Kids and Toys

Complete List of Things to Buy for Newborn Baby

When we talk about the list of things to buy for newborn baby, the truth is that there is no shortage of advice for new parents on what to buy, how much to buy, or when to buy it. While there are a few absolute necessities, many items for baby or the nursery can be acquired according to personal preference.

There are a ton of to-dos when prepping for baby’s arrival, and shopping for all the baby essentials is not least among them. From setting up the nursery to gathering the gear for sleeping, eating and diapering, it’s easy to keep busy buying baby must-haves.

 After all, the amount of baby supplies a newborn requires can take any mom-to-be by surprise. But how do you figure out what to buy for a new baby and which are the essential babies items you can’t live without or the items needed for new baby? Don’t stress: We’re breaking it all down for you. Read on for a complete list of things needed for newborn baby.

List of Things to Buy for Newborn Baby

Baby Wardrobe Essentials

This is one of the new baby items and it doesn’t get much cuter than tiny baby clothes, but you’ll want to pick out practical baby things that’ll keep your newborn comfy and cozy. When it comes to clothing, these are the baby must-haves:

  • 4-8 onesies (envelope folds at the shoulders and snaps at the crotch)
  • 4-8 shirts (kimono-style with snaps or envelope folds at the shoulders)
  • 4-8 pants (footies can be a great option)
  • 4-8 one-piece pajamas
  • 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
  • 1-3 sweaters or jackets (front buttoned)
  • 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby starts walking
  • 1-3 newborn hats (broad-brimmed for a summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for a winter baby)
  • No-scratch mittens
  • 2 wearable blankets for the winter
  • Bunting bag or fleece suit for the winter
  • Lightweight and heavy stroller blankets
  • Gentle laundry detergent

Baby Nursery Essentials

A baby’s room calls for adorable decor for sure, but you’ll also need furniture and baby bedding that will make infant care all the easier (and safer). Here are the baby essentials for any nursery:

  • Crib, cradle or bassinet
  • Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib (less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and crib)
  • 2-4 fitted crib sheets
  • Rocking chair or glider
  • Baby monitor
  • Diaper changing table or dresser with changing pad
  • Toy basket- White noise machine (optional)
  • Diaper pail (optional)
  • Swaddle (optional)

Read Also: Top 10 Amazing Kids Activities Recommended for Children

Baby Diapering Essentials

Changing a diaper may seem daunting at first, but trust us, you’ll get the hang of it and these baby must-haves will help you pick it up even faster. Check out this list of baby necessities for diapering:

  • 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers, or 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers
  • 2-3 large boxes of unscented baby wipes
  • 2 large tubes of diaper cream
  • Diaper bag

Baby Bath Essentials

Bath time can be tons of fun at least, once you get a handle on that slippery baby. Best be prepared with all the right gear. These are the baby must-haves for the bath:

  • Baby bathtub
  • Baby shampoo and body wash
  • 2-4 hooded baby towels
  • Soft washcloths
  • Baby lotion (optional)

Baby Feeding Essentials

Be prepared to feed your newborn around the clock which means, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, so you’re going to need a whole bunch of baby things for mealtime. Here are the important baby supplies to stock up:

  • 8-10 bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce
  • Bottle brush
  • Dishwasher basket for small items
  • Formula (if not nursing)
  • Breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Nursing pads (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • Nipple cream (if you plan to breastfeed)
  • High chair
  • 4-8 bibs
  • 4-8 burp cloths
  • Baby feeding pillow (optional)
  • Bottle warmer (optional)
  • Bottle sterilizer (optional)

Baby Health Essentials

Don’t forget: Babies need the occasionally grooming too. And if your child happens to get sick, you’ll want to have the right baby essentials on hand. Here’s what to buy:

  • Baby nail clippers or file
  • Baby thermometer
  • Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
  • First aid kit
  • Cradle cap brush
  • 4-6 pacifiers (optional)

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Baby Gear Essentials

Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, you’ll need to need have some key baby gear at the ready. After all, at some point you’re going to need your arms back! Here are the baby must-haves to have on hand:

  • Infant car seat or convertible car seat
  • Stroller
  • Baby carrier
  • Baby swing or bouncer
  • Play mat

Nine newborn essentials

  1. A crib, unless you plan to have a family bed. You’ll need to make a plan for baby to sleep somewhere. A bassinet cradle or three-sided crib (co-sleeper) can be a good option for the first few months if you prefer to start small. Most cribs do not come with mattresses, so you’ll need to put a fire-retardant mattress on the list. Be wary of hand-me-down or older cribs; make sure they meet current safety recommendations. The slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart, for example.
  1. Linens, if you’re going to use a crib. You can use a waterproof mattress pad with crib sheets on top, or you can look for a waterproof pad (called a sheet saver) that fits on top of the fitted sheet. Whatever you choose, you’ll need one quilted mattress pad, a few waterproof pads, and at least two crib sheets and lightweight blankets. Babies don’t need pillows, crib bumpers, or fluffy comforters. These can even pose a danger of suffocation. The same goes for stuffed animals left in the bed.
  1. Diapers, whether cloth or disposable, plan on 70 to 90 diaper changes a week to start out, and then around 50 changes a week after six weeks. You’ll need some kind of pad for the baby to lie on while changing, moistened (alcohol free) diapering wipes or soft wash cloths, a pail or bucket to dispose of soiled diapers, and probably, diaper rash ointment or cream.
  1. Clothing. It’s a good idea to start with at least six “onesies” (undershirts that snap at the bottom), three to four infant gowns with a drawstring at the bottom, three receiving blankets large enough to swaddle the baby, a sweater and cap, and three to four pairs of socks or booties. Some parents like to buy several sleepers (stretch suits) that zip up the front.
  1. For bath time, you’ll need some kind of baby tub. For tiny babies, you can get tubs with a sponge insert or those that are sloped with a foam pad inside. You’ll also need a few terrycloth bath towels and washcloths, baby soap and/or tearless shampoo, brush and comb, and round-tip nail clippers or scissors.
  1. For feeding, you’ll need some burp cloths and bibs. Even if you’re breastfeeding, you will need bottles and nipples to use with milk that you pump. A bottle brush and dishwasher basket can be very useful for cleaning. If you are not breastfeeding, you’ll need formula and an accurate measuring cup.
  1. A rear-facing infant car seat rated up to 20 pounds. This can also serve as a baby carrier, and some models snap into a stroller so that you need not carry the car seat everywhere.
  1. Breastfeeding mothers usually appreciate having a breast pump to express milk when you have to be away from baby or if your breasts become engorged when baby isn’t ready to feed.
  1. Talk to your paediatrician about his or her recommendations for the medicine cabinet. A thermometer is usually necessary. There are many types available; ask your doctor which type he or she recommends for you. A bulb syringe to suction excess mucus from the nose and mouth is helpful, and you may get one at the hospital to take home. Your paediatrician can tell you what kinds of medications or ointments you may need in your baby’s medicine cabinet.

Eight other items for your baby

The following items aren’t essential, but many parents find them convenient.

  1. A baby sling to carry your baby and leave your hands free
  2. A baby monitor that allows you to keep track of baby while you are in a different room
  3. A diaper bag, with plenty of room for snacks, toys, a changing pad, and plastic bags (for dirty diapers)
  4. A “bouncy seat” or infant swing
  5. A changing table for diapering, with storage for diapers, wipes, ointment, etc.
  6. A crib mobile; musical mobiles are available that provide added interest
  7. A CD player; some babies enjoy soothing or lullaby music
  8. A night light, to help you see during late-night feedings or diaper changes

Read Also: Complete List of Items for Newborn Baby

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