Many of us have felt clueless about what we’ll actually need for the baby, whether it’s our “first time” or it’s been a while. During those 40 weeks, we realize we’ll need to buy a few things. But, with so many shopping lists available, how do we know which ones are true must-have items?
It doesn’t help that “must haves” are subjective. Some are truly necessary for the baby’s health and well-being, while others make our lives much easier. To top it all off, we’ve all heard of products that were ultimately ineffective. Nobody wants to buy the wrong things only to come to regret it later.
You may be putting together a baby registry and are unsure of what the actual necessities are. And the closer the baby’s arrival date approaches, the more anxious and undecided you become about what to buy.
1. Car seat
![Car seat
Top 10 things baby needs](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-5-2.jpg)
The infant car seat is at the top of the list because, at the end of the day, the hospital will not let you take the baby home without one.
Of course, there are other options, ranging from home births to taking public transportation. The most common scenario, however, is taking the baby home in a car seat.
Aside from purchasing a car seat, you must ensure that it is correctly installed. Contact the highway patrol or hire a car seat specialist to install and show you how to secure the baby in place.
2. Crib or bassinet
![Crib or bassinet](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-6-1-2.jpg)
When you bring the baby home, he will require a safe place to sleep alone, such as a crib or bassinet.
I had both (and would even use the portable crib, too). If my baby didn’t want to sleep in the crib, I’d try the bassinet, and vice versa.
Because your baby is so small, you can get away with just the bassinet for the time being if you want to stagger your purchases. However, after three or four months, he may outgrow it, necessitating the use of the crib. You’ll also need a crib mattress and fitted sheets.
3. Formula or breastfeeding supplies
![Formula or breastfeeding supplies](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-7_1-1.jpg)
Long before your baby arrives, he will require a means of feeding. For some, this means formula, which many hospitals will provide. For others, having breastfeeding supplies will make the experience more enjoyable.
The first thing breastfeeding mothers should have is a nursing pillow. Because I didn’t have one with my eldest, the lactation consultant and I had to make do with whatever pillows we could find at the hospital. A pillow makes nursing much easier to manage.
If you want to increase your milk supply (or plan to be away from the baby), a breast pump can help. I rented one to help me build my supply. Later, I used it frequently at work.
Although not required, hands-free pumping bras can make multiple pumping sessions at work easier. I wish I had one from the start.
I also used formula for my twins. One of them was so small that he needed supplementation even in the hospital. So we started with a ready-made liquid formula before moving on to the powdered version.
You’ll need bottles to feed your baby if you’re using formula or pumping milk. Burp cloths will protect you from spit ups regardless of the feeding method you use.
4. Diapers and wipes
![Diapers and wipes](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-8-1.jpg)
We’re all aware that babies need to be changed frequently throughout the day (around 13 times in the newborn days). Diapers and wipes will be required for the foreseeable future.
Begin with one box of newborn diapers before progressing to size one. You should also try out different brands before making a large purchase. Those with a front “pee indicator” strip are also useful.
I used disposable diapers for all of my children, but now I wish I had given reusable cloth diapers more thought. We didn’t have our own washing machine at the time, but I later realized that cloth diaper services could have been an option.
While more expensive at first, reusable diapers end up being more cost-effective in the long run (plus more eco-friendly).
For wipes, soak cotton pads in water, which is gentler on baby’s skin. However, regular baby wipes are the most commonly used.
Also, keep a diaper bag for baby’s items. Make sure it has an insulated pocket for storing breast milk or formula. Keeping diapers separate from other items such as clothes, pacifiers, or toys is also beneficial.
5. Changing table or pad
![Changing table or pad](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-9-3.jpg)
Speaking of diapers, you’ll need a place to change the baby. For many, this entails a changing table (which can also double as drawers or diaper storage).
Technically, you can omit the table entirely and simply use a changing pad. If this is the case, I recommend keeping the pad on the floor rather than on the bed. Constant diaper changes on the bed did a number on my back.
Even if you have a changing table, I recommend having a portable changing pad as well (many diaper bags come with one). Having a second changing pad allows you to change diapers in more than one location. When you’re on the go, a portable pad is a must.
6. Bathtub
![Bathtub](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/236594905alt7-1.jpg)
We’ve all heard stories about babies being bathed in the sink, but let’s just say that a baby bathtub is a must.
In the newborn stage, you’ll want the smallest tub that also includes a “hammock.” This allows you to bathe the baby without completely immersing his body in water. (His belly button must remain dry until the dried skin falls off.)
With a hammock in the baby bathtub, you can bathe most of his body while keeping his belly button dry.
