby, and the stroller becomes a double stroller.
Source credits
Material from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available at no charge on cdc.gov. Our use of it, including links to CDC pages, does not mean that the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the U.S. Government endorses Cotokim. Reference to specific commercial products, manufacturers, companies, or trademarks does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Courtesy: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Safe to Sleep® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We link to pages of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in our own words; this does not mean that the CPSC endorses Cotokim.
We link to pages of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in our own words; this does not mean that the NHTSA endorses Cotokim.
Our use of material from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including links to its website, does not imply endorsement by the FDA or the U.S. Government of Cotokim or its service.
Written by the Cotokim teamChecked by the Cotokim team against the sources on this page, on October 14, 2026
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Car Seats and Booster Seats. Read on October 14, 2026.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), How to Install Rear-Facing Car Seats. Read on October 14, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), archived copy, FDA Warns Against Use of Teething Necklaces, Bracelets, and Other Jewelry Marketed for Relieving Teething Pain or Providing Sensory Stimulation. Read on October 11, 2026.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safe Sleep: Cribs and Infant Products. Read on October 14, 2026.
- U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo.gov), Public Law 117-126: Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021. Read on October 14, 2026.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safe Sleep for Babies Act Business Guidance. Read on October 14, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Recommendations for Parents/Caregivers About the Use of Baby Products. Read on October 11, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mosquito Bite Prevention (United States). Read on October 11, 2026.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk (Safe to Sleep). Read on October 14, 2026.