Welcoming a new baby brings both joy and a lot of work. Preparing for their arrival can feel overwhelming with all the items you need. But don’t worry, this guide will help you with the must-haves for your baby’s safety and comfort.

Start with the basics for your baby’s everyday needs from day one. Experts say it’s best to set up a baby registry around 12 weeks into pregnancy¹. You might need 20 items or more, depending on what you and your baby need¹. This guide will help you make a thoughtful registry for all your baby’s needs.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the essential newborn items across categories like nursery, clothing, diapering, feeding, bathing, health/safety, and playtime/carrying
• Learn about the “must-have” versus “nice-to-have” items to avoid overspending
• Discover expert recommendations and parent-tested favorites for each category
• Understand the importance of creating a comprehensive baby registry
• Prepare your home and yourself for the arrival of your newborn

Nursery Essentials

Crib and Bedding

Setting up the nursery is an exciting part of preparing for your new arrival. You’ll need a crib, crib mattress, and fitted crib sheets². With a baby, accidents happen often, so having extra washable sheets is smart². Choose a crib that can change as your child grows³. A study shows 70% of new parents want a crib as the main piece in the nursery³. Match the crib with a breathable crib mattress like the Newton Baby Crib Mattress².

A changing table or dresser is key for storing baby items⁴. 90% of parents think a changing table is vital for the nursery³. A baby monitor is also a must-have for keeping an eye on your baby². Other great items include a rocking chair, humidifier, and blackout curtains for better sleep².

Creating a calm space is important, and 60% of parents use white noise machines for their babies³. 75% of parents also get a rocking chair or glider for soothing their babies³. For a safe mattress, go for breathable options like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress².

Organizing baby items in easy-to-reach spots helps keep the nursery tidy². Use quick-access storage bins or baskets for baby stuff, and hanging closet organizers for clothes and accessories².

Clothing Essentials

Dressing your newborn right is key. They go through many outfits quickly, so having the essentials ready helps a lot⁵. Newborn clothes fit babies that weigh 5 to 7 pounds. If your baby is heavier, they might not need newborn clothes at all⁵.

• 5-7 onesies: These versatile one-piece outfits are a must-have for newborns⁵.
• 4-5 footed pajamas: Cozy and comfortable, these will keep your little one warm and snug⁵.
• 2-3 sleep sacks or swaddles: Wearable blankets that provide a secure, cozy environment for sleeping⁵.
• 5-7 pairs of socks and booties: Protect those tiny toes and keep them cozy⁵.
• 1-2 sweaters or jackets: For those chilly days, a lightweight layer is essential.
• 1-2 dress-up outfits: A few special occasion outfits can be handy for photos or special events.

Don’t forget about the smaller essentials, like newborn hats, scratch mittens, and extra pants and shirts. Focus on breathable, comfortable fabrics that are easy to clean. Avoid complicated outfits or shoes in the early months, as your newborn will be most comfortable in simple, easy-to-wear clothing⁵.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeQmdxOhcko

“Dressing a newborn can seem daunting, but having the right essentials on hand makes it a breeze. The key is to keep it simple and focus on comfort.”

By stocking up on these clothing basics, you’ll be ready to keep your newborn cozy and stylish. Remember, it’s all about keeping your little one comfortable and happy.

Diapering Essentials

Disposable Diapers

For new parents, diapering is a big part of life. It’s important to have enough diapers ready. You should have at least 300 newborn diapers on hand⁶. Millie Moon diapers are known for being soft and can last up to 12 hours. They also have a wetness indicator to let you know when it’s time for a change⁶.

Don’t forget to get a good diaper bag, a strong diaper pail, and some gentle diaper rash cream⁷. Diapers are a top baby product, so a diaper subscription service is a good idea⁷.

Soft, plant-based baby wipes are a must-have⁶. The Honest Wipes are thicker and softer than Water Wipes, making them a top choice for parents⁶⁷. Water Wipes from Target are 99.9% water-based and free from plastic, perfect for sensitive skin⁷. Kirkland brand Ultra-Soft Baby Wipes from Amazon are hypoallergenic and safe for your baby’s skin⁷.

Consider getting a second changing table for easy diaper changes, especially in two-story homes⁶. The Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad is a favorite for its comfort, showing that comfort matters in diapering⁶.

⁷ For diaper rash, try Triple Paste from CVS or Desitin Daily Defense from Walmart⁷. Aquaphor 3-in-1 from Target and BabyGanics from Walmart are also great options⁷. Diaper cream brushes like the Baby Bum Brush and the Diaper Cream Silicone Brush make applying cream easy and convenient⁷.

⁷ Diaper caddies help keep diaper essentials organized. Check out the Cloud Island Coiled Rope Diaper Caddy or the Skip Hop Diaper Caddy with Night Light⁷. For a durable changing pad, consider the Keekaroo Peanut Wipeable Changing Pad or the Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale⁷.

⁷ For odor control, try the Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail or hands-free diaper pails on Amazon⁷. The STEP Diaper Pail from Munchkin and the Diaper Genie Complete Pail from Playtex are also great choices⁷. Dagne Dover diaper bags, like the Indi Diaper Backpack or the Wade Diaper Tote, are stylish and practical⁷.

Newborn Essentials: Feeding

When it comes to feeding your newborn, you have several options to consider. Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or use a combination of both, having the right supplies is key⁸.

For bottle-feeding, you’ll need 6-8 bottles with newborn-sized nipples, an insulated cooler for formula or expressed breast milk, a bottle drying rack, and enough formula for a few weeks⁸. Breastfeeding moms should have a nursing pillow, 2-3 nursing bras, reusable nursing pads, and a good breast pump, like the Elvie pump⁸. It’s also smart to have some bottles and nipples ready for pumped milk.

Instead of a bottle warmer, warm bottles in hot water. This method is just as good and doesn’t add more baby gear⁸.

It’s important to find the feeding method and accessories that work for you and your baby. Try out different bottles, nipples, and pumps to see what fits your needs and your baby’s likes.

“Focus on finding the feeding method and accessories that work best for you and your baby.”

Bathing Essentials

Bath Time Routine

Keeping your newborn clean is key, but you don’t need much gear for bathing. You’ll need a baby bathtub, soft bath towels, gentle baby shampoo and baby wash, and a bath thermometer. These items help make bath time soothing and comfy⁹.

Begin with sponge baths until the umbilical cord dries up, then switch to the baby bathtub. The Konssy Baby Muslin Washcloths are highly rated, with a 4.8 out of 5 average score¹⁰. Keep the water warm and prep everything before putting your baby in the tub. Yoofoss Hooded Baby Towels also got a 4.8 out of 5 rating, perfect for drying your baby¹⁰.

Consider getting a baby hairbrush, nail clippers, and a faucet guard for safety. The Baby Bath Rinse Cup is a hit, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 95 reviews¹⁰. Skip the baby robe and focus on creating a routine your newborn will love.

“Quality baby bath essentials ensure a safe and enjoyable bathing experience for your newborn.”

Health and Safety Essentials

Keeping your baby safe and healthy is very important. Make sure you have things like a digital thermometer, nasal aspirator, and pain relief for infants¹². A rectal thermometer is the best way to check your baby’s temperature¹². Also, keep saline nose drops and a peri bottle ready for after they’re born. Don’t forget petroleum jelly, an electrolyte drink like Pedialyte, and basic first aid supplies¹².

For your baby’s grooming, get baby-safe nail clippers, a soft brush, and soothing ointments like Tubby Todd. Stay away from anything with benzocaine, as it’s not safe for babies¹². These items will help keep your baby comfortable and safe.

For baby proofing, think about putting cabinet locks and outlet plugs in to stop accidents¹². These steps can make you feel more at ease and protect your baby. Also, keep gas relief drops handy for when your baby feels uncomfortable¹².

For a stuffy nose, use saline spray or drops instead of other remedies, especially during changes in the seasons or when traveling¹². These gentle options can clear up your baby’s nose and ease allergy or cold symptoms.

Having these essential health and safety items ready will help keep your newborn comfortable and safe. This lets you enjoy being a parent without worry¹².

Playtime and Carrying Essentials

Newborns sleep a lot, but they still need baby toys for sensory fun and early learning. Soft toys like rattles, blocks, and books are great for keeping them interested. An activity gym or play mat is perfect for tummy time and floor play¹³.

For outings, you’ll need a baby carrier or wrap, an infant car seat, and a stroller. Make sure the car seat is new and choose a convertible one for future use. Don’t forget extras like a sun shade, rain cover, and warm blanket for comfort¹⁴.

Choosing the right play and carry items is key for your baby’s growth and safe travel. From calming rattles to versatile strollers, these items will support you in the early days of parenting with ease and confidence¹⁵.

“Investing in quality playtime and carrying essentials can make a significant difference in your baby’s comfort, development, and your own peace of mind as a new parent.”

Baby Gear Essentials

As new parents, you’ll soon find out that there are some extra baby gear items that make life easier¹⁶. These include a baby swing, bouncer seat, stationary activity center, and portable play yard. A baby monitor also gives you peace of mind, letting you check on your baby from another room¹⁶.

These items are nice to have but not must-haves¹⁶. It’s important to avoid gear that could be a safety risk, like walkers or jumpers¹⁶. Focus on gear that keeps your baby safe and happy.

• A baby swing can soothe a fussy baby with its gentle rocking motion.
• A bouncer seat lets your baby sit upright and play while you’re free to move around.
• A stationary activity center helps your baby grow by offering toys and activities.
• A portable play yard is a safe spot for your baby to play or nap when you’re out and about.
• A baby monitor lets you watch your baby from another room, giving you peace of mind.

When picking baby gear, choose safe, durable items that support your baby’s growth¹⁶. The right gear helps create a cozy, engaging space for your newborn to grow.

Choosing the right baby gear makes life easier and more comfortable for your newborn¹⁶.

Conclusion

Getting ready for a new baby can feel like a lot to handle, but the right newborn essentials checklist can help. It covers everything from nursery items to clothes and more. This way, you make a safe and cozy space for your baby¹⁷.

Every baby is different, so it’s good to adjust your list as needed. With this detailed preparing for baby guide, you’ll feel ready to welcome your newborn¹⁸.

Being a new parent advice, remember the first few months can be tough. But, with the right tools and support, you’ll get through it easily. Enjoy the journey, celebrate the big moments, and take pride in watching your baby grow. You’re doing great!

Source Links

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