Best overall essentials checklist
The balanced list: what is worth having, at a fair price, for most families.
Best overall checklist
A starting point, not a rule. Every family and every child is different. Follow each product's instructions and age limits, and check with your doctor on health questions.
Sleep
- A safe sleep space and fitted sheets (two or three)Popular pick on Amazon.ca: Dream On Me 5-in-1 convertible crib, KeaBabies organic crib sheets (2-pack), Yoofoss cotton sleep sack
- A sleep sack in the right warmth ratingPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Yoofoss cotton sleep sack
- A baby monitor if it makes you feel saferPopular pick on Amazon.ca: VTech VM819 video monitor
- A white-noise machine with a night light, if your child likes onePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Dreamegg white noise machine
Feeding
- Bottles that suit your baby, plus a few sparesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Dr. Brown’s Options+ anti-colic bottles
- A pump if you plan to express milkPopular pick on Amazon.ca: haakaa manual breast pump, Lansinoh milk storage bags
- A high chair that grows with your childPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Ingenuity 6-in-1 high chair
- A small set of bibs, burp cloths and suction platesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: PandaEar silicone bibs (3-pack), Comfy Cubs muslin burp cloths, Munchkin Stay Put suction bowls
Diapering & care
- Diapers in the size you need now, and wipesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Pampers Sensitive wipes
- A changing pad with a safety strap, used with an adult always within reachPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Blissful Diary changing pad
- A baby tub or bath supportPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Skip Hop Moby bath tub, Angelcare bath support
- Nail clippers, thermometer and a basic first-aid kitPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Safety 1st nail clippers, ByFlo forehead thermometer, Safety 1st healthcare & grooming kit
Clothing
- Several bodysuits and sleepers in the next size upPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Simple Joys by Carter’s bodysuits (8-pack), Simple Joys sleep & play footies (3-pack)
- A hat and layers for the season
- Soft shoes only once they are on the move
- Weather gear for your climate
Travel & gear
- A car seat matched to your child’s size, installed correctlyPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Graco Extend2Fit car seat
- A stroller you can fold and lift easilyPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Ingenuity 3Dquickclose compact stroller
- A carrier you find comfortablePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Infantino Flip 4-in-1 carrier
- A diaper bag that holds spare clothesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: RUVALINO diaper bag backpack
Play & learning
- A play mat or activity gymPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Baby Einstein Kickin’ Tunes play gym
- Board books and soft toysPopular pick on Amazon.ca: The Very Hungry Caterpillar (board book)
- Stacking and sorting toysPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack
- Open-ended toys that last across agesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Melissa & Doug wooden blocks (100), Magnetic tiles (110 pcs)
Safety
- Outlet covers, corner guards and anchored furniturePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Safety 1st outlet plugs (24), Corner protectors (12-pack), Furniture anchors (10-pack)
- Gates only where your home needs themPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Safety 1st walk-through gate, Evenflo top-of-stairs gate
- Locked cabinets for cleaners and medicinesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Cabinet & drawer locks (10-pack), Medicine lock box
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors that workPopular pick on Amazon.ca: First Alert CO alarm