7. Clothes
![Clothes](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-10-2.jpg)
Perhaps the most difficult decision we all have to make is how to dress our children. We all know they need clothes, but we don’t always know how many, what sizes, or what style to get. When you consider the season in which your child was born, it’s easy to see why there isn’t a single correct answer.
However, there are some fundamentals upon which to build. Onesies, particularly short-sleeved ones, are a good place to start. On top, layer long-sleeved wraps, sweaters, or pajamas.
The feet of the baby need to be kept warm. For many, this means socks and booties, but you can also choose footed pajamas or pants, as well as sleep sacks that cover his feet.
Other than that, you can layer as needed. Depending on the season, he may require pants or shorts, sweaters or jackets, or long-sleeved pajamas.
In terms of quantity, aim for 10 of each item he would wear on a daily basis. He may not require ten jackets, but he will almost certainly require ten onesies.
8. Stroller or baby carrier
![Stroller or baby carrier](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-11-3.jpg)
While you can always carry the baby around when you’re out, it isn’t always feasible or comfortable. This is when a stroller or even a baby carrier comes in handy.
This was even more obvious when I had twins, because there was no way I could carry two babies (or even two car seats) on my own. I was able to free up my arms by putting them in a stroller.
Almost every newborn car seat comes with a stroller attachment, making travel even easier. There’s no need to take your baby out of the car seat and into the stroller. Instead, you’d simply unclip the car seat from its base in the car and slide it into the stroller.
If you don’t have a stroller, a baby carrier will allow you to go out and about. This is especially useful if you’re leaving your house (instead of using the car).
9. Toiletries
![Toiletries](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-12-1.jpg)
Toiletries can include a wide range of items, but since we’re talking essentials, here are the absolute musts:
Nail clippers. You’ll need a way to clip those tiny baby nails.
Thermometer. If he becomes ill, you’ll need a thermometer to check his temperature.
Diaper rash cream. This speeds up the healing process and prevents diaper rashes from occurring in the first place.
Nasal suction. If he has mucus in his nose, you’ll need to suction it out because he can’t blow his nose.
Baby shampoo and body wash. Many baby soaps can be used on both the body and the hair.
10. Swaddle
![Swaddle](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-13-2.jpg)
Like many new parents, I was desperate for sleep and dreaded the numerous times my baby woke up. While he didn’t sleep a full night (12 hours) until he was six months old, wrapping him in a swaddle did help to extend his sleep.
A swaddle is simply a method of keeping your baby’s arms contained until he outgrows the Moro reflex. Feeling snug also simulates the environment he was used to while in the womb. And why are both important? They help him sleep longer than if he didn’t have a swaddle.
The most basic are thin swaddling blankets (which can also be used as a burp cloth or car seat cover!). Pre-made swaddles that attach or zip quickly can be purchased for added convenience.
A few reminders
With so many must-have checklists, it becomes too easy to feel overwhelmed about picking the right thing. That is why I want to remind you that there is no one “right” way to prepare for a baby. For example, it is permissible to…
In the store, you can exchange an unopened item for another. If you realize you don’t need something, you can always return or exchange it for something else. Perhaps it’s the crib bumpers you discovered weren’t all that safe, or the baby mirror that distracts you while driving. You can always get something else in place of the ones you can live without.
Accept what you have. Even if you realize you should have gotten something else, it’s okay to work with what you have and make the best of it. Maybe you realized that a smart mobile doesn’t really put your baby to sleep. That’s fine; he might use it more for entertainment.
Buy as you go. You are never bound by the items you have when you give birth. Don’t forget that you can always get an item later if you realize how useful it would be. This could be the hands-free pumping bra that saves you a lot of time, or the various bottles you try until you find the right one.
Remember to do these things before the baby arrives.
Conclusion
Trying to figure out what you actually need for the baby can be overwhelming for any new mom. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what you need.
A car seat is at the top of the list because you’ll need it to transport the baby home in the car, while a crib or bassinet will provide a place for him to sleep. Feeding supplies, ranging from formula to a breast pump, ensure that he has a way to eat. He’ll also require diapers and wipes for frequent changes.
A changing pad or table provides a clean area for changing diapers. Get an infant bathtub for bathing him, as well as onesies, socks, and other basic clothing to layer. A stroller or baby carrier allows you to take your baby out and about without having to carry him on hand.
Stock your home with baby toiletries such as nail clippers and a thermometer. Use a swaddle to keep him sleeping as long as possible. Finally, get a diaper bag to keep items in while you’re on the go.