Navigating the baby aisles can be more than a little bit overwhelming for a first time mom. Here's some truth... it wasn't any easier for our editor when she welcomed her fourth child a whopping nine years after thinking her family was complete. Without a single baby item in her possession, she sat down to make a shopping list. What did she really need? What did the lists all over the web tell her she should have? Which items on those lists saw no use with the other three kids? Which items wouldn't be wasteful and fit her minimalistic lifestyle? Which items will keep the baby safe and comfortable?
The result? A list of essentials, along with a few extras, to help her family happily survive those new-baby moments of sleep-deprived bliss. Happy registering!
On-the-Go
- Car seat and car seat adapter
- Stroller
- Infant baby carrier
- Pack-n-Play or portable crib
- Waterproof pad and sheets for a portable crib
- Diaper bag
Feeding and Mealtime
- Bottles
- Bottle brush
- Bibs
- Burp rags
- Breast pump
- Milk freezer bags
- Nipple cream
- Nursing tanks and bras
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pillow
- High chair
As baby gets older: Baby-safe utensils for first foods
Diapering
- Diapers - disposable and/or cloth
- Wipes
- Diaper rash ointment
- Travel wipes or wipes travel case
- Diaper pail
- Waterproof changing pads
Bath Time and Skincare
- Baby bathtub
- Washcloths
- Hooded towels
- Baby-safe soap/shampoo
- Baby lotion
- Baby brush and comb
Health and Safety
- Thermometer
- Humidifier
- Baby monitor
- Nasal aspirator
- Baby-sized nail clippers and file
- Baby detergent
Playtime
- Bouncer
- Play Mat
- Baby Swing
- Teethers
- Board Books
As baby gets older: Baby activity center and/or activity jumper
Nursery
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Crib sheets
- Crib mattress protector/waterproof pads
- Glider chair/rocking chair
- Footstool
- Dresser
- Changing table
- Hamper
Sleep
- Swaddle blankets
- Bassinet
- Bassinet sheets
- Pacifiers
- White noise machine
Layette
- Footie sleepers
- Gowns
- Hats
- Baby mittens
- Comfortable clothing
- Baby-sized clothing hangers
