It can be overwhelming trying to figure out all of the things that a new baby may need. That is why I have created this list of essential baby items to help you figure out what you may need and keep your sanity. Of course this is my opinion and you may feel differently so please use the list for what works for you and your little one. Some items I did not have right away and looking back I wish I had.
Nursery:
- Crib- Mini crib, normal sized crib or bassinet
- Crib mattress- A firm mattress that fits snuggly in the crib (less than 2 finger)
- Crib mattress pad- Make sure that it is tight to the mattress
- Crib fitted sheets- These too should be tight to the mattress
- Muslin blankets- These are great to swaddle baby, use as a burp rag, or cover them in the car seat
- Mobile
- Burp cloths- I used muslin burp cloths for spit up but they can be small
- Changing pad- It is best if you have a place to put this off the floor especially if you have a cesarean
- Changing pad covers/liners- These are useful in case baby gets pee or poop on it so that you can just replace it with a new one and wash
- Rocking chair or glider- I suggest one with a foot stool. I did not put my rocking chair in the nursery because of preference and space.
Feeding:
- Nursing pillow- I used a Boppy but have also heard good things at My Brest Friend (haven’t tried this yet)
- Bottles- Newborns shouldn’t need more than a 4/5 oz bottle. If you plan to breastfeed I suggest a bottle that is similar to a breast (Nuk, TommyTippee, Lansinoh, Evenflo, Phillips Avent, etc.)
- Formula- Even if you plan to breastfeed I would suggest to getting at least one container of formula in case your milk doesn’t come in right away, baby doesn’t latch or you don’t produce as much as baby needs (this happened to me)
- Dishwasher basket
- Bottle drying rack
- Bottle brush
- Breast pump- Most times your insurance will cover this, if you plan to go back to work and want to continue to have breastfeed it’s a good idea to have one.
- Wireless breast pump- I have used MomCozy S9
- Milk storage bottles or bags- This is to store breastmilk after pumping
- Pacifier- Make sure they are orthodontic approved so it won’t change babies mouth formation
Travel Gear:
- Infant carrier car seat or convertible car seat- Personally I used an infant carrier until my son was one and then switched to convertible car seat
- Car seat base if using infant carrier
- Car seat cover (light and heavy)- depending on where you leave and what season it is
- Rear facing car seat mirror
- Stroller
- Travel crib (bassinet and/or pack n’ play)
- Travel crib fitted sheets
- Travel crib pad
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Baby swing
- Bouncy seat
Bath:
- Infant tub
- Hooded bath towel
- Wash cloths
- Baby shampoo/body wash
- Baby lotion
Clothing:
- Hangers
- Newborn onesies
- 0-3 month onesies
- 0-3 month pajamas
- 0-3 month pants
- 3-6 month onesies
- 3-6 month pajamas
- 3-6 month pants
- Swaddle- I used the Love to Dream or ErgoPouch as my child liked to have his hands above his head
- Socks
- Booties
Health & Safety:
- Infant grooming kit
- Hair Brush
- Humidifier
- White noise machine
- Thermometer
- Baby monitor
- Laundry detergent
- Clothing stain remover
- Tylenol
- Gas relief
- Gripe water
Diapering:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream/ointment
- Diaper pail
- Diaper pail liners
- Diaper bag
Others:
These items depend on where you live and the season that you have your newborn.
- Winter hat
- Summer hat
- Snowsuit
- Swim suit
- Swim diapers
- Life jacket
What would you recommend to add or eliminate on a list of essential baby items?
Pingback: Pros and Cons of Baby Registries - Parents Tree