Newborn Shopping List: Everything You Need Before The Big Day

Now that your baby is on the way, it’s time to start preparing. Start gathering all of the essential things early on to make your job much easier and stress-free when they come. In this list, you will find everything you need to welcome your newborn baby into your home; from clothing to safety gear, items for mealtime, and much more. Grab a pen, it’s time to take some notes!

1. Nursery

You naturally will want to make your nursery as beautiful and adorable as possible. But, remember that you will need to make it practical as well. The ideal nursery should have most of the following items:

• Crib or cradle;
• Flat crib mattress;
• 3 or 4 waterproof mattress covers;
• 4 fitted crib sheets;
• 4 light blankets;
• Baby monitor.

Optional

• Changing table;
• Humidifier;
• Dresser or chest;
• Hamper;
• Rocking chair;
• Sleepsack.

2. Parent’s room

Many parents choose to sleep near their babies during the first couple of months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing however, for the safety of your baby. Room-sharing helps with comforting, feeding, and monitoring at night. Plus, you won’t have to rush to the nursery in the middle of the night, groggy and exhausted. Re-organize your room with the following items:

• Co-sleeper;
• 4 fitted sheets;
• 3 waterproof pads to place under your baby;
• Sleepsack.

3. Feeding gear

Prepare to stock up, as you will need a variety of baby things for mealtime. Here are the essentials for breastfeeding, formula feeding, and even solid foods. It’s worth noting that your baby won’t eat solids until the fourth or sixth month, but it’s always nice to be prepared.

Breastfeeding

• Milk storage containers;
• Nursing pillow;
• Breast pump;
• 3 or 4 nursing bras (one cup larger than your pregnant bra size);
• Disposable or washable breast pads;
• Nipple cream;
• 6 or 8 cotton bibs;
• 5 or 6 burp cloths (optional).

Formula

• 3 or 5 bottles from different brands with newborn nipples. You can test which brands your baby prefers first and thereafter purchase 7 or 5 additional ones.
• Several weeks’ worth of baby formula;
• Bottle-cleaning brush;
• Bottle-drying rack (optional);
• 6 or 8 cotton bibs;
• 5 or 6 burp cloths (optional);
• Thermal bottle carrier (optional).

Solid foods (from the 4th or 6th month)

• High chair;
• Plastic bibs;
• Baby spoons;
• Baby bowls.

4. Diapering

Even if you have practiced ahead of time, diapering won’t be easy. Get the following items to make the process more efficient and less daunting.

• 2 or 3 packs of newborn-size diapers;
• 2 or 3 packs of baby wipes;
• Bin with a lid or basket;
• 2 tubes of diaper rash cream.

5. Bathroom

Bathing your newborn will be fun and even a bit slippery. With the right setup, his or her first baths will be stress-free and wonderful experiences.

• 1 baby bathtub (optional);
• Shampoo;
• Body wash or baby soap;
• 4 soft washcloths;
• 2 hooded towels;
• Baby brush;
• Nail scissors or nail clippers set;
• Bath thermometer;
• Faucet guard (optional).

6. Clothing

You were most likely gifted with a lot of cute baby clothes from your friends and family. Those aside, you’ll want to pick practical items to help your baby feel comfortable and keep them warm. Having the right amount at hand will also be very helpful for you. Babies go through more clothes than you expect!

• 7 or more baby suits;
• 4 or 8 shirts;
• 4 or 8 pants;
• 4 or more baby rompers;
• 7 or more one-piece pajamas;
• Cold-weather hat;
• 1 or 3 newborn hats;
• Sweater;
• Snowsuit for cold weather (optional);
• 6 or more pairs of socks or booties;
• Baby hangers for the closet (optional) ;
• Gentle laundry detergent.

7. Safety gear

After 4 months, your baby will begin crawling and, soon, walking. This means a whole new world of exploration that you need to keep them safe in. The best way to start is by focusing on “red areas” with the following items:

• Baby gates at the top and bottom of all stairs;
• Outlet covers;
• Drawer latches;
• Cabinet latches;
• Fireplace bumper;
• Furniture anchors;
• Toilet lock (optional).

8. Traveling and mobility

Depending on the mode of transport you choose, it’s very important to be travel-ready at all times, especially toward the end of your pregnancy. The nurse will not allow you to leave the hospital without some of these items. So it is important to get them early.

• Baby car seat;
• Newborn stroller;
• Diaper bag with diapers, wipes, cream, and a spare outfit (or two).

Optional

• Front carrier;
• Newborn sling;
• Rain cover for the stroller;
• Warm blanket for winter days.

9. Health

Make sure you pay regular visits to your pediatrician to keep your kiddo healthy. If your baby feels unwell and you can’t make it to the doctor, having a first aid kit will come in handy.

• Baby thermometer;
• First aid kit;
• 5 or 6 pacifiers;
• Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze for circumcision care;
• Nasal aspirator;
• Infants Tylenol;
• Saline nose drops (optional).

So many things to do and to buy… Are you feeling stressed? We’ve got you! Discover Beginning.com’s 9 months, a series of meditative audios to relax your mind and body whenever you need it most. If you are wondering how to take care of your mental health during this hectic period, watch our Coping with Anxiety and Depression masterclass.