What to Buy for Baby

Use our handy checklist to make sure you have everything you'll need once baby arrives.

Here's everything you'll need when baby comes... for the first few weeks. Find real mom reviews at lila guide. (Items with an asterisk are must-haves.)

Layette

[  ] 4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)*

[  ] 4-8 one-piece pajamas*

[  ] 2 blanket sleepers for winter baby

[  ] 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)

[  ] 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits*

[  ] 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)*

[  ] 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)*

[  ] No-scratch mittens

[  ] Bunting bag or fleece suit for winter baby

[  ] Swimsuit for summer baby

[  ] Gentle laundry detergent

Nursery

[  ] Crib, cradle or bassinet*
• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
• No cutouts in headboard or footboard
• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

[  ] Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)*

[  ] 1-3 washable crib mattress pads

[  ] Bumper pads covering inside perimeter (secured by at least six ties or snaps, with all extra length removed -- we suggest breathable bumpers)

[  ] 2-4 fitted crib sheets*

[  ] 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets*

[  ] 1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)

[  ] Rocking or arm chair

[  ] Music box, sound machine or CD player

[  ] Crib mobile with black and white images (remove when baby can support self on hands and knees)

[  ] Baby monitor

[  ] Nightlight

[  ] Dresser

[  ] Toy basket

[  ] Swing or bouncy chair

Changing

[  ] Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing*

[  ] Changing table pad*

[  ] Changing table pad cover

[  ] Diaper pail

[  ] Diaper pail liners

[  ] Diaper cream*

[  ] Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)*

[  ] Soft washcloths*

[  ] Tissues (for you)

[  ] 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers*

Bath

[  ] Baby bathtub

[  ] Baby soap*

[  ] Baby shampoo

[  ] 2-4 soft towels or hooded baby towels

[  ] Baby hairbrush

[  ] Soft washcloths (use a different color or pattern than your diaper washcloths!)

Feeding

[  ] 10-16 bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)*

[  ] Liners, for disposable bottles

[  ] Bottle warmer (cuts down on nighttime trips to and from the kitchen)

[  ] Bottle sterilizer (if your dishwasher doesn’t have one)

[  ] Bottle brush

[  ] Dishwasher basket for small items

[  ] 4-8 bibs

[  ] Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)*

[  ] High chair

[  ] 2-4 pacifiers

[  ] Formula (if not nursing)*

For nursing moms:

[  ] 1-3 nursing bras (Breasts swell following birth, so start with one size larger than your maternity bra. Wait until size settles down -- about two weeks after birth -- to purchase additional bras.)

[  ] Nursing pads

[  ] Nipple cream

[  ] Nursing pillow

[  ] Pump (even if you plan only to nurse, a pump will allow you to leave milk for baby if you want or need to separate)*

[  ] Milk storage bags*

Medicine Cabinet

[  ] Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors*

[  ] Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)

[  ] Baby thermometer*

[  ] Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator

[  ] Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements

[  ] Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)*

[  ] Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)

[  ] Antibiotic cream

[  ] Saline nasal drops

[  ] Baby gas drops

[  ] Disinfecting hand soap (for you)

Travel

[  ] Infant or convertible car seat*

[  ] Stroller (reclining to almost flat for infants)

[  ] Diaper bag

[  ] Changing pad

[  ] Baby carrier/sling

For Mom

[  ] Ice packs (in case of tearing during birth or swelling after)

[  ] 2-3 week supply of ultra absorbent sanitary pads

[  ] Panty liners

[  ] Hemorrhoid wipes and cream (can become necessary after labor, even if pregnancy was free of problems…sorry)

-- The Bump Editors

See More: 2nd Trimester , 3rd Trimester , Baby Showers

Have something to say? Share your opinion and advice.

