We are slowly, but surely buying things for our first baby. When shopping, I feel so overwhelmed. What do you think are must have items (aside from bottles, diapers, crib, etc.)?
See if anyone you know has a swing or bouncy chair that you could borrow come the time. Not all babies like them but the ones that do LOVE them. If your baby hates it your out nothing. *you can also usually find them cheap free on Craigslist if you don't know anyone with one available* wish I could be more helpful but we bareboned Colts infancy. Babies never need as much as people like to think
@beaded_bunny I think you are right. It's easy to think you need so much, but half of the items seem like you may never use. I'm trying to be reasonable. Thanks so much for the advice.
The swing that goes two ways n a swaddler.or Learn to swaddle my kids loved sleeping like that! Oh n gas. Dropps I used them almost every day for a while
Well I think you got the basics my daughter didn't really want anything to do with swings or anything more then for me to make noises at her. I mean as she got a little older yeah she wanted a bouncey seat but other then that I was poor and relied on tohers gifts
Remember don't buy a. Ton of stuff buy gift cards for yourself/baby because of. Baby shower. That way what u don't get from shower u can use cards to get what u need
@Tiff87124 wow, thank you so much for taking the time to post this list! I know I'll remember the big things, but I think I would over look the small but important items you mentioned (q tips, orajel, etc.) This helps so much!
great @Tiff87124 I appreciate all the suggestions! I was wondering about socks because the pairs I have seen for newborns really seem like they would slip right off.
Stock up on nursing pads some comfy post delivery stuff to wear. Things like swings and bouncer go quick but are a lifesaver. You will get a lot from the hospital. My best advice not worry you will most likely be way more stocked than you think. With my 1st I was mess didn't know what to keep and where to put it with #2 I feel like a pro. Here at almost 6 months and still haven't started getting ready lol
@socalmomma2boys I think you are right. With the first, I think it is easy to buy a lot and to feel a little paranoid. I'm just hoping I nail the basics. thank you for the suggestions. where in so cal are you? I'm in L.A.
You'll need diapers! Buy size newborn diapers / cloth diapers / wrap covers or set up diaper service. Compare your options. A newborn normally needs 10-12 diapers per day. An older baby will use only 6-8. Cloth diapers will save you a lot of money, and there are a lot of fabulous options out there now that are practically as easy as disposables. The moms at our Center mostly favor the BumGenius diapers. Since cloth diapers cost a little more up front and make up for it in huge savings later, they are an ideal thing to request on your gift registry! Baby wipes and/or extra baby size washcloths. Avoid skin irritants, and consider using warm water instead of commercial wipes, which may contain preservatives and fragrance, to clean your baby during those first sensitive days. Diaper pail. Consider that each disposable plastic bag that you use will end up in a landfill for a long time -- so choose a diaper pail that minimizes the use of these bags, and consider a washable cloth diaper pail liner instead. Burp cloths or extra flat cotton diapers. These protect your clothes from spit-up, and also protect your baby's tender skin from your own clothing (especially if yours have any dry-cleaning chemicals!). You'll want to have a bunch handy.
Gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6). When you're home, a baby gown is perfect for comfort and ease of diaper changes. A one-piece outfit with well-placed snaps is another sensible alternative. Keep it simple and comfy at first, and minimize the effort of buttons and other time-consuming dressing options. Receiving blankets (3-4) and swaddling blankets (2-4). For swaddling, holding, changing, playing. You will appreciate having a bunch, as these will need to be washed often, and get lost more often than you'd think! Crib size quilt or comforter and lighter-weight crib blankets Avoid thick blankets in your baby's sleeping area, but heavier blankets can be perfect for covering baby's legs in the stroller, or for the crib as your baby gets older, and may become your baby's "lovie" to take to preschool and beyond. You'll need more than one in case they get wet, and new babies are known to spit up quite frequently! Newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair). Find ones that baby can't kick off during the night, to keep her tootsies warm. Footed outfits also work well for keeping feet warm at night or when you venture outside.
Newborn cap (1-2). New babies have trouble maintaining their body temperature, and a light cap can help keep their temperature stable, especially at night. Hooded bath towels (2) and wash cloths (6-12). You will use these a ton, so get good ones. Wash cloths will be used later for cleaning baby's (and even your older child's) face and hands after meals. T-shirts or all-in-ones (4-6). You will go through one or two of these a day at first, so stock up, based on how often you want to do laundry. Sweaters or a bunting (1-2)depending upon season Baby Care Products Natural baby shampoo/body wash. Water is often fine to clean little babies, but for when you want to suds up, use a product without harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Did you know "no more tears" means a product has an numbing agent so your baby doesn't feel the soap stinging her eyes? Instead, choose something truly mild, so you don't need such chemicals. Diaper cream Choose a product that is natural and doesn't contain petroleum derivatives. Those actually leach natural moisture from the skin and damage cloth diapers, if you have them.
