Checklist: Baby Essentials

Your personal shopping guide to all the bare essentials baby will need.

Here it is: The bare-bones, absolute essentials, nothing-but-the-basics baby shopping guide.

Clothing:

• 4-8 undershirts or vests (snaps at neck or wide head openings, snaps under crotch)
• 4-8 one-piece pajamas
• 1-3 rompers or other dress-up outfits
• 4-7 socks or booties (shoes are unnecessary until baby walks)
• 1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)

Bedding:

• Crib, cradle or bassinet
• Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)
• 2-4 fitted crib sheets
• 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets

Diapering:

• Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing
• Changing table pad
• Diaper bag
• Diaper cream
• Unscented baby wipes (causes less irritation)
• Soft washcloths
• 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers
• Baby soap

Feeding:

• 10-16 bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about 10 in the 4-ounce size per day)
• Burp cloths
• Formula (if not nursing)
• Pump (if you plan to breastfeed)
• Milk storage bags (if you plan to breastfeed)

Health:

• Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors
• Baby thermometer
• Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
• First aid kit

Gear:

• Infant or convertible car seat
• Stroller or infant carrier

Related Post: