Breast pump? Check.
Diapers? Check.
Baby wipes? Check.
Diaper bin?
You forgot it didn’t you?
Before the arrival of your baby, there are going to be a dozen other things, which you will later realize that you forgot to buy. It’s all right… this happens to every mother.
As a first time mother, every woman wants their pregnancy to go smoothly. After the baby arrives, it’s sweet chaos but nothing that we would want to take back. After all, the little bundle of joy is the apple of your eye, and you would do anything for him or her.
From thousands of diapers to setting up the nursery, food and other baby necessities, you need to create a list of all the items you and the baby will need, as well as what you ‘think’ might come in handy. For your ease, we have created a “Baby Essentials” checklist and have divided it into 7 categories. Following are the newborn essentials listed in detail:
Essential #1
Feeding
New babies must be fed around the clock. Whether you are using a bottle or breast feeding, it’s important to have all the right things. Stock up on the following supplies:
- 5 bottles and 10 nipples (buy both 4, as well as 8 ounce bottles)
- Formula
- Burp cloths
- 8 bibs
- 4 pacifiers
- If you are planning to breastfeed, then you will need milk storage bags, nursing pads, nipple cream and a nursing pillow
- Breast feeding pump
- Bottle brush
Essential #2
Baby Clothes
Aww… that tiny little tutu or the onesie with the floppy bunny ears along with a thousand other clothes will all look adorable on your baby. However, right now, you should focus more on practical clothing. These are the must-haves when buying clothes for a new born baby:
- 2 bunting bags
- 8 undershirts that snap under the crotch and neck
- 8 onesies with loose legs and wide head openings
- 8 pajamas (one piece)
- 3 rompers
- 3 sweaters
- 3 hats or caps
- 7 booties
- 2 blankets
Essential #3
Diapers
Aah… the diapers. They are the most important thing in the baby essentials. Here are the diaper suppliers you will need:
- 3 boxes of disposable diapers
- 10 dozen cloth diapers
- 8 diaper covers
- Diaper liners
- Diaper pail
- Diaper cream
- Soft washcloths
- Unscented baby wipes
- Changing table
- Diaper bag
Essential #4
Baby Bedding
No matter how hot the weather, a baby will need plenty of warmth to sleep peacefully at night. Here’s what you will need for the bedding:
- 2 heavier blankets
- 3 washable mattress pads for the crib
- 6 soft receiving blankets
- 4 crib mattress sheets
Essential #5
Bath
Giving a bath for the first time to your baby can be very nerve racking. Yes, they get slippery and all but with the right gear, this can be done easily. The gear includes:
- Baby shampoo
- Baby soap
- Baby bathtub
- Baby hairbrush
- 4 soft hooded towels
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Soft washcloths (make sure these have different patterns, so you don’t confuse them with diaper washcloths)
Essential #6
Nursery
You will have a lot more time to decorate the nursery as your baby develops his or her senses. For now, following are the essentials for a nursery:
- Crib
- Mobile toy with sound and light to attach to the crib
- Flat and firm mattress, which fits in the crib snugly (make sure to buy baby pillows that are soft and easy on the baby’s skin)
- Baby monitor
- Toy basket
- Nightlight
- Rocking chair
- Dresser
Essential #7
Baby Gear
Finally, you need to have the right baby gear to protect your newborn when going out. This includes:
- Convertible car seat
- Baby swing
- Stroller
So, there you go… the complete checklist of all the items that you will need immediately once your baby is born. Once he or she is 6 months old, you can start buying other things such as cute costumes and toys they can easily grip.