So you are having a baby, now comes the whirlwind of figuring out what you need. You look up checklist and window shop baby stores only to be overwhelmed with all of the products, some of which you may not even know what they are! Most first time parents are on a tight budget and with the price of many baby products you need to figure out what is a necessity and what is a luxury.
Don't worry; here is a checklist of what you really need on the first day, what you can wait on and what you will not use at all!
• Car seat - This is the most important thing because you will have to have it to bring the baby home. For the best deal you can purchase a Travel System. A travel system comes with a car sear base, carrier, and stroller. The stroller will allow you to put the carrier in to use as a newborn and then by itself as they grow.
Nursery:
• Crib, Cradle, Bassinet - If you have a nursery for your baby, you may want them close to you for a while. If so, you will need some sort of cradle or bassinet. If this is the case you can save for a crib if needed. If you are living in a small space you may want to just get a crib and forget the smaller bed. When looking for a Crib, think about getting a converter bed. Either 3 in 1, which will go to a toddler/daybed, or 4 in 1, that goes to first a toddler/daybed and then a full size will get you the most use. Whatever you choose you will need to put the baby in something when you get home.
• Dresser and Changing Table - These are both handy but the changing table is not a necessity. If you do choose to buy these you can get a changing table that you can turn into a bookshelf later. Nursery 101 is a brand that you can buy a 3 in 1 Crib, Dresser, and Changing Table all together for a very reasonable price. It can be cheaper than some cribs by themselves.
• Rocking Chair - This is not something that you need right off and if at all. Yes it may be convenient to have but do not have to have it. They can be expensive and you might not use it that long.
• Nursery Decor - When I say this I mean bedding set with crib skirt, bumpers and comforter. Each person has to decide what price range they would like to spend on this; the range can be very wide so shop around. Keep in mind that this might be something that you can reuse again, but don't break the bank if you need to buy a lot of items. If you are going to have the baby in your bedroom for a bit you may a little wiggle room on buying this but keep in mind that with a newborn you will have less free time, you don't want to leave everything to the last minute.
• Mobile - Usually the mobile does not come with the bedding set & this will be bought separately. You can wait on this if the baby will be in cradle or bassinet first.
• Night Light - This not something you will need until you have, at best, a toddler. By then the room may have completely different dcor. If you want one to have just a little light for middle of the night changes and feedings go with a lamp. You will have not only a light but also decoration.
• Mattress - Make sure when you buy this the measurements match those of the crib, you don't want cracks around the edges. Again you will have a wide price range with this.
• Sheets - Whether you have a crib, cradle, bassinet, or two of these you need sheets. You should have three sheets so that if one is washing another is on the bed and then if that one is wet you have another.
• Mattress Pad - These can come in a pack of two and that would be enough.
• Blankets - You don't have to go crazy with these, but you have two types that you will need. You will need receiving blankets to swaddle the baby for a little while when you come home, a good number would be a week's worth. You want to have enough so that you are not rushing to do more laundry than necessary. The other type of blanket you might want would be a "baby" blanket. This is more of a soft cute blanket, maybe with the baby's name on it. These can also be used when taking the baby outside, depending on weather. You may want to get one to use to carry with you and if you like, one for his room. You can end up with too many blankets so be careful.
• Swaddle Wrap - If you would rather use a wrap to swaddle than receiving blankets then you will need this. Remember that when deciding how many you will need that the blankets will be cheaper. Also if you learn how to properly swaddle the wrap is not needed.
• Monitor - You will have to decide what you want depending on budget and comfort level. The prices can range anywhere from about to around 0. You can go for one with video or just one receiver. Also remember that if the baby is going to be in your room you will not need this until the he is in his own room, unless you need one for naps.
Feeding: When deciding what you need for feeding you will have to think about whether or not you will breast or bottle feed.
• Bottles - Even if you breastfeed you need to go ahead and have a few bottle handy. You do not know how breastfeeding will work out. You might have to either supplement with formula or pump and bottle feed. If either of these circumstances occurs, you do not want to be without bottles. If you decide to use Playtex Bottles you will also need liners.
• Nipples - You might want to think about buying extra nipples for the bottles you bought.
• Bottle Sterilizer - This is not necessary, you can sterilize in a pot on the stove. For everyday just make sure you wash in hot water and soap.
• Bottle Warmer - This also is not necessary, when you need to warm a bottle you can do it at the sink with hot water.
• Bottle Rack - This is a good idea because even if you have a dish rack, these are specifically made to hang bottles, nipples, pacifiers, even the bottle brush.
• Bottle Brush - You need this because they are made to get in the nipples and bottles that are hard to clean.
• Breast Pump - These are expensive, so make sure you are sure of the brand and type you want before you purchase. They range in price and also in performance. The most popular brand is Medela; they have a wide price range to choose from. Also you can check with the Lactation Consultant that the hospital for information on renting one. If you plan on breastfeeding and will be going back to work, you will need one to start pumping soon to build up a supply.
