Planning for your little one’s arrival is an exciting time and can be a great deal of fun, but it might also be a little bit stressful as you try to ensure that you will have everything that you need. You don’t want to miss anything and find yourself needing to go shopping again once baby has arrived. That is time to be spent at home, resting, recuperating, and enjoying your new arrival.
With your due date approaching, you may be hard at work decorating. The nursery might need to be painted, or wall decals might be waiting to go up. Perhaps you are searching for the perfect accessories and furniture, like a comfortable nursing chair. Preparing for a baby (especially if it’s your first) can be somewhat daunting. It might even seem a little overwhelming. We're here to help! We have built a newborn baby checklist of the essentials and fun to have baby items to help you with this transition.
While you are sure to remember all the big things, some of the smaller items could pass under the radar. That is why it’s a great idea to put together a checklist of all your newborn needs. Staying organized will help ensure that you don’t miss a thing. We at Active Baby would like to help you out, so we have put together a list of all the common, less common, and easily overlooked items that you might want to consider.
The Complete Newborn Checklist: Everything You Need for Baby's Arrival in 2026
You have a new baby on the way? Congratulations! We've got you covered with these newborn essentials
Planning for your little one’s arrival is an exciting time and can be a great deal of fun, but it might also be a little bit stressful as you try to ensure that you will have everything that you need. You don’t want to miss anything and find yourself needing to go shopping again once baby has arrived. That is time to be spent at home, resting, recuperating, and enjoying your new arrival.
With your due date approaching, you may be hard at work decorating. The nursery might need to be painted, or wall decals might be waiting to go up. Perhaps you are searching for the perfect accessories and furniture, like a comfortable nursing chair. Preparing for a baby (especially if it’s your first) can be somewhat daunting. It might even seem a little overwhelming. We're here to help! We have built a newborn baby checklist of the essentials and fun-to-have baby items to help you with this transition.
While you are sure to remember all the big things, some of the smaller items could pass under the radar. That is why it’s a great idea to put together a checklist of all your newborn's needs. Staying organized will help ensure that you don’t miss a thing. We at Active Baby would like to help you out, so we have put together a list of all the common, less common, and easily overlooked items that you might want to consider.
Why You'll Love This Newborn Checklist
- Tailored to Your Needs – The list prioritizes second-hand, so the essential items are stroller, first in every category, with optional extras clearly marked, so you don't overspend on things you don't need
- Budget Wise – We include money-saving tips and guidance on what's okay to buy second-hand, so you can keep costs manageable during the first few months
- Safety First – Every recommendation is aligned with the latest Health Canada safety standards and Canadian regulations, so you can trust what's on this page
- Time-Saving – A printable format means fewer store trips, no forgotten essentials and a clear plan you can share with friends and family
- Expert Backing – We've curated this list using the guidance of top Canadian pediatric health experts, including the Canadian Pediatric Society and Health Canada
What Sets This Newborn Checklist Apart
Most newborn checklists online either leave you feeling like you're drowning in too much info or leave critical gaps. And often they completely ignore Canadian safety regulations.
This checklist is built differently:
- All About You – Includes Health Canada crib and bassinet regulations, Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for car seats, and recommendations aligned with your province's health guidelines
- Trimester-Based Guide – So you know exactly when to start buying each item, and can spread costs over months instead of scrambling in the last weeks
- Active Baby Expertise – Built on years of helping Canadian families prepare for their new baby with the right gear at the right time
How to Use This Baby Essentials Checklist
- Start Planning Early (Second Trimester) Begin researching and purchasing big-ticket essentials like your crib, stroller, and car seat during weeks 14-27 of pregnancy. This gives you time to compare safety labels, watch for sales, and spread costs.
- Prioritizing Essentials (Safety Items First) Focus your initial shopping on the non-negotiables: a safe car seat, a compliant crib or bassinet, and feeding supplies. These are the things you can't compromise on and always need to buy new.
- Track and Check Off (By 36 Weeks) Use this checklist as your master plan. By your third trimester, fine-tune products, with smaller items like clothes, diapering supplies, hygiene products, and comfort accessories. Check off items as you go so you're not scrambling when baby's on the way.
