Who knew a tiny baby would need so much stuff? We did! So here it is, our definitive list of everything you could possibly need when your baby arrives. We’ve grouped items into categories and divided them into must-haves and nice-to-haves so you can make smarter choices about exactly what to add to your baby registry. From baby sleep needs and diaper essentials to products just for mom, you’ll find it all here.
Sleep
⚬ Wrap swaddles and/or swaddle blankets
⚬ Sleep sacks
⚬ Video and/or audio baby monitor
⚬ Pacifiers
⚬ Nightlight
⚬ Sound machine
⚬ Bassinet
⚬ Crib
⚬ Crib mattress
⚬ Mattress pads
⚬ Crib sheets
Nice to have:
⚬ Sound machine or music player
⚬ Blackout window shades
⚬ Play yard/travel crib
⚬ Glider or rocker
⚬ Mobile
Diapering
⚬ Diapers
⚬ Diaper covers (if using cloth diapers)
⚬ Wipes
⚬ Diaper rash cream
⚬ Diaper pail & liners
⚬ Portable changing pad
Nice to have:
⚬ Changing table
⚬ Changing table pad
⚬ Changing table cover
⚬ Diaper caddy
⚬ Wet bag for storing dirty diapers
Feeding
⚬ Bibs
⚬ Burp cloths
⚬ High chair
⚬ Baby spoons
For bottle feeding:
⚬ Baby bottles
⚬ Bottle cleaning brush
⚬ Fragrance-free bottle soap
⚬ Bottle warmer
If using formula, add:
⚬ Formula
⚬ Formula dispenser
⚬ Formula-mixing pitcher or dispenser machine
If pumping, add:
⚬ Breast pump & pump parts
⚬ Hands-free pumping bra
⚬ Breast milk storage bags
For nursing:
⚬ Nursing pillow
⚬ Breast pads
⚬ Nipple cream
⚬ Nursing bras
⚬ Nipple shields
Nice to have:
⚬ Baby food maker
⚬ Bottle drying rack
⚬ Dishwasher basket for bottle nipples & pacifiers
⚬ Nursing cover
⚬ Hand pump
⚬ Nursing-friendly clothes
⚬ Insulated bags to hold baby bottles
⚬ Suction-bottomed baby bowls
⚬ Handheld vacuum cleaner
⚬ Bottle sterilizer or microwavable sterilizing bags
⚬ Toddler cups
Health & Safety
⚬ Nail clippers
⚬ Nail file
⚬ Rectal thermometer
⚬ Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
⚬ Hand & face wipes
⚬ Hand sanitizer
⚬ Gripe water
⚬ Baby sunscreen
⚬ Outlet covers
⚬ Cabinet & drawer latches
⚬ Corner/sharp edge protectors
⚬ Window cord protectors
⚬ Furniture & TV straps
⚬ Baby gate
⚬ First aid kit (adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, petroleum jelly)
⚬ Mirror for viewing baby in the backseat
⚬ Baby-safe cleaning products
Nice to have:
⚬ Cool-mist humidifier
⚬ Digital thermometer
Bathing
⚬ Washcloths
⚬ Baby hairbrush or comb
⚬ Baby-safe shampoo & body wash
⚬ Baby-safe body lotion
Nice to have:
⚬ Baby tub
⚬ Hooded towels
⚬ Bath water thermometer
⚬ Tub faucet cover
Gear
⚬ Infant car seat & base
⚬ Baby stroller
⚬ Rocker
⚬ Baby wrap or sling
⚬ Structured baby carrier
Nice to have:
⚬ Baby swing
⚬ Baby floor seat
⚬ Car seat base for second vehicle
⚬ Lightweight travel stroller
Clothing
⚬ Onesies/bodysuits
⚬ Newborn hats
⚬ Sleepers, gowns or pajamas
⚬ Short-sleeve tops
⚬ Long-sleeve tops
⚬ Leggings
⚬ Footed pants or pajamas
⚬ Baby sun hats
⚬ Weather-appropriate clothing (shorts or sweaters)
⚬ Dresser
⚬ Kid-size clothing hangers
⚬ Clothes hamper
⚬ Baby-safe laundry detergent
Nice to have:
⚬ No-scratch mittens
⚬ Baby booties
⚬ Baby socks
⚬ Going home outfit
⚬ Dress-up outfit
Play
⚬ Playmat
⚬ Teething toys
⚬ Rattles
⚬ Sensory balls
⚬ Books
⚬ Lovey
Nice to have:
⚬ Activity gym
⚬ Toy storage baskets
⚬ Child-size chair
⚬ Developmental toys
⚬ Stuffed animal
Mom Necessities
⚬ Postpartum or C-section underwear
⚬ Guide to baby development
⚬ Water bottle
⚬ Diaper bag
Nice to have:
⚬ Heating & cooling gel pads
⚬ Cozy pajamas
⚬ Soft robe
⚬ Belly band
⚬ Postpartum recovery kit
—Eva Ingvarson Cerise
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