Shopping Baby Stuff

THE BIG STUFF

  • Crib.   The convertible (Crib for Life) cribs are beautiful and can be long-term bed solutions.   If co-sleeping is a consideration in your home, you may want to wait on the crib. You can always use a bassinet or port-a-crib/play yard in the meantime.

  • Waterproof Mattress Cover.

  • Sheets/Linens.  You will need two to three sets of sheets and three or more lap pads. A big soft waterproof pad in the crib can be a real blessing in the middle of the night!  When the pad gets soiled you can just pull it out and the mess comes with it -- no changing crib sheets at 3 a.m.  Whew!

  • Comforter/Bedding. 

  • Changing Table or Table Top Changer.  Buy a changer top and keep it on baby's dresser.

  • Dresser, Drawers and Storage.  Compartments that I can use to stash all that new baby stuff.

  • Rocking Chair or glider.

  • Stroller.  You want one that is fully adjustable, lightweight and easy to fold.  The stroller will be with you for a long time, so buy the best you can afford.  Some parents like the 3-in-1 brands.  It's an infant-to-toddler stroller, carseat and carrier.   Because you will probably want the infant carseat carrier, this is an option worth exploring.

  • Carseat.  You must have one right away. You can either get an infant carseat, which can be used as a carrier or even part of your stroller, or you can get a convertible carseat which will grow with your baby.   The infant carseat is best with small babies because you can carry them out of a vehicle without disturbing their sleep.

  • Baby Sling/Carrier.Wearing your baby is part of the attachment parenting concept and encouraged by Dr. William Sears. The Bjorn is a wonderful carrier.   You may find baby slings are more affordable and still do the trick.

  • Bouncer Seat.

  • High Chair

FEEDING BABY

  • Breast Pump. You absolutely need this if you plan to breastfeed and go back to work. The only way to avoid using a pump is being with baby all the time until he or she is weaned. Have a source or a breastfeeding consultant picked out if you need one in an emergency.

  • Nursing Tops. Button-down shirts are a necessity while nursing. The number of shirts needed depends on mother's lifestyle.

  • Bottles. Bottles are necessary if you don't plan to breastfeed or you are supplementing with breast milk.

  • Formula.  If you are bottle-feeding you'll need to choose a formula.

  • Breast Pads.  An important detail when breastfeeding, breast pads help prevent embarrassment and staining from leaking breasts.

  • Bottle/Nipple brush

  • Bottle Warmer

  • Bottle Rack

  • Training Cups

  • Spoon and fork

  • Baby food organizer

  • Breastfeeding pillow

 THE LAYETTE

  • Onesies/Bodysuits.  One piece bodysuits that snap between baby's legs are great.  Get as many as you can.  You may find plenty of these in good shape at yard sales or consignment shops.

  • Foot Wear.  Consider your climate.  For hot weather you will need light socks and booties.  Winter babies need more layers and warmer footwear.   There is no reason to put your newborn in shoes.

  • Gowns with Drawstrings.You can get away with onesies for just about everything, but you might prefer these for baby's nightwear. The easy-open bottoms are especially nice for middle-of-the-night diaper changes.

  • Burp Clothes.  Wonderful for catching baby's drool (among other things!)   Get as many as you can.

  • Receiving Blankets. Consider climate when choosing blankets.  A few good cotton blankets are always good for wrapping up baby.

  • Bibs.  Although your infant will not be eating solids right away, bibs are great for handling drool and spit up.   Get as many bibs as you can (you will need plenty of them when they begin eating solids!)

  • Diapers.The choices are out there.  The first decision you must make is if you will use cloth or disposable.

  • Washcloths

  • Hooded Towels.

  • Pull on shirts

  • Snap-front jumpsuits

  • Blanket Sleepers

  • Socks or Booties

  • Bonnets or Knit caps

  • Bunting or jacket

MISCELLANEOUS NECESSITIES

  • Pacifier.  Most babies need to suck.  It will either be your breast, a bottle, a pacifier or baby's thumb. 

  • First Aid Kit.  Every household should have one.

  • Syrup of Ipecac.  You must have this in case of poisoning.

  • Smoke Detector for Baby's room.  Consider placing detectors throughout the house as well as in baby's room.

  • Carbon Monoxide Detector.  Especially important if your household uses gas. Ideally you should have one for each level of your home.

  • Thermometer.  There are a few varieties of this item, but you only really need one rectal thermometer.

  • Baby Wipes.

  • Bath Toys

  • Brush and Comb.

  • Baby Shampoo

  • Soap.  Use Dove or another hypo-allergenic soap without fragrance.

  • Lotion.

  • Baby Oil.

  • Petroleum Jelly.

  • Bottle Sterilizer.  Most dishwashers will get hot enough to sterilize your bottles.

  • Plastic Dishwasher Cage.  A small device to keep the bottle nipples and small items from falling and burning in the dishwasher.  Note that some companies do not recommend washing nipples in dishwashers.

  • Baby Bag or Diaper Bag.  Choose a bag that is washable with lots of compartments. You will want a washable changing pad to carry in your bag also.

  • Q-Tips.

  • Baby Bathtub.  Bathe a newborn in an inflatable or specially-designed reclining tub.  A hand-held shower or pitcher used to rinse baby is another necessity.

  • Baby Wash.  Watch out for fragrances which can irritate delicate skin.

  • Diaper Ointment.  Almost all babies get a diaper rash at one stage or another and it's good to have ointment handy.

  • Baby Powder.  Look for cornstarch brands.   You may want to avoid using talc on a little girl since it can cause health problems (discuss with your child's doctor if you have questions about baby powders).

  • Bulp Nose Aspirator.  This is the only way to clear nasal passages from a congested baby.  Most hospitals give it to you free.

  • Nail Clippers

  • Baby Tylenol.  You'll want this around the house in case baby gets a fever.

  • Dimmer Light/Nightlight.  You may find this helpful for the middle of the night feedings and diaper changes.  Keeping a closet light on or a night light may be sufficient.

  • Baby Monitor.  A wonderful device when you can't be in the same room as your baby.

  • Baby Hangers.  Baby clothes don't fit on regular size hangers.

  • Mobile

  • Hamper.

  • Diaper Pail.

  • Diaper Stacker.

  • Baby Photo Album.

  • Head support pillow.

  • Car Sun shade

  • First aid for the car.

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