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Must-Have Newborn Items

Expecting parents, this one’s for you: Carter’s has everything you’ll need, from clothing and diaper bags to bath and development toys. Use this checklist of must-have items for newborns to help you get started.

Are you expecting a baby? We're so excited for you to start your parenthood journey! Preparing for their arrival should be a time to have some fun and make memories as you anticipate your baby’s birth. From decorating to filling your nursery with all the newborn baby essentials and must-have baby items, there’s lots to keep busy before your due date.

Carter’s has everything you’ll need, from clothing and diapers to bath and play toys. Use this checklist of must-have items for newborns to help you get started.

Clothing for Baby's First Months

Picking out clothing for your baby is exciting. But with all the adorable options available, it can be hard to understand what essentials you need. Here are a few must-have items to add to your list.

Newborn Starters

Our newborn starters, such as baby’s first outfit sets, teething bibs and diaper-changing essentials, ensure new parents have everything they need to welcome their babies home.

Sleep Styles

The baby sleep shop has everything you need to keep your baby warm and comfortable while they sleep. Sleeper gowns make late-night diaper changes a breeze. Some styles include overlapping shoulders for easy over-the-head removal, and the fold-over cuffs help protect baby’s face from scratches.

Sleep & Play™

The 5-Star Sleep & Play is the most practical outfit for new babies and comes in snap and 2-way zip options with fold over cuffs for preemie and newborn sizes so you can skip the mittens. No need to change your baby before each new activity; each Sleep & Play is adorably designed so your little one will be in style at playtime, nap time or anytime.

Bodysuits

Carter’s Original Bodysuit™  is the perfect starter piece for every newborn’s wardrobe.These bodysuits are made with the super-soft fabric and come in short- and long-sleeved, as well as sleeveless styles, so your little one will be comfortable no matter the season. Slip on coordinating pull-on pants to keep baby’s legs warm on cooler days. Stock up with a multipack of bodysuits so you’ll have one for each new day. You can even shop for  baby coming home outfits for your little one to wear coming home from the hospital.

Outfit Sets

Mix and-match sets offer more versatility and fewer pieces taking up space in your little one’s closet. Our popular go-anywhere outfit sets come in many colors and styles for baby boys and girls alike. With unexpected details and accessories, these are the aww-worthy looks to make every milestone extra special.

Prepare for Diaper Duty

It’s not the most pleasant parenting duty, but changing diapers will be a skill you’ll soon be able to do in your sleep. Of course, having the right tools and supplies handy can make diaper changing even easier (and less of a mess!).

Changing Pad

Our contoured  wipe-clean changing pad is comfortably cushioned and includes a toy bar to help keep your baby happy while you change a dirty diaper. Sometimes changing diapers is messy, but this popular changing pad makes cleanup a breeze with its wipe-clean fabric.

Light-up Diaper Caddy

Don’t fumble around in the dark looking for a fresh diaper and a package of wipes. Keep all your diaper-changing essentials at hand with our light-up diaper caddy. This organizer comes with a modular divider and four pockets to help you organize diapers, wipes and more.

Set Your Baby Up for Sleep

Creating a soothing and serene environment is critical to helping your baby sleep soundly, whether you’re at home or on the go. Make bedtime more manageable with these baby nursery essentials. Skip Hop’s®   Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother is multifunctional with a nightlight feature, moon and stars projection, and a variety of sound options including white noise and lullabies. The soother also comes with a timer, so it will automatically shut off at the designated time.

Encourage Developmental Milestones During Playtime

Playtime is essential for the development of your little one. A safe and comfortable play space is just what your baby needs to thrive as they develop sensory skills and physical strength. 

Activity Gym

An activity gym offers your baby multiple ways to play, including overhead play, tummy time and seated play or playing on a mat. Various lights, activities and sounds stimulate your little one’s sensory development. 

Whether you’re a soon-to-be parent or shopping for a loved one, use this baby nursery checklist to help get stock baby’s space with must-have newborn items. From playtime to bedtime, this nursery essentials list is the perfect place to start when shopping for a newborn.