- Crib (1)
- Bassinet (1)
- Bassinet Stand (1)
- Crib Mattress (1)
- Dresser (1)
- Change Table (1)
- Change Pad (1)
- Glider/Rocker (1)
- Night Light (1)
- White Noise Machine (1)
- Blackout Blinds (1)
- Baby Rocker/Bouncer (1)
- Floor Mat and or Baby Lounger (1)
- Play Gym (1)
- Hamper (1)
- Baby Monitor (1)
- Crib Mattress Protector (2+)
- Bassinet Mattress Protector (2+)
- Change Pad Protector ((2+) only if using traditional foam change pad)
- Crib Mattress Sheet (3+)
- Crib Blanket/Stroller Blanket (2+)
- Hooded Baby Towel (2+)
- Washcloth (10+)
- Swaddle (10+)
- Travel Crib (1)
- Travel Crib Spare Sheets (2+)
- Infant Bucket Car Seat Rear Facing (1)
- Extra Base for Infant Bucket Car Seat (1 per extra vehicle)
- Infant Car Seat Rain Cover (1)
- Infant Car Seat Adapter (1)
- Convertible Car Seat (1 per car)
- Car Sunshade (1)
- Rear View Mirror (1 per vehicle)
- Protective Seat Mat (1)
- Portable White Noise Machine (1)
- Primary Stroller (1)
- Compact Travel Stroller (1)
- Stroller Rain Cover (if not included with purchase of stroller) (1)
- Stroller Caddy and or Cup Holder (1)
- Stroller Footmuff (1)
- Infant Car Seat Winter Cover (1)
- Stroller Snack Tray (1)
- Stroller Protective Travel Bag (1)
- Car Seat Protective Travel Bag (1)
- Diaper Bag (1)
- Baby Carrier (1)
- Baby Sling and or Wrap (1)
- Baby on Board Sign (1)
- Gear Cleaning Kit (1)
- Travel Highchair (1)
- On the Go Compact Change Pad (1+)
- Nursing Pillow (1)
- Letdown Catcher (1 to 2)
- Breast Milk Storage
- Breast Pump
- Breast Pads
- Nursing Cover
- Nursing Bra (3+)
- Nipple Cream (1+)
- Hands-Free Bustier (1+)
- Lactation Supplements
- Bottle Brush (1)
- Bottle Sanitizer (1)
- Pump Safe Dish Liquid
- Bottle Dish Rack (1)
- 4oz Bottles (6+)
- 9oz Bottles (10+)
- Bottle Sterilizer (1)
- Bottle Warmer (1)
- Bottle Dish Rack (1)
- Bibs (4+)
- Burp Cloth (3+)
- Highchair (1)
- Silicone Bib or Long Sleeve Bib (2+)
- Plates (2+)
- Bowl (2+)
- Spoons (2+)
- Sippy/Straw Cup and or Open Cup (2+)
- Snack Cup (1)
- Pacifiers (3+)
- Pacifier Clip (2+)
- Bathtub or Bathtub Insert (1)
- Sea Sponge (1)
- Baby Shampoo/Body Wash (1)
- Baby Body Lotion (1)
- Baby Brush/Comb (1)
- Baby Toothbrush and Toothpaste (1)
- Wipes
- Diaper Balm
- Humidifier (1)
- Nasal Aspirator (1)
- Diaper Pail (1)
- Diaper Pail Refills (1+)
- Thermometer (1)
- Baby Nail Clippers (1)
- Baby Safe Laundry Detergent (1+)
- Baby Safe Stain Solution (1)
- Hand and Footprint Kit (1)
- Crib Mobile (1)
- Baby Journal (1)
- Wall Décor
- Rattle
- Teethers
- Books
- Lovies/Stuffed Animal
- Onesies/Bodysuits (5+)
- Footies (5+)
- Socks (10+)
- Hats (4+)
- Soft Shoes (2)
- Sleepsacks / Swaddle Sacks / Swaddles (4+)
- Non-Scratch Mittens (3+)
- Homecoming Outfit
- Layette Sets
FREE Checklist - Save it to your phone!
Complete Newborn Baby Essentials List
Getting ready to welcome your new baby involves thinking about feeding, sleeping, changing, and staying healthy. Below, we break down each category into exactly what you need, along with quantity recommendations and any Canadian safety notes where relevant.
Sleep and Safety Essential Items
A safe sleep environment is the top priority. Babies must always sleep on their backs on a firm, flat mattress, in a crib, bassinet, or Moses basket that meets current Canadian standards.
- Crib or bassinet - You'll need a safe place for your little one to snooze. That means a sturdy crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress. According to Health Canada, slats should be no more than 6 cm apart, and any crib made before September 1986 just isn't up to code. Oh, and drop-side cribs have been off-limits in Canada since 2016
- Firm crib mattress - A firm mattress is non-negotiable. Make sure it fits snugly in the crib with no gaps—less than 3 cm between the mattress and the crib frame should do it.
