Getting around

• Car seat
• Stroller

Beds and linens

• Crib
• Crib mattress
• Bassinet/cradle (if you don’t put your baby in a crib right away)
• 2-3 fitted crib sheets and a crib blanket
• 4 or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby
• 2 mattress pads
• 1-2 waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet)

Diaper duty

• Diapers
• 2-3 dozen cloth diapers, plus 6-10 snap-on, waterproof outer pants, and 2-3 sets of diaper pins, 8-10 all-in-ones or diaper system covers; 2-3 dozen diaper system inserts
• Diaper pail
• Diaper bag
• If you are using disposables, it’s suggested to start with one 40-count package of newborn (birth weight expected to be under 8 lbs.) or size 1 (birth weight over 8 lbs.)

Dressing baby

• 4 sleeping outfits or one-piece sleepers with feet (footie pjs)
• 3 newborn sleep sacks
• 6 side-snap T-shirts
• 4-6 one-piece undershirts that snap under the crotch (onesies)
• 6 pairs of sock/booties
• 2-3 soft, comfortable daytime outfits. Get only a few items in newborn size. Then opt for clothing in 6 mos. size as your baby will grow quickly! But be sure not to purchase sleepwear too large—it’s a safety hazard.
• Cotton sweater or light jacket.

Summer babies

• Brimmed hat

Winter babies

• Snowsuit with attached mittens or fold-over cuffs, or heavy bunting
• Heavy stroller blanket
• Warm knit hat

Feeding baby

• 4 small baby bottles with newborn nipples
• Bottle-drying tree
• Bottle brush
• Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag
• 3 packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths (to be used exclusively for feeding/burping)
• If you plan to bottle feed, six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher.

Bathing/Grooming baby

• Plastic infant bathtub
• 3 soft hooded towels
• 2 packs baby washcloths
• Baby body wash
• Pair of baby-size nail clippers
• Zinc oxide based diaper rash ointment
• Mild laundry detergent

Medicine chest essentials

• A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby’s doctor, such as acetaminophen
• Cotton pads/swabs
• Nasal aspirator
• Digital rectal thermometer
• Rubbing alcohol
• Petroleum jelly

Keeping baby happy

• Pacifiers
• Baby toys and loveys

Nice-to-haves

• Baby monitor
• Changing table
• A rocker or glider
• Sling or strap-on soft carrier
• Doughnut shaped pillow to help hold baby during feeding
• Nursing cover-up. Attaches at your neck and allows for private breastfeeding when you and your baby are in public.
• Infant swing
• Bouncy seat
• Night-light
• Baby Gifts