What to prepare for a newborn
A checklist by category — and how to buy safely
Build your newborn checklist by category — then check each product isn’t recalled before you buy. A typical newborn list covers a safe sleep space (crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress), an infant car seat, feeding supplies, diapering and bath basics, and a few toys. The catch: these are the most-recalled product categories. TinySafe tracks 852 official U.S. baby product recalls from the CPSC and FDA — feeding products (161 recalls) and bath, toys, and sleep products account for the largest share. Before buying any baby product, check it on TinySafe to confirm it hasn’t been recalled, and use the TinySafe app to get alerted if something you own is recalled later. TinySafe doesn’t rank or recommend products — it tells you what to avoid and links every recall to its official CPSC or FDA source.
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Newborn checklist by category
Ordered by how often each category is recalled, so you know where to look closely.
Feeding – bottles & formula
161 recalls tracked
- Bottles and nipples
- Infant formula (if not exclusively breastfeeding)
- Burp cloths and bibs
- A high chair (for later)
Bath, diapering & skincare
104 recalls tracked
- Diapers and wipes
- A changing pad
- A baby bathtub
- Gentle baby wash and lotion
Toys & teethers
104 recalls tracked
- Soft, age-appropriate toys
- Teethers
- A play mat or activity gym
Sleep – crib, bassinet & mattress
45 recalls tracked
- A crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets federal safety standards
- A firm, flat mattress sized to fit — no gaps
- Fitted sheets (no loose bedding, pillows, or bumpers)
Monitors & safety gear
37 recalls tracked
- A baby monitor
- A baby carrier or sling
- Safety gates (for later)
Car seat & travel
15 recalls tracked
- An infant car seat that meets current safety standards
- A stroller or travel system
- A car seat base
How to check a product before you buy
TinySafe doesn't pick "the best" — it tells you what's been recalled, so you can avoid it.
1. Before you buy
Search the product or brand in the TinySafe recall index to confirm it hasn’t been recalled. Every recall links to its official CPSC or FDA record.
Check a product →2. After you buy
Add the brands you use in the TinySafe app. If one of them is recalled later, the app sends you a push notification — so you don’t have to keep checking yourself.
Get the app →
Preparing for a newborn: common questions
What do I need to prepare for a newborn?
The essentials are a safe sleep space (a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress), an infant car seat, feeding supplies (bottles and formula if not breastfeeding), diapering and bath basics, and a few age-appropriate toys. Before buying any of these, check that the specific product has not been recalled.
How do I make sure the baby products I buy are safe?
Check each product against official recall records before you buy. TinySafe consolidates 852 official CPSC and FDA baby product recalls in one place and links each to its government source, so you can confirm an item hasn’t been recalled. For ongoing safety, the TinySafe app alerts you if a product you own is recalled later.
Where can I check if a baby product has been recalled?
You can check the official CPSC (cpsc.gov) and FDA (fda.gov) records directly, or use TinySafe, which consolidates 852 baby and kids product recalls from both agencies into one searchable index, each linking back to the official source.
What baby products get recalled the most?
Feeding products, bath and skincare items, toys, and infant sleep products are among the most-recalled baby product categories. This is why it helps to check a product before buying rather than assuming it is safe.
Is it safe to buy used baby gear?
Used gear can be risky because it may have been recalled or may not meet current safety standards. Before using any second-hand baby product, check its brand and model against official recall records.
More baby safety guides
See all safety guides →
Recalls get announced. TinySafe tells you.
The CPSC and FDA publish recalls — but no one tells you when a brand you use is recalled. TinySafe does. Add your baby’s brands and get an alert the moment one is recalled. Launching soon on iOS.
Join the waitlist →
TinySafe is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the FDA or CPSC. Always confirm recall details with the official source. The absence of a recall does not guarantee a product is safe.