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| Baby sleeping in car seat |
Trying to sort through the vast array of baby gear on the market and deciding what are must-haves and what are nice-to-haves can make your head spin. While every parent's definition of a must-have will vary slightly, there are some standard items you should purchase before your baby arrives; and to help you distinguish between the items you really need those you'd just really like, there are a few basic questions to ask yourself:
- Why are you buying it (what do you need it to do)?
- How long do you want it to last?
- Is it worth the price?
- Do you need the top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles, or will the purely functional, less expensive one suit you just fine? (Hint: If you plan to have more children who could reuse the item, the higher quality, yet more expensive, model may be a smarter investment.)
- Finally, is the more expensive one really better than the less expensive, or is it just name-brand?
For Baby
Diapers and Wipes
And lots of 'em! You'll be going through 10 to 12 diapers a day during the first few weeks, so stock up ahead of time. If you're using disposable, it's a good idea to have about 150 diapers (about three large packs) on hand. If you plan to use cloth, order six to 10 packs (12 to a pack). Stock up on several boxes of wipes and tubes of ointment, too.
And lots of 'em! You'll be going through 10 to 12 diapers a day during the first few weeks, so stock up ahead of time. If you're using disposable, it's a good idea to have about 150 diapers (about three large packs) on hand. If you plan to use cloth, order six to 10 packs (12 to a pack). Stock up on several boxes of wipes and tubes of ointment, too.
Car Seat
You cannot come home from the hospital without your car seat installed in the backseat of your car. The law requires that your baby be in a car seat any time he or she is riding in a car. There are two options: buy an infant seat designed specifically for younger babies less than 20 pounds; or a convertible seat which can accommodate your baby through early childhood.
You cannot come home from the hospital without your car seat installed in the backseat of your car. The law requires that your baby be in a car seat any time he or she is riding in a car. There are two options: buy an infant seat designed specifically for younger babies less than 20 pounds; or a convertible seat which can accommodate your baby through early childhood.
Stroller
Until your baby's neck muscles are strong enough (around three months and older), you need to have a reclining stroller. Choose one that has adjustable straps, wide wheels, and steers easily.
Until your baby's neck muscles are strong enough (around three months and older), you need to have a reclining stroller. Choose one that has adjustable straps, wide wheels, and steers easily.
Front Carrier/Sling
These are indispensable for keeping your baby close while freeing up your hands. Your baby likes them too - he or she loves the physical closeness, warmth, and listening to your heart beat. Choose a durable model that fits you snugly.
These are indispensable for keeping your baby close while freeing up your hands. Your baby likes them too - he or she loves the physical closeness, warmth, and listening to your heart beat. Choose a durable model that fits you snugly.
Crib
A newborn won't know the difference between a padded basket and an expensive crib, but safety makes a sturdy crib essential. Make sure it meets all the current safety standards, the slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, and the mattress is firm. Along with the crib, be sure to buy sheets that were specifically designed for cribs, and that fit tightly and securely.
A newborn won't know the difference between a padded basket and an expensive crib, but safety makes a sturdy crib essential. Make sure it meets all the current safety standards, the slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, and the mattress is firm. Along with the crib, be sure to buy sheets that were specifically designed for cribs, and that fit tightly and securely.
Bathtub or tub/sink liner
Baby bathtubs are inexpensive and great for containing a wet, squirmy baby and keeping him or her safe. A tub or sink liner is a large, thick sponge that cushions your baby against the hard tub or sink surface.
Baby bathtubs are inexpensive and great for containing a wet, squirmy baby and keeping him or her safe. A tub or sink liner is a large, thick sponge that cushions your baby against the hard tub or sink surface.
Changing Table or Pad
If you plan to have more children and will use it again, a full changing table is a worthy investment. However, if this will be your only child, consider a changing pad that fits on top of a regular table or chest of drawers. Regardless of which you choose, make sure it's sturdy and has a safety strap to prevent your wiggle worm from scooting off the table mid-change.
If you plan to have more children and will use it again, a full changing table is a worthy investment. However, if this will be your only child, consider a changing pad that fits on top of a regular table or chest of drawers. Regardless of which you choose, make sure it's sturdy and has a safety strap to prevent your wiggle worm from scooting off the table mid-change.
Receiving blankets
These versatile blankets can be used for warmth, swaddling, and catching or cleaning up spit-up... whatever baby brings your way.
These versatile blankets can be used for warmth, swaddling, and catching or cleaning up spit-up... whatever baby brings your way.
Burping cloths
You'll go through lots of burping cloths the first few months. How many you need depends on how often you plan to do laundry.
You'll go through lots of burping cloths the first few months. How many you need depends on how often you plan to do laundry.
Bottles and Nipples
Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, having a few of these on hand are a great idea. If you will be formula-feeding exclusively, you'll go through ten, 4-ounce bottles each day when he or she is a newborn, and increase to 8-ounce bottles later.
Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, having a few of these on hand are a great idea. If you will be formula-feeding exclusively, you'll go through ten, 4-ounce bottles each day when he or she is a newborn, and increase to 8-ounce bottles later.
High Chair
Although you won't need a high chair for several months, you will definitely need one. Choose one that is sturdy and stable, with safety straps to keep your baby from wriggling free.
Clothing
Don't underestimate how quickly your baby will grow out of his or her clothes. Newborn sizes will become too small before you know it, so buy at least three months ahead. It's also a good idea to have several sets of the following items, depending on how often you will use them and how often you plan to do laundry; a good rule of thumb is one week's worth (4-7). And, of course, the following doesn't include the scores of adorable outfits you can spend many a paycheck on.
Don't underestimate how quickly your baby will grow out of his or her clothes. Newborn sizes will become too small before you know it, so buy at least three months ahead. It's also a good idea to have several sets of the following items, depending on how often you will use them and how often you plan to do laundry; a good rule of thumb is one week's worth (4-7). And, of course, the following doesn't include the scores of adorable outfits you can spend many a paycheck on.
Onesies
These one-piece bodysuits are a snap to get on and off. Choose ones made of soft fabric with wide head openings and loose-fitting ankle and leg cuffs, and finished seams. Avoid zippers, which can pinch tender skin.
These one-piece bodysuits are a snap to get on and off. Choose ones made of soft fabric with wide head openings and loose-fitting ankle and leg cuffs, and finished seams. Avoid zippers, which can pinch tender skin.
Socks or booties
Your baby won't need shoes for many months, so stick with cozy socks and booties.
Your baby won't need shoes for many months, so stick with cozy socks and booties.
Cotton shirts
These light-weight shirts are great for layering and keeping your little one warm, as well as protecting him or her from rough seams or fabrics on outer garments. Choose styles that snap at the neck and under the crotch.
These light-weight shirts are great for layering and keeping your little one warm, as well as protecting him or her from rough seams or fabrics on outer garments. Choose styles that snap at the neck and under the crotch.
Cap or bonnet (1-2)
Wide-brimmed hats will protect your baby's delicate skin from the summer sun; and soft, warm hats will keep her warm in cold weather.
Wide-brimmed hats will protect your baby's delicate skin from the summer sun; and soft, warm hats will keep her warm in cold weather.
One-piece pajamas/nightgowns
One-piece pajamas with a drawstring close at the bottom are easy to get on and off and lift up for quick diaper changes in the middle of the night.
One-piece pajamas with a drawstring close at the bottