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A preliminary guide to what you need
Level One: Required
- Crib
- Crib sheets (get at least three)
- Waterproof mattress pads (get at least two)
- Breathable bumper
- Stroller: You can get one stroller or two strollers. My recommendation is to get two different types (e.g., one jogging stroller and one umbrella stroller).
- Car Seat (don’t forget the base)
- Carrier
- Changing pad
- Bouncer
- Swaddles: whether you choose a swaddle blanket or something fancier (read: easier), stock up.
- Burp cloths
- Pacifiers: buy a couple of different types. Don’t overcommit at first – different babies like different pacifiers. And some don’t like pacifiers at all….
- Clothes
- Onesies
- Socks: get a bunch of socks that are all one color and stay on (this can be a challenge)
- Hats: if baby is born in the winter and/or if baby weighs under 7 pounds.
- Blankets: all shapes, sizes, weights, and fabrics.
- Bottles
- Hand sanitizer
- Diaper rash prevention: because prevention is easier than treatment. Trust me on this.
Level Two: Optional
- Diaper Pail: This is a Level One item for me
- Pack n Play/Portable Crib: not necessary for day one, but you will want it when you travel or when baby needs to sleep somewhere other than home (think grandparents’ house).
- Swing
- Play Mat
- Baby bathtub
- Exersaucer
- Jumper
- High Chair
- Bibs
- Monitor
- Thermometer
- Books
- Teethers
- Waterproof pad for changing table
- Towels / Washcloths
- Mittens
Level Three: Nice to Have
- Wipe Warmer
- Bottle Warmer
- Bassinet
- Car Seat Cover
- Bottle sterilizer
- Nail clippers
- Bottle brush
Breastfeeding
- Required
- Breast pump
- Milk Storage
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Optional
- Nursing cover
- Nursing pillow (boppy, my breast friend, etc.)
- Lactation massager
- Deep freezer
