Preparing for a new baby is exciting, and a little overwhelming. Relatives will have advice, shops will have endless products, and it’s easy to buy things you never use.

This checklist keeps it practical. It covers what most families actually need in the first few months, grouped by everyday routine, with notes on what can wait.

Every baby is different. For anything related to your baby’s health or feeding, always follow your doctor’s or paediatrician’s advice.

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1. Sleep

• A cot or crib with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly
• 2–3 fitted sheets
• Swaddle wraps or baby sleeping bags
• A mosquito net for the cot

Safe sleep reminder: place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface. Keep pillows, thick blankets and soft toys out of the cot.

2. Feeding

• Burp cloths (you’ll use more than you expect)
• Bibs
• Feeding bottles and a bottle brush, if you’ll be bottle feeding
• A way to sterilise bottles, whether a steriliser or boiling
• A comfortable feeding pillow (optional, but many mothers love one)

Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed or do both, your doctor can guide you on what’s right for your baby.

3. Diapering

• Newborn-size diapers (buy a few packs, not a whole carton, as babies grow fast)
• Baby wipes or soft cotton and water
• A changing mat
• A diaper rash cream recommended by your doctor

4. Bath and care

• A baby bathtub or bath seat
• 2–3 soft hooded towels
• A mild baby wash
• Baby nail clippers or a nail file
• A soft baby hairbrush

5. Clothing

Pakistan’s weather changes a lot through the year and from city to city, so plan for the season your baby arrives in.

• 6–8 soft cotton bodysuits or vests
• 4–6 sleepsuits or front-opening outfits
• Socks and mittens
• A cap: a light cotton one for summer, a warm one for winter
• For winter babies: warm layers and a soft blanket for outings

Tip: choose soft cotton, front openings and easy snaps. Wash new clothes before the first wear.

6. Health and safety

• A digital thermometer
• Your paediatrician’s number saved in your phone
• A basic first-aid kit for the home
• Corner guards and socket covers (you’ll need these once your baby starts crawling)

Never give your baby any medicine without a doctor’s advice.

7. Going out

• A rear-facing infant car seat for every car journey
• A pram or stroller
• A diaper bag with a spare set of clothes
• A baby carrier or wrap (optional, but very handy)

8. Play and development

Newborns don’t need many toys, but a few simple ones help them explore:

• High-contrast black-and-white cards (newborns see strong contrasts best)
• A soft rattle
• A play mat or activity gym for tummy time
• Soft cloth books

Browse toys and essentials for 0–12 months

What can wait

Many products can be bought later, once you know what your baby and your routine really need:

• A high chair (needed around 6 months, when solid food starts)
• Walkers and larger activity toys
• Bigger clothes sizes, since gifts often cover these
• Lots of toys, because relatives usually bring plenty

Frequently asked questions

When should we start buying baby essentials?

Many parents start in the last three months of pregnancy, so everything is ready and washed a few weeks before the due date.

How many diapers does a newborn use?

Newborns need changing often, so it’s normal to go through several diapers a day. Buy a few packs of newborn size and move up sizes as your baby grows.

Do we need everything on this list?

No. Treat it as a guide. Families who live with grandparents or have older children often already have many of these things.

Getting ready for your little one? Shop baby and nursery essentials at KidCompany.