The arrival of your baby is a thrilling, life-changing event. To ensure your little one’s comfort and happiness, you need to buy a ton of things that top any baby’s list. However, you should figure out what you need as a mom and what is essential for your newborn. For a new mom, there are things you cannot do without. Nonetheless, other things are considered as extras or nice-to-haves. In this article, you will find the ultimate baby list that includes seven mandatory categories, so keep reading.
1. Wardrobe
There is nothing cuter than shopping for tiny baby clothes. You want to choose cotton clothing to make your newborn comfortable. According to which season you’re giving birth, choose suitable clothing. That said, these are the baby’s clothing basics:
- 4-6 onesies (preferably choose the ones with zippers as they’re easier to manage)
- 4-6 pajamas
- 4-6 pants
- 8 shirts (full and half-sleeved)
- 6 pairs of socks
- 2 sweaters
- 2 knit caps
- 2 sun hats
- 4 pairs of scratch mittens
- 4 outfits for going out
- 2 fleece suits
2. Gear
Whether you are traveling or relaxing at home, you need to prepare some baby gear supplies. Carrying your baby around while you’re shopping isn’t ideal. To provide comfort and ease in movement, most moms swear by babywearing as it gives their arms a break while keeping their buttercups secure. Additionally, you cannot go on the road without securing your little one in the car. So, here’s the gear essentials you may need:
- Newborn car seat
- A stroller
- Baby carrier or wrap
- A bouncer or swing
- A playmat
3. Nursery
The nursery needs cute decor, but you also need baby furniture and bedding, which will make infant care safer and easier. If you will put your baby in a separate room, check the following baby nursery essentials:
- Cradle, crib, or bassinet for the baby to sleep
- A flat, firm mattress
- 4 fitted sheets
- A closet or dresser to store the baby’s clothes and other stuff
- A rocking chair to facilitate feeding to your little one
Other items may not be mandatory, but they make things easier for you, such as:
- A changing table
- Baby monitor
- A white noise device
- Diaper pail
You can also invest in a few swaddles and pacifiers to help put your baby to sleep comfortably. Swaddles help newborns to feel cozy and warm while sucking on a pacifier calms them down and puts them to instant sleep.
4. Diapering
You can choose from options like reusable cloth diapers, disposable, or a combination of both. Cloth diapers can save a lot of money, but require extra cleaning and washing, which may not be worth your savings. In addition, keep in mind that there are plenty of options for baby wipes too. You can choose between pre-dampen or dry and one-use or reusable cloths. Ideally, a balanced combination of both options is best. To stay on the safe side, check out these essentials:
- Try different brands of diapers before committing to one to test whether your baby will have a rash. Once you find a suitable brand, buy 2-3 large boxes.
- 6 dozens of cloth diapers
- 2 boxes of unscented water wipes
- 2 tubes of diaper rash cream
- Diaper bag
5. Feeding
Whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, there are some mandatory items you need to have. If you’re going with bottle-feeding, you can do without nipple creams, breast pumps, and milk storage bottles. However, if you’re going to do both, these are the items you’re going to need:
- A nursing pillow
- 8 burp cloths
- 4 bottles with newborn nipples
- Best quality baby formula
- Nipple cream
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bottles or bags
- 6-8 bibs
- Bottlebrush and insulated bottle holder
6. Bathtime
Newborns tend to be slippery, so you should buy all the bath essentials to make bathtime fun and safe. The following list has everything you will need:
- A plastic bathtub
- Infant shampoo and body wash
- 6-8 washcloths
- 4 towels
7. Health and Wellbeing
Just like us, babies need grooming tools. They may also get sick, so make sure you have the necessary items on hand, should that happen. Here is the list of what you may need:
- Nail clippers
- A soft brush
- Thermometer
- First aid kit
- Nasal aspirator
There are plenty of items on a newborn’s checklist. Don’t be overwhelmed; this new-to-the-world tiny human deserves to have everything ready and prepared for them as soon as they arrive. You may find plenty of unnecessary things, but we have gathered all the essentials you may need to care for your little one. Save this list and enjoy shopping for your newborn.