- Fitted crib sheets - You'll need at least 2-4 sheets that fit like a glove on the mattress. Keep the bedding simple: no loose blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib.
- Sleep sacks or swaddles - Get a couple of sleep sacks or swaddles to keep baby cozy and safe. These replace all those loose blankets and can help your little one sleep soundly.
- Baby monitor - A good baby monitor with some decent range is a must-have, especially if you've got a big house. And if you can get one with a video screen, all the better. It'll give you a lot more peace of mind at night
- White noise machine - White noise machines are a godsend for soothing a fussy baby and helping them sleep better
- Cool-mist humidifier - A cool-mist humidifier is one of those things you won't even think about, but your baby will be EVER so grateful for it, keeping the air nice and comfy in the nursery, especially during those dry winter months
The Canadian Pediatric Society says room-sharing, that is, having your little one sleep in your room on a safe surface, is a good idea for the first 6 months. It can cut the risk of SIDS.
Feeding Essentials
Getting your feeding gear all sorted before the baby arrives will save you so much stress. Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a bit of both, it's worth getting the right supplies in place.
- Bottles and nipples - You'll need around 8-10 bottles and nipples for feeding a newborn. Get a few 4-ounce and 8-ounce ones to start with. You'll find out how much your baby eats soon enough. If you're breastfeeding, you might only need a couple of bottles.
- Breast pump - If you plan on expressing milk, a good breast pump is essential. You might also want a few breast pads and storage bags to keep your milk safe.
- Breastfeeding pillow - A good breastfeeding pillow can be a lifesaver. It'll make feeding so much easier on your arms and back
- Formula - If you are formula-feeding, you'll need some formula to get started. Even if you're breastfeeding, it's a good idea to have a backup can, just in case.
- Sterilizing equipment - You'll need a bottle sterilizer to keep all your feeding gear squeaky clean. Make sure it's BPA-free and that all your bottles and accessories are too.
- Burp cloths and bibs - Get a couple of sets of these. You'll be using them all the time
One last thing for after the baby arrives: Don't forget to stock up on some decent sanitary pads and snacky things for yourself—you're going to need them
Diapering and Hygiene
Newborns go through a LOT of diapers, around 10-12 a day, to be exact. That means you'll be buying a lot of them fast. Disposable or cloth. The choice is yours, but it's worth thinking about what works best for your family and budget.
- Diapers - Get some newborn and size 1 nappies to start with. Over the first year, you'll go through around 2,500-3,000 nappies. In Canada, it all adds up to around to over $5000 on disposable 1 time use plastic diapers. With cloth diapers, you will never run out, just 1 wash away in your washing machine. So convenient and cost effective.
- Baby wipes - You'll need a decent supply of these for cleaning up after nappy changes. Go for fragrance-free, gentle ones.
- Diaper cream - Diaper cream's a must-have for preventing those nasty diaper rashes. And you might even find that some petroleum jelly works as a barrier cream too.
- Changing table or pad - You'll need a safe place to change your little one. That's where a changing table or pad comes in. Don't worry if you don't have a lot of space. A portable one'll do just fine.
- Diaper caddy - A diaper caddy can make life a lot easier when you're changing a nappy. It keeps everything within reach.
- Diaper bag - You'll need a good diaper bag, one with some decent pockets that is easy to clean, which will make your life a lot easier when you're out and about with your newborn.
Bathing essentials
- Baby bath or bath seat - Don't worry if you don't have a big bathroom—a dedicated baby bath is perfect for keeping your little one safe and secure. Just remember to always supervise. Don't leave them alone in the bath
- Baby shampoo and body wash - You'll need some mild stuff for your little one to wash with. Choose fragrance-free, gentle formulas.
- Gentle baby wash, lotion, soft hairbrush - Get the good stuff to keep baby's skin and scalp healthy
- Towels - There's nothing quite like a soft hooded towel to wrap baby up in after a bath
- The clippers or nail files - You're going to need some nail clippers or files to take care of those sharp little baby nails and prevent any scratches
Essentials for Clothing
Newborns grow at an incredible rate, so rather than stocking up on loads of clothes in one size, it's worth focusing on practical, easy-change outfits and prioritizing cotton and soft fabrics that come with snaps or zippers.
