Diapers

Whether you use cloth or disposable or something in between (some diapers use a reusable cover with a disposable lining), your baby will probably go through ten to 12 diapers a day at first, so plan accordingly.

I loved Pampers. I used them all the time.

Diaper rash cream

Be prepared for rashes – some parents even apply a little cream before bed as a preventive measure.

Butt Paste has worked the best but I also love the concoction of Mylanta + Aquafor for when the rash is from acidic foods – email me if you have questions about that!

Diaper pail and liners

Say adios to lingering diaper smells and mess with an airtight pail (also known as a diaper hamper).

I really liked the Diaper Genie that I can use with regular grocery store bags.

Stroller

A must-have for wheeling your baby around town. You can get as fancy or simple as you like.

Travel system for when they are little – great sun shield and protection for baby

Snap + Go for travel and ease of use. Super lightweight and convienent

Jogger + baby car seat kit for running

Umbrella – for when they are bigger and can sit

Portable crib or play yard

Use it for overnights at Grandma’s or as a safe, contained place for your baby to play at home or while traveling. Can also function as a bassinet.

Loved my Chicco pack + play. We kept it down stairs all of the time to use for naps when Anna was a newborn and a changing station.

Kids Seat

We LOVED the Chicco Hook-on-Caddy chair. We could take it to friends’ house and hook it to their table or to restaurants to feed Anna in a clean seat.

Breastfeeding accessories

Lanolin ointment, hot/cold gel packs, and breast pads can all come in handy.

I went through a lot of Lanolin and breast pads but hopefully you won’t have that problem!

Pumping accessories

You may need storage bags for breast milk, a cooler for transporting it, and ice packs to keep it cold.

Breast milk bags were important but we used a cute lunch box/bag for transporting.

Bottles (4 to 12)

I wouldn’t buy a bunch of one kind of bottle until you know if you baby will like that kind. Try a few then buy more when you know.

Bottle-drying rack

A handy, compact place to air-dry all those nipples and bottles (and later, sippy cup parts) after you wash them.

This was more important than I realized

Bottle warmer

You can use a bowl full of warm water to heat bottles of breast milk or formula, but a bottle warmer can be more convenient.

I got this but did not use it. I never did many bottles so it wasn’t really necessary but some people love them!

Bowls (3 to 5)

Sippy cups (3 to 5)

Loved the Nuby when they start drinking water.

Loved the Nuk later and now she uses anything – from a camelbak to the cheap sippy cups.

Splat mat

This waterproof mat goes under your baby’s highchair and protects your rug or floor from food spills.

I skipped this. It was just an extra to clean. I just cleaned underneath the chair.

Pacifiers (2 to 4)

Some babies love them, some don’t. For some parents and babies, these soothers are an essential item.

Anna used a pacifier for about 4 months and the Nuk one was her favorite. I would wait to buy a few when you know what baby will like.

Play mat/gym

These are soft mats with baby toys that dangle from overhead. Young babies (who aren’t mobile yet) have a ball staring and batting at the toys.

We had a bright colored Infantino mat that worked great! I think one that has things that dangle down is best.

Doorway jumper

These spring-loaded seats are designed to hang in a doorway, allowing your baby to bounce independently.

Anna loved the jumper for a few months before she could walk and loved to be upright.

Toys

Your baby doesn’t need a lot of fancy playthings, but it’s nice to have a few rattles, musical toys, and soft toys at the ready.

Some of our favorites were:

Freddy Firefly – by Lamaze

BOOKS

Keys

Wearable blankets (2 or 3)

These fleece or cotton sacks zip over your baby’s sleepwear to keep him warm at night.

Loved the Halo brand and the Sleepsacks.

White-noise machine

Many babies sleep better – or fall asleep more easily – with the drone of soft “white noise” in the background.

This is a must!

Crib sheets (3 to 5)

You don’t need fancy bedding sets – and in fact, quilts, pillows, bumpers, and loose blankets don’t belong in your baby’s crib because they increase the risk of SIDS.

A few is plenty.

Baby bathtub

Many are designed to work from that first bath through toddlerhood and have handy features like a digital thermometer or sensor to make sure the bath water is the right temperature.

Washcloths (5 to 7)

The extra soft, cheap baby ones are best!

Changing table or pad

You don’t have to buy an official changing table, but you’ll probably want to have some designated place for diaper changes.

We put a changing pad on top of a dresser to get more use out of the dresser. No real need for just a changing table unless you have lots of room.

Bassinet or cradle

Some parents prefer these to a full-size crib for the first three months or so.

We loved having a bassinet in our room. Anna was right next to the bed when she was a newborn until 3-4 months.

Mobile

They usually attach to your baby’s crib, though you may want to fasten one near the changing table to distract your baby during diaper changes.

We skipped this.

Outlet covers for electrical outlets

Yes, but not needed until crawling or rolling.

Toilet seat locks

We didn’t need this but some people do.

Teething toys

Baby nail scissors or clippers

A soft-bristled baby brush