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The Ultimate List of Baby Essentials For New Parents

The Ultimate List of Baby Essentials For New Parents

By 4moms
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The Ultimate List of Baby Essentials For New Parents

Preparing to bring home a new baby is an exciting time – and a busy one! Take the stress out of getting ready with our ultimate list of baby essentials for new parents that will help you rock your registry and shop for everything you need to welcome your little one home. 

Clothing

As you start building baby’s wardrobe, be sure you have enough basics on hand for the multiple outfit changes your baby will go through each day. And remember—your newborn won’t be a newborn for long, so buy or register for clothes in a range of sizes. In addition to the following practical items, you may also want to pick out a special going-home outfit so you can capture an Instagram-worthy shot of the start of your parenthood adventure:

  • Onesies
  • Pajamas
  • Sleep sacks
  • Shirts and pants
  • Sweaters and jackets
  • Socks and booties
  • Hats and caps
  • No-scratch mittens
  • Pacifiers

Gear

You know your baby will need a crib, a stroller, and a car seat. But don’t these other important pieces of baby gear fall off your radar. Here's the must-have items that may not be on your list, but should be:

(And a bit of advice for new parents: set up and test out all the gear before your baby is born so you’re not fumbling with all the bells and whistles or searching for batteries while trying to calm a crying baby.) 

Bath Time

The right gear makes for easier bath times, so have the following on hand before baby’s arrival:

Feeding

Newborns spend about 16 hours a day sleeping…and it seems like they spend the remaining eight hours eating. Stock up on the following items so you’re prepared for nursing, bottle feeding, and the transition to solids: 

  • Bottles and nipples
  • Bottle brush and drying rack
  • Bibs
  • Breast pump and storage bags
  • Burp cloths
  • High chair

Diapering

“I have too many diapers” said no new parent ever. If there’s one thing you can count on in the first few weeks with baby, it’s that you’re going to be changing a lot of diapers—so layer in a supply of:

  • Newborn diapers (2-3 large boxes if you’re using disposable and at least 3 dozen if you’re using cloth)
  • Diaper covers (if you’re using cloth diapers)
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Changing pad
  • Diaper bag

Gearing up for your baby’s arrival can be overwhelming—but all your preparation will pay off by making the first few days, weeks, and months at home so much easier. Now, it’s time to get shopping!