Your Ultimate Checklist of Baby Essentials
Among all the to-dos on your plate when prepping for baby’s arrival, shopping for baby essentials is likely high on your list. After all, you’re going to want all your gear the minute your little one makes their big arrival. Between setting up the nursery and ensuring you have the necessary items for sleeping, eating and diapering, it’s easy to keep busy buying baby must-haves. Of course, the amount of baby supplies a newborn needs might surprise any parent-to-be. I cried actual tears the first time I went to a real big-box store to shop for baby essentials in my first pregnancy. I was so overwhelmed by the shelves upon shelves of options. So if you’re feeling less than decisive as you dive into this journey, you’re far from alone!
Wondering how to decipher which baby items to skip and which essential baby items you won’t be able to live without? Don’t stress! Keep reading for a complete list of all the things you need for a new baby, plus some extra items you may want—just in case.
- Safety and functionality come first. When it’s time to buy baby essentials, cuteness factor may sway you, but it’s important to choose practical, safe and vetted items.
- Research big-ticket gear. For major items that impact safety and daily life, do your due diligence to find items that are compatible with your needs, lifestyle and budget.
- Keep clothing options simple. Focus on high-rotation items like onesies, bodysuits and pajamas that are soft, cozy and easy to change.
- Prioritize safe sleep. A firm, flat crib mattress that fits snugly in the crib or bassinet is a non-negotiable item for baby.
- Differentiate between "must-have” baby essentials vs. “nice-to-have” items. You don’t have to buy non-essentials right away. Take a wait-and-see approach, especially when it comes to things like toys. Every baby is different and every family has different needs.
- Stock up on diapering and feeding supplies. For the high-frequency tasks of the newborn stage, preparation is key. Make sure you have everything you need at the ready in advance.
- Don’t forget the rectal thermometer. Pediatricians stress the importance of having a rectal thermometer handy as a fever in a newborn can be medical emergency, and this option provides the most accurate reading.
Baby Wardrobe Essentials
I really thought I’d be all about the most ridiculously adorable, over-the-top mini outfits: baby jeans, frilly dresses with matching headbands, tiny tuxedos. But I ended up gravitating to more practical picks: cozy and soft onesies, bodysuits and PJs on repeat rotation.
It’s true that it doesn’t get much cuter than tiny baby clothes—but you will want to pick out some simple baby things that’ll keep your newborn comfy and content. When it comes to clothing, these are the baby must-haves:
I consider a cool-mist humidifier a must-have. It’s one of the most effective and safe tools parents can use at home when their child is sick. It helps with nasal congestion, calms coughs and makes breathing more comfortable for little ones when they're ill. And because they don’t use heat, they’re the safest option for a nursery.
Baby Nursery Essentials
I room-shared with all three of my babies for the first year, but I still wanted to have a dedicated room for them to enjoy during naps and playtime. And, trust me, shopping and decorating for a newbie’s nursery can be so fun!
A baby’s room calls for adorable decor for sure, but you’ll also need furniture and baby bedding that will make infant care all the easier (and safer). Here are the baby essentials for any nursery:
In my experience, one of the most important pieces of baby gear you can own is a monitor with good range. When my daughter was born we were living in a mid-century brick bungalow in Chicago… the kind of house with thick walls, where someone could drop a dish in the kitchen and you wouldn't hear it in the basement. With a solid monitor clipped to my belt or placed on my desk, I could get work done while she napped, and know as soon as she was awake.
Really take a second to look around your home and figure out what makes sense for you. For instance, we bought a wipe warmer, only to realize that there was no outlet close enough to our changing table! We bought a diaper caddy too, but ended up doing all the diaper changes on the baby changing table anyway. Take time to sit and examine the areas you'll be with baby the most, and brainstorm what makes sense for your environment and your family.
Baby Diapering Essentials
I changed a diaper maybe once as a teenage babysitter, but—to this day—I couldn’t tell if I did it right or if it was pure coincidence that they never hired me again! I promise when it’s your own baby, you’ll figure out the whole diapering thing in the first few days, if not hours! Changing a diaper seems daunting, but you will get the hang of it—and these baby must-haves will help you pick make the process simpler and smoother. Check out this list of baby necessities for diapering:
That first newborn bath can be scary—you're responsible for keeping this slippery little thing safe and warm. But you'll get the hang of it, and hopefully your little one will acclimate quickly (in the meantime, there may be some tears!). Keep a few wet washcloths over baby's body while you're soaking them so they don't feel any chill from the air. A hooded towel is key for immediately 'burritoing' baby when you lift them out.
Baby Bath Essentials
My son hated the bath for the first few weeks. My girls, on the other hand, were most zen when soaking. Bath time can be relaxing and tons of fun—at least, once you get a handle on that slippery baby. It’s best to be prepared with all the right gear. These are the baby must-haves for the bath:
If you're planning to breastfeed, get yourself a breastfeeding pillow! As a first-time mom, I wasn't sure just how much I'd need one—but, once I got one, I never looked back. Your back will thank you, and you will be able to relax more as your body is recovering from childbirth. Breastfeeding is hard work that takes a lot of maneuvering, and these do a lot of the work of helping prop baby up as you're feeding in the early days.
Baby Feeding Essentials
Be prepared to feed your newborn around the clock—which means, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’re going to need a whole bunch of baby things for mealtime. My first was exclusively bottle-fed, so I became a pro at washing and sterilizing and mixing. My second and third babies both took to breastfeeding right away, which meant I had a little less mess in my kitchen and a lot more time tethered to the couch. Whatever you choose, know that fed is best and baby will thrive. Here are the important baby supplies to stock up on:
A rectal thermometer is very important, because a fever in an infant can be a medical emergency, and taking a temperature rectally is the most accurate way to do it. If a parent calls me and thinks their newborn baby has a fever, I always ask them to take a rectal temperature. It guides medical decision-making. Knowing that number can make the difference between an emergency room visit or not.
Baby Health Essentials
Don’t forget: Babies need the occasional grooming too. (I didn’t realize, when my first was born, how quickly a baby’s little dagger nails grow!) If your child happens to get sick, you’ll want to have the right baby essentials on hand. Here’s what to buy:
I’m nearing the close of my second pregnancy—a few things have changed from six years ago when I had my first daughter… I think it's important to read as many reviews as possible and to do as much research as you can regarding products. Some of them just need to be tested by you and your lifestyle.
Baby Gear Essentials
As a newbie parent, I remember being most overwhelmed by all the gear options on the market—strollers and carriers and car seats! Was it all necessary?!
The short answer: yes! Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, you’ll need to have some key baby gear at the ready. After all, at some point you’re going to need your arms back! Here are the baby must-haves to have on hand:
A play mat is an invaluable item to have as it gives infants a safe place to explore, practice tummy time and develop important motor skills that are the foundation for further skills like sitting, crawling and eventually walking.
Baby Playtime Essentials
When it comes to playtime baby essentials, a lot of this will be subjective. Ultimately, the number of toys you get is entirely up to you. You can get musical toys, stuffed animals, rattles, toys for tummy time and more.
I got so many infant toys and board books from friends at my baby shower, I didn’t have to buy any myself for a quite some time. So keep in mind that people will likely gift you these “extra” goodies. If you do decide to pick up a couple of play things for baby, look for options with high-contrast patterns to aid in baby’s visual development. Here, some items to consider buying:
Plus more from The Bump, our Baby Essentials Checklist:
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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