• Storage Bags - If you are pumping you will need storage bags.
• Nursing Pillow - This is not necessary but nice to have, it is good for both nursing & bottle feeding. You can also you this as a little seat to prop baby up on. Be sure to get extra slip covers.
• Formula - Check first with the pediatrician to see what to buy. You should not buy a lot just in case you have to switch formulas.
• Highchair - You will not need this until about 4 months when you might start on some solids like cereal. Like many, you may be worried about space for a high chair, but you can get a Space Saver chair that fits onto a chair.
• Bibs - You will need these not only when you start baby on solids, but you might also want to start using them when the baby starts teething, because of the access saliva. You will need a good number of these, at least two a day.
• Pacifier - Go ahead and get different kids with different shapes, you do not know what kind the baby will like.
Diapering:
• Diapers - Go ahead and start buying now, but make sure that you get a variety of sizes. Babies do not stay in the newborn size for very long.
• Wipes - You can start buying these too, you will go through these fast.
• Rash Cream - You will need only one or two tubes of this.
• Diaper Bag - You might want to get two, one bigger for longer trips, and another small one that can be used all other times. If you need to only purchase one, I would suggest getting a smaller one; you will not want to lug the big one everywhere.
• Trash Can - Many will invest in a Diaper Genie, but you can get by with just a trash can with a top. Just make sure you take the trash out!
Bathing and Health:
• Bath Tub - You can get by without one of these for a few weeks. This is because until the umbilical cord falls off you, you will not submerge it in water. Rather than that you would sponge bath.
• Wash Cloths - You don't need too many of these because a baby does not need a bath every day. A weeks worth should be fine.
• Hooded Towels -You should be fine with about three.
• Baby Wash and Shampoo - You can get a Head to Toe wash and that will cover both. You should first start with fragrance free for baby's skin.
• Baby Oil - You will not need this much either buy when you need it or just go with a small bottle.
• Vaseline - This is needed if you have a baby boy who was circumcised.
• Rubbing Alcohol - You will need this if your pediatrician recommends it for the umbilical cord.
• Baby Q-tips - One box will be plenty.
• Nasal Aspirator - You will need one of these on the first day.
• Baby brush and Comb - You can either buy these separately or in a kit with other grooming products.
• Baby Nail Clippers - They are smaller & can also be purchased in a kit.
• Baby Thermometer - This is another product that will range in price and a few different choices. You can go with a pacifier, rectal, underarm, oral, ear or forehead.
• Humidifier - You don't have to get one right off, but this is a great thing to have with cold and allergies. You have a many choices, filter or no filter, high or low mist, cool or warm.
Safety Items:
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms - These are general safety items that you should already have.
• Gates, Locks, Outlet Cover - You don't really have to worry about any of these until you have a crawler.
Other Miscellaneous item:
None of these are really a necessity, but you will get use out of them.
• Bouncer Seat - This is a wonderful thing. You want to have a place to set the baby during the day.
• Swing - Same thing as the bouncer seat, you will want places to set and soothe baby. You can either get both the swing and/or seat separately or you can now get a 2 in 1 product.
• Activity Mat - These are meant for small babies with overhead toys. You can choose between prices and sizes to suite you.
• Walker and Jumper - You will not use these until baby is much bigger. You may not also want both of these.
• Baby Seat - You will start to use these when they get good enough head control. The big brand is Bumbo and you have to purchase a tray separately. Another brand is Summer Infant Super Seat; it comes with a tray for snacks with toys attached and also turns into a booster seat.
• Picture frames - You can get these with spaces for each month or hand and foot prints.
• Baby Book/Scrapbook - Although it is not a necessity, it is something you will want to get.
Clothes:
These will be up to you how much you want or need, just remember what season it will be when picking sizes. Also if you are having a shower, expect lots of clothes.
Mother's Needs:
Most forget to tell new mother what they will need after birth, these items are not glamorous but they will be needed and you will be glad that you don't have to send someone out for them.
• Breast Pads - Even if you are not breast feeding you will need some.
• Nursing Bra and Nipple Cream - If you are Breastfeeding
• Stool Softeners, Pads, Witch Hazel Pads - All for your comfort
It is a long list but babies are a lot of work and completely worth it. If you plan on having more than one child you might want to think about buying some item in a neutral color. Make sure that if you are going to be on a tight budget and someone will be throwing you a shower that you register for what you need. It is very easy to get caught up when registering and scan things that you will never use. A lot of people will not use your registry but for the ones that do, they will know exactly what you need. Others may not shop off of it but may look at it to get ideas. Some mothers like to wait until after the shower to buy up what they did not get; this is a great way to avoid more returns. If you do start to shop before, make sure you keep receipts in case you get a double. Don't be afraid to take thing back, most people would rather you get something you need and can get use from, rather than having twenty blankets you will never use.
I hope my list is helpful!