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Bumpers should be changed to breathable bumpers, to reduce SIDS risk

by babymugg

I was told in my parenting class, no bumpers or items in crib except a fitted sheet.

by Wanting a Baby in F'burg

I'm pretty sure we are not suppose to be giving our babies (or todders and perhaps even preschoolers) infant decongestants or cold medicine.

by jay.otter

when is a good time to register?

by gmp79

What is the difference between onesies and undershirts or vest that have snaps under the crotch?

by posniv95

Onesies are basically like a bodysuite with the feet in them or pajams with feet. The undershirts/vests are equivalent to underwear. In essence, you can dress baby in both at once (especially in those cold climates).

by Rebeca4a

Is this available in pfd?

by lobster26

Yeah, I'm surprised that bumper pads is even on there given the fact that they are linked to SIDS risks..

by HopingForOne

There is no real proof that bumpers are linked to SIDS. With SIDS an infant will stop breathing on his/her own.

by ashtonandjosie

If you're concerned about SIDS and the bumper, make sure you have a fan on....ceiling fans are best I hear. But no real proof that bumpers are linked to SIDS.

by Delila80

This list seems really good - Is it available in pdf?

by Lesley2241

6-10 dozen cloth diapers? More like 2-3 dozen.

by NavyPilotWife

Don't worry, you will get most of this at your shower!!! And don't believe what they say about no bumpers; they are a necessity or the poor little thing will be banging his head against the slats!!

by alacognata

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10803879&selected_variation_0=10803879&qty_0=1&upc=0009492279974®istry_id=86170059206&shopFor=true

by xmuffincake

I was also told no bumpers what-so-ever (consumer reports says the same). Also, no cold medicines before 2 years (unless prescribed, no Tylenol anymore).

by Musicalniss

Infant Acetaminophen isn't cold medicine or decongestant, Jay.

by jenkulp

When the doctor says you are having a girl...how accurate is that? I heard that it could end up a boy but really how often are they wrong?

by mikamarie33

The AAP says as long as bumpers are securely attached to the sides of the crib, they harbor no risk to baby- once they are rolling over and/or pulling themselves up, it's time to remove them.

by tifwalk

This is the first time in this entire pregnancy that i have actually felt prepared. I am 37 weeks and i either have everything on the list or it is on the list to pick up this Saturday (just had my baby shower)

by MrsSalem

What about an extra car seat base and a sleep positioner?

by jen_jupiter

you are very right. You want NOTHING in your crib to reduces the SIDS risk!!

by lisamk87

I wouldn't say a highchair is necessary for at least four months, your baby shouldn't have anything but milk.

by cflorkie

I started our registry the day after we found out we were expecting - at 7 weeks!! I don't think its ever too early. I've just been adding & deleting stuff as time goes on.

by LJBarnes

Bumpers aren't supposed to be removed because of SIDS, it's because of suffocation. LO can roll over into the side of the crib and get stuck against it- because they're soft and fluffy, they block the airway. There are two kinds you can use, the mesh ones that just keep baby from getting limbs stuck through slats, and the hard foam ones that won't block airways. Tylenol is fine, but do verify it's okay with your pediatrician. Motrin is fine after 6 months. (All info from MIL who is a pediatrician. Please verify with yours though!!!)

by squishles10

I'd say a good time to register is after you know the sex of your baby, but you can start on the big stuff and generics beforehand (things like breast pumps, rocking chairs, furniture, bottles, etc). As far as bumpers go, I'd like to share with my fellow moms that rarely have I met a woman who put her baby in their crib within the first 3 months- it's just easier to keep them in the bassinet/co-sleeper/packnplay in your room with you when you're dealing with midnight feedings and desperately trying to catch some sleep. So as far as the bumpers go, you can leave them in there until you actually start using them but breathable bumpers are accessible and more commonly sold now. Also, I think a co-sleeper should be on here. I have so many girlfriends that say it pretty much saved them- it's basically like a bassinet and playard combined but the side drops down so that it slides up and connects with your bed. For breastfeeding moms this is a must. Just google co-sleeper or go to target and look them up. Totally more worth it than a bassinet.

by MrsO_71007

I was also told no bumpers, toys or blankets in the crib, and to dress baby in a sleepsack when you put him down. My pediatrician said that polyester can cause young babies to overheat and to use a natural fabric like cotton or merino instead. It's a little more expensive but breaths and regulates temperature.

by mynaturalbaby

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