- Onesies - You'll need at least 4-8 of these versatile onesies in both newborn and 0-3 month sizes. Try to get a variety of short- and long-sleeved ones, depending on the time of year
- Shirts - 4-8 shirts with those super useful envelope folds at the shoulders are a must. They make it so much easier to get the shirt over your baby's head and onto their body
- Pants - 4-8 pairs of pants with elastic waistbands are good to have for comfort
- Sleepers and PJs - Footed sleepers with zippers are the easiest way to go for nighttime changes
- Sweaters or jackets - You'll only need a couple of these for warmth, unless you're having a winter baby, in which case you might want a few more. Summer babies might need some lightweight cotton layers instead
- Hats and socks - Hats and socks help keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. You'll want 1-3 of each of these to get you through the early days
- Outerwear - For colder months, get a nice warm coat that fits well, and for warmer months, something light and breathable is the way to go. Just make sure you have at least two sets of each of the essential items so you can wash and swap them out easily
A tip on doing laundry: If you want to keep your baby's sensitive skin in check while they're doing laundry, go for a hypoallergenic detergent.
Must-Haves for Transporting Your Baby
- Car seat - You're going to need a car seat to bring your baby home safely, and it's really important that it's new and meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), so you know it's safe to use
- Stroller - Get a stroller that is suitable for newborns and has a full recline or comes with a bassinet. Give it a test run in the store to see if it's something you can easily move around with
- Baby carrier or sling - A baby sling is a great way to keep your baby close to you while still giving you your hands back. Look for something with decent ergonomic support and breathable fabric
- Diaper bag - Get one that's actually useful, with loads of pockets and compartments for your bottles, and so on. This is something you're going to be using every single day for months to come
Items for Keeping Your Baby Healthy and Happy
- Thermometer - You'll need a thermometer that you can use to get accurate temperature readings, and the digital types give pretty quick and reliable results
- Humidifier - A cool-mist humidifier can be a lifesaver for relieving your baby's nasal congestion when they're feeling under the weather
- Pacifiers - If you're planning to use them, get a few on hand. Lots of babies find them really comforting
- Toys - You'll want a few toys for your baby to play with when they're awake. High-contrast toys are good for helping them develop their vision, while tummy time toys will help them develop their motor skills
- Play mat - A play mat is a great place for your baby to play and will also come in handy for tummy time when they're still learning to move their bodies
- Blankets - Just a few soft cotton blankets for supervised tummy time and playtime is all you'll need. Don't even think about using them in the crib with your baby when they're asleep
Home safety: Once your baby is old enough to start getting curious, you'll want to start thinking about baby-proofing the house. Locks on cabinets, stove guards and so on are all a good idea
Who This Baby Checklist Is For?
This baby checklist is perfect for:
- Mums and dads who are having their first baby and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the things they need to get
- Experienced parents who are having another baby and want to make sure they're up to speed on all the latest safety standards
- Family and friends who are trying to work out what to get for the new baby, and want to get something that will actually be useful for the new parents
- Anyone living in Canada who wants to make sure they're getting all the right gear with the right safety certifications
If you're after a simple plan to get your little one home without breaking the bank or missing any essentials, this checklist should be just the ticket
It's Time to Welcome Your Baby
You don't have to go it alone. Just have a plan and get the essentials, and you can focus on what really matters, the essentials, so enjoy those precious first few months with your new baby.
Over here at Active Baby, we're a family-run Canadian business that has been helping parents across Canada get ready for their baby's arrival for ages. Whether you're building up your first baby list or just after some expert advice on which gear is right for you and your family, we're here for you.
Get started on your baby list or just pop us a message, and we will give you the lowdown.
Canadian-owned. Family-run. Trusted by parents across Canada.
How to afford the baby gear that you need?
Have a friend or family member host a baby shower for you. You can sign up to the baby registry and preselect the baby gear that you need. Share the website link below to your family and friends and they can each buy one item or share the cost with a group gift for a stroller or crib.
How to Create a Baby Registry?
Maybe your friends and family are asking you for suggestions of what they can buy you. An organized list comes in handy for that as well, as you can easily keep track of what has been purchased, and what others have offered to pick up. While you can never have too many diapers, you probably don’t want to duplicate other baby gear. Many of the items on this list can probably be considered must haves. You will almost certainly need a crib with a mattress, for example, but don’t forget to add a mattress protector and bedding. A car seat is also at the top of the list, along with a stroller. Of course, when you are taking baby out for visits or even just for a bit of fresh air, you don’t want to miss any of the many baby care items that you might need, so a baby bag is another essential. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO START A BABY REGISTRY
Some products you may not need. You may not need a breast pump, for example, but for some, it might be a priority. We have included the items that most parents will need, as well as several items that are perhaps not necessary but could make your life much easier. We at Active Baby congratulate you again on your impending arrival and remind you that we are here for all your baby needs!
Contact Active Baby with your questions or concerns. We are a family run business in Canada and here to help you!
ACTIVE BABY IS FAMILY OWNED IN CANADA