What to Buy for Your Baby

Getting ready for your little one? Here’s a handy list of essentials to ensure you’re well-prepared for those first few weeks after birth.

Layette

4-8 bodysuits or onesies (look for wide head openings and loose legs)
4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide openings, and snaps under crotch)
4-8 one-piece pajamas
2 blanket sleepers for winter babies
1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)
1-3 cute rompers or dress-up outfits
4-7 pairs of socks or booties (no need for shoes until they start walking)
1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer, soft caps for winter)
No-scratch mittens
Bunting bag or fleece suit for colder weather
Swimsuit for summer babies
Gentle laundry detergent

Nursery

Crib (make sure the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart)
Cradle or bassinet
Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib
1-3 washable crib mattress pads
2-4 fitted crib sheets
4-6 soft receiving blankets
1-2 heavier blankets for colder climates
Rocking chair or armchair
Baby monitor
Nightlight
Dresser
Toy basket
Swing or bouncy chair

Changing

Changing table or cushioned pad for a low dresser, secured with a safety strap
Changing table pad and cover
Diaper pail with liners
Diaper cream
Baby wipes
Soft washcloths
6-10 dozen cloth diapers with 6-8 covers, or 2-3 boxes of disposable newborn diapers

Bath

Baby bathtub
Baby soap and shampoo
2-4 soft towels or hooded towels
Baby hairbrush
Extra washcloths (use different colors than your diaper ones!)

Feeding

10-16 bottles and nipples (4 and 8 ounce sizes)
Liners for disposable bottles
Bottle warmer
Bottle sterilizer (if your dishwasher doesn’t have one)
Bottle brush
4-8 bibs
Burp cloths
High chair
2-4 pacifiers
Formula (if not nursing)

For nursing moms:

1-3 nursing bras (start with a size bigger than your maternity bra)
Nursing pads
Nipple cream
Nursing pillow
Pump for storing milk

Medicine Cabinet

Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors
Cotton balls (avoid swabs for cleaning baby’s nose or ears)
Baby thermometer
Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
Medicine dropper
Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze for circumcision care
Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antibiotic cream
Saline nasal drops
Baby gas drops

Travel

Infant or convertible car seat
Stroller (make sure it reclines almost flat for infants)
Diaper bag
Changing pad
Baby carrier or sling

For Mom

Ice packs (for any swelling or tearing post-birth)
A supply of ultra absorbent pads

As you prepare, don’t forget to check out this great resource for pregnancy tips and info. If you’re considering starting a family, you might also find this post on Intracervical Insemination helpful. And for those looking for the best at-home insemination kit, Make a Mom is definitely the top provider in the world!

In summary, preparing for a new baby involves gathering a variety of essential items ranging from clothing and nursery furniture to feeding supplies and health essentials. It can feel overwhelming, but with a checklist, you can ensure you’ve got everything covered for your little one’s arrival.