Items You Need for When Your Baby Arrives

You will want to make sure your baby is safe and protected when they start moving around on their own.  

Essentials: 

• Gates for all stairs 

• Cabinet latches 

• Drawer Latches 

• Outlet covers 

• Fireplace bumper 

• Table corner covers

• Furniture anchors 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Toilet guard 
  
  

Furniture 

Your baby will need several pieces of furniture for daily life. Adult furniture can be dangerous for babies, so you will need to get furniture specially made for your child. 

Essentials: 

• Crib 

• Crib mattress 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Changing table 

• Rocking chair 

• Baby monitor 

• Bassinet  

• Dresser  

• Clothes hamper 
  
  

Linens 

You will need smaller linens than what you are used to. Babies’ bodies are small and they will need special linens for their beds and daily use.  

Essentials: 

• Fitted crib sheet 

• Cotton receiving blankets 

• Waterproof mattress protectors 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Crib skirt and quilt 
  
  

Feeding Gear

Feeding is one of the most important parts of raising a baby. Babies rely on their mama entirely for eating and drinking.  

Essentials: 

• Eight bottles with nipples 

• Bottle cleaning brush 

• Several weeks of formula (if you are choosing to use formula)

• Cotton bibs 

• Burb clothes 

• Insulated cooler 

• Nursing pillow 

• Nursing bras 

• Box of nursing pads 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Dry formula dispenser  

• Bottle sterilizer 

• Breast pump 

• Milk storage bags 

• Nipple cream 
  
  

Solid Food Gear 

After some time, your baby will start eating solid food. There are a few things you will need when they start eating. 

• Essentials: 
  High chair 

• Infant feeding spoon 

• Infant bowl 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Mess mat for under the high chair 

• Baby food processor 
  
  

Diapers 

Trust me, a good diaper is worth its weight in gold (not that diapers weigh much). Your baby will go often, and the easier you can make clean up, the better your life will be.  

Essentials: 

• Newborn diapers 

• Wipes 

• Rash ointment 

• Diaper bail with lid 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Waterproof pads  

• Non-talcum powder 

• Baby cream 
  
  

Bathing and Grooming 

Keeping your baby clean and tidy is one of the most essential parts of raising your kid right.  

Essentials: 

• Hooded towels 

• Washcloths 

• Infant tub 

• Baby shampoo and body wash 

• Baby brush and comb 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Bath toys 

• Bath thermometer 

• Faucet guard 
  
  

Clothing 

Your baby will grow and grow quickly. You need to keep the baby in clean and well-fitting clothes.  

Essentials: 

• Onesies (at least six) 

• T-shirts 

• Rompers 

• Shirts and pants 

• Pajamas and gowns 

• Hats 

• Coat and snowsuits (if your baby is born in the fall or winter) 

• Booties and socks

• Baby hangers 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Fancy outfit (for showing your baby off and special occasions) 

• Diaper covers 

• Wearable sleeping sack 
  
  

Travel Gear 

You aren’t just going to stay home forever after you have your baby. You’ll want to get out and about eventually and baby will come with you. Here’s what you’ll need when you take the baby out. 

Essentials: 

• Car seat 

• Stroller 

• Diaper bag 

• Papoose 

• Baby sling 

• Baby backpack 

• Stroller rain cover 

• Infant headrest 
  
  

Luxuries 

• Heated blanket 

• Sunshades for car window 
  
  

Baby Seats 

You don’t want to carry your baby around forever, right? You will need some seats made just for the baby.  

Essentials: 

• Bouncer seat 

• Activity center 

• Heavy blankets 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Baby swing 

• Moses blanket 

• Portable play yard 
  
  

The Basics 

There are some additional things you will need for your baby.  

Essentials: 

• Pacifiers (at least 8) 

• Thermometers 

• Petroleum jelly 

• Infant Tylenol 

• Nasal aspirator 
  
  

Luxuries: 

• Teething ointment 

• Vapor cream

• Saline nose drops 

• Anti-gas medicine 
  
  

A Healthy Baby is a Happy Baby