As a new soon-to-be mom you have a million things to worry about between appointments, work and family it might feel impossible to know what to do next; with this list I have made I hope to ease the stress when making a baby registry or asked the question “do you need anything?” I still when asked if I need anything feel guilty of saying yes, I need this or that, but truth is- people love buying for a baby and people are constantly getting rid of gently used baby items they have just laying around or in storage.
There aren’t very many things a baby needs to ‘survive’ but if you can afford it just surviving shouldn’t be the goal, if it was this wouldn’t be much of a list. I have included items that my mom used with me, with her sons born just a few years ago, I am going to use, and my friends who have recently had children consider essential for comfort and health (not survival.) DISCLAIMER: These are things that I, in my opinion, consider essential. All babies are different and require different things, as well as all moms and households are different. These are things of comfort and not a necessity. ALSO none of this is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
The Basics
- Boobs! or Formula- Buying a sample pack of formula or a couple different small tubs is better than just picking one kind you like and getting tons of one kind that your baby may not even take
- Breast Pump- Military Mommies- Tricare will cover a large portion of your pump starter kit if not the whole thing. I used 1 Natural Way and just typed in the prescription code my doc gave me. They will contact your provider for you if needed and they directly bill insurance so you don’t have to worry about getting refunded. For active Mommies- I got the Medela Freestyle Flex; good for pumping at work and being discreet or on the go.
- Bottles- Don’t register for too many of any one kind
- Pacifiers
- Bibs (8-10)
- Burp Rags (9-12)
- Baby Shampoo/Soap (2-5 Bottles)
- Baby Lotion (2-5 Bottles)
- Diapers (Cloth; 6-10 is a good start till you find your groove; used nappies are not a crime. Disposables 4-7 cases in various sizes is a good start, if you are gifted extras consider donating them. You will most likely not need a lot of newborn diapers, size 1 may not last long for larger babies. I chose sensitive skin disposables due to CDC regs)
- Wipes (2 or 3 cases; you will be using wipes for anything and everything for a long time. I opted for sensitive skin flushable given my history of skin sensitivity)
- Plastic Wipes travel container
- Aquaphor (1 Large Tub)
- Butt Cream
- First Aid kit
- Baby Healthcare Kit (With clippers, brushes, combs etc.)
- Basic White Onesies (You will put them under everything. Gerber sells 8 packs of all sizes, you’ll need at least that many if not more as you go up in size.
- Outfits/ Sleepers ( For most the first few months are mostly sleepers, with few ‘cute’ outfits. Especially if your on the go all the time. A few newborn sleepers, a going home outfit and about 10 in each size as you go up, adding a few)
- Hat/Beanie
- Towels (2-4)
- Washcloths (4-8)
- Swaddles (6-12, Get traditional swaddle blankets and various other styles)
- Diaper Bag– Military Mommies- ( Use black or dark grey do you are able to carry it in uniform) Working Mommies- (A backpack style is easier for on the go and you don’t need to spend a million dollars to find a good diaper bag)
- Carseat– All I can say is DO YOUR RESEARCH!!
- Crib or Bassinet (A bassinet will only fit for a few months but they are vital for night feeding and the first couple months.)
- Crib Mattress and Mattress Protector
- Crib Sheets
- Dresser/ Shelves for storage
- Bathtub or Sink insert
- Baby Car Mirror (So important for working mommies, and on-the-go families)
- Portable Changing Pad ( A little foldable mat the can store diapers and wipes, along with protecting your baby when having to make diaper changes in public places or on the go)
- Baby Monitor
- Plastic plates, bowls, and silverware (One set is all you need to start, ones with suction are good to help prevent mess)
- Sippicups (You don’t need too many of these to start but a set is good to have on hand)
- Books, Toys, Teethers, stuffed animals, etc.
Essential for Comfort
- Gas drops, grape seed oil (Great for tummy issues in babies)
- Play Matt
- Play yard (Once your baby starts moving a cage won’t seem so crazy)
- Gym (Good for keeping your baby entertained from day one)
- Bouncer and/or Swing (Again good for busy mommies, being able to set your baby down and work around the house)
- Baby Wrap/Carrier
- Changing Pad for at home (Not a required purchase, many don’t change their babies on one and you have the portable one)
- Boppy and cover (Helpful for feeding and holding the baby… darn near a Basic)
- Drying Rack for bottles and pump parts
- Sanitizer (Boiling products works just as well, this just saves time)
- Noise Machine
- Bottle Warmer (some use and others are more satisfied with just using warm water)
- Blackout Curtains (This will help babies attain better sleep)
- Baby Detergent
- Diaper Pail/ Garbage
- Highchair
- Rocking Chair/Glider (I will not be linking mine because it isn’t honestly that comfortable… maybe it needs to be broken in more.)
- Walker
- Electric Nail File (If you’re like me and terrified to cut your babies’ nails, this will help)
- Socks and Shoes (In the early months and even when they get moving socks won’t stay on most babies, same with shoes)
This is just a basic list and almost everything is tried and true and on my own amazon registry. If you think of things that can be added feel free to let me know and it can be added. I am thinking about making a whole separate list of things just for mom; including breastfeeding supplies, postpartum needs and things to help you (and your significant other) make it through. Let me know if this is something you are interested in.
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Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Love, Isabella
Everything Isabella 