Basics - For the First Two Months
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Baby Gear
- Car Seat: Rear facing Infant-only seat or Infant & Toddler Convertible seat (For the ride home from the hospital.)
Click Here to Get Professional Advice - Stroller: You will need one with full recline until your baby can support his or her head.
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Furniture
- Bassinet
- Crib: (optional for first few months)
- Crib mattress
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Clothing
- One-piece outfits (onesies)
- One-piece pajamas: You generally want soft, easy to change outfits since you will probably be changing your baby several times a day. It's also better to buy cloths a little larger since babies outgrow newborn sizes so quickly.
- Sock and booties
- Fleece outfits / sweater or jacket: For winter
- Bonnet or cap: For summer
- Mittens
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Diapering
- Diapers: Whichever you choose to use keep plenty on hand since you'll be changing your baby up to 12 times a day.
- Wipes
- Washcloth's
- Diaper ointment / powder (pure cornstarch type powder)
- Sealable trash can (Diaper pail) for soiled diapers.
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Feeding
- Bibs
- Breastpump & breastmilk storage bags
- Bottles & nipples: For breastfeeding moms, one or two bottles and nipples might be nice to have on hand. Dad can use them to feed your breastmilk to baby if you need to be separated from him/her.
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Bathing
- Newborn tub
- Washcloths
- Soaps & lotions
- Hooded towels
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Sleeping
- Waterproof crib/mattress liner
- Fitted sheets for bassinet, playpen or crib.
- Receiving blankets: comforts and provides extra warmth. Fleece or cotton flannel to prevent overheating.
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Safety
- Baby Monitor
- Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room
- Rectal thermometer with flexible tip
- First Aid kit
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For Mom
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Breast shields
- Cream for Nipples
- Panty Liners / Pads
- Flowers from dad
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Miscellaneous
- Small lamp or Nightlight for baby's room
- Classical or Lullaby music
- Reference books on safety issues, parenting, etc.
- Baby nail clippers (such as these lighted nail clippers)
- Nasal aspirator
- 'Free and Clear' Laundry Detergent (Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend a laundry soap free of dye and perfume additives)