Baby nail clippers or safety scissors. Keep baby's nails short to keep him from scratching himself (or you!). At the beginning, many parents find their baby's nails are so paper-thin they can gently bite them off, but you'll need clippers or scissors if you're squeamish and for later on. Natural baby oil or lotion. Again, use something containing a food-grade oil, not mineral oil (which is a petroleum derivative). Calendula is great for sensitive baby skin, especially if prone to rashes or eczema. Baby brush and comb. Your baby might not need them for a while, go ahead an register for one and besides, but a fine-tooth comb comes in handy for cradle cap. Gripe Water. Not just for colic! Our families swear by Gripe Water for fussy evenings, gas, and even teething! A couple of pacifiers (even if you don't plan to use them!). Lots of babies need to suck even when they're done feeding, and if you have a lot of milk, sometimes they get mad! I spent hours with my pinkie in my son's mouth before resorting to the pacifier, so I recommend having one around. Try not to use it too much while you're establishing breastfeeding, because a different nipple can confuse the baby and make breastfeeding more difficult. If your baby is fussy at the breast, avoid using a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established. We recommend buying 2 or 3 brands so you can tyr them out and determine what you and baby like best. A baby bath or insert to bathe baby in tub or sink. At the beginning, a spongebath on a warm towel can work, but you will appreciate having a baby bath when you want to give baby a real bath. If your baby hates her bath, take her in the tub with you! Baby Gear
Baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier). Check out our carrier recommendations to choose one appropriate to your baby's age. for the newborn period, the $39 Moby wrap is super comfortable. But by 6 months, you'll be better served by moving to a buckle carrier like Ergo or Beco, to last you up to age 3. Infant car safety seat (have to bring it to the hospital!). We like the Britax car seats, they always rank well in independent ratings, such as Consumer Reports. Stroller or carriage Bouncer seat or swing. Great to have somewhere to lay your baby where he can see you eating dinner, cooking, etc. Diaper bag. Pick one to match your style, not your nursery decor! Furniture and Accessories
Co-sleeper or bassinet or cradle or crib Mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding A rocking chair or glider is a must have for long hours of nursing and calming baby - and the parents! Changing table or other safe changing area Mobile for the crib and/or changing area A Changing Pad is handy at home and while you're out Nursing Necessities A sports bottle for mom to get her much-needed water! Nursing pillow. Washable or disposable nursing pads
if breastfeeding i would get nipple cream that baby can ingest with no problems. some of the stuff on this list really isnt needed per say but it can make life easier!
i bought a baby tub for $50 and i never even used it so that to me isnt a need it was just a want!
Thank you @baby2dec14yayy great list from Google. I just want to know what other moms feel are the must haves based on their experience. Some lists I've read online or in books seem over the top. Super excited for our little man to be born!
Comments
wish I could be more helpful but we bareboned Colts infancy. Babies never need as much as people like to think
here is what i found
http://www.nurturecenter.com/momneedchec.html?gclid=CN3Du5ys2qgCFQsGbAoduyaPHg
Layette and Diapering
You'll need diapers! Buy size newborn diapers / cloth diapers / wrap covers or set up diaper service. Compare your options. A newborn normally needs 10-12 diapers per day. An older baby will use only 6-8. Cloth diapers will save you a lot of money, and there are a lot of fabulous options out there now that are practically as easy as disposables. The moms at our Center mostly favor the BumGenius diapers. Since cloth diapers cost a little more up front and make up for it in huge savings later, they are an ideal thing to request on your gift registry!
Baby wipes and/or extra baby size washcloths. Avoid skin irritants, and consider using warm water instead of commercial wipes, which may contain preservatives and fragrance, to clean your baby during those first sensitive days.
Diaper pail. Consider that each disposable plastic bag that you use will end up in a landfill for a long time -- so choose a diaper pail that minimizes the use of these bags, and consider a washable cloth diaper pail liner instead.
Burp cloths or extra flat cotton diapers. These protect your clothes from spit-up, and also protect your baby's tender skin from your own clothing (especially if yours have any dry-cleaning chemicals!). You'll want to have a bunch handy.
Gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6). When you're home, a baby gown is perfect for comfort and ease of diaper changes. A one-piece outfit with well-placed snaps is another sensible alternative. Keep it simple and comfy at first, and minimize the effort of buttons and other time-consuming dressing options.
Receiving blankets (3-4) and swaddling blankets (2-4). For swaddling, holding, changing, playing. You will appreciate having a bunch, as these will need to be washed often, and get lost more often than you'd think!
Crib size quilt or comforter and lighter-weight crib blankets
Avoid thick blankets in your baby's sleeping area, but heavier blankets can be perfect for covering baby's legs in the stroller, or for the crib as your baby gets older, and may become your baby's "lovie" to take to preschool and beyond. You'll need more than one in case they get wet, and new babies are known to spit up quite frequently!
Newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair). Find ones that baby can't kick off during the night, to keep her tootsies warm. Footed outfits also work well for keeping feet warm at night or when you venture outside.
Newborn cap (1-2). New babies have trouble maintaining their body temperature, and a light cap can help keep their temperature stable, especially at night.
Hooded bath towels (2) and wash cloths (6-12). You will use these a ton, so get good ones. Wash cloths will be used later for cleaning baby's (and even your older child's) face and hands after meals.
T-shirts or all-in-ones (4-6). You will go through one or two of these a day at first, so stock up, based on how often you want to do laundry.
Sweaters or a bunting (1-2)depending upon season
Baby Care Products
Natural baby shampoo/body wash. Water is often fine to clean little babies, but for when you want to suds up, use a product without harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Did you know "no more tears" means a product has an numbing agent so your baby doesn't feel the soap stinging her eyes? Instead, choose something truly mild, so you don't need such chemicals.
Diaper cream Choose a product that is natural and doesn't contain petroleum derivatives. Those actually leach natural moisture from the skin and damage cloth diapers, if you have them.
Baby nail clippers or safety scissors. Keep baby's nails short to keep him from scratching himself (or you!). At the beginning, many parents find their baby's nails are so paper-thin they can gently bite them off, but you'll need clippers or scissors if you're squeamish and for later on.
Natural baby oil or lotion. Again, use something containing a food-grade oil, not mineral oil (which is a petroleum derivative). Calendula is great for sensitive baby skin, especially if prone to rashes or eczema.
Baby brush and comb. Your baby might not need them for a while, go ahead an register for one and besides, but a fine-tooth comb comes in handy for cradle cap.
Gripe Water. Not just for colic! Our families swear by Gripe Water for fussy evenings, gas, and even teething!
A couple of pacifiers (even if you don't plan to use them!). Lots of babies need to suck even when they're done feeding, and if you have a lot of milk, sometimes they get mad! I spent hours with my pinkie in my son's mouth before resorting to the pacifier, so I recommend having one around. Try not to use it too much while you're establishing breastfeeding, because a different nipple can confuse the baby and make breastfeeding more difficult. If your baby is fussy at the breast, avoid using a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established. We recommend buying 2 or 3 brands so you can tyr them out and determine what you and baby like best.
A baby bath or insert to bathe baby in tub or sink. At the beginning, a spongebath on a warm towel can work, but you will appreciate having a baby bath when you want to give baby a real bath. If your baby hates her bath, take her in the tub with you!
Baby Gear
Baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier). Check out our carrier recommendations to choose one appropriate to your baby's age. for the newborn period, the $39 Moby wrap is super comfortable. But by 6 months, you'll be better served by moving to a buckle carrier like Ergo or Beco, to last you up to age 3.
Infant car safety seat (have to bring it to the hospital!). We like the Britax car seats, they always rank well in independent ratings, such as Consumer Reports.
Stroller or carriage
Bouncer seat or swing. Great to have somewhere to lay your baby where he can see you eating dinner, cooking, etc.
Diaper bag. Pick one to match your style, not your nursery decor!
Furniture and Accessories
Co-sleeper or bassinet or cradle or crib
Mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
A rocking chair or glider is a must have for long hours of nursing and calming baby - and the parents!
Changing table or other safe changing area
Mobile for the crib and/or changing area
A Changing Pad is handy at home and while you're out
Nursing Necessities
A sports bottle for mom to get her much-needed water!
Nursing pillow.
Washable or disposable nursing pads
if breastfeeding i would get nipple cream that baby can ingest with no problems.
some of the stuff on this list really isnt needed per say but it can make life easier!
i bought a baby tub for $50 and i never even used it so that to me isnt a need it was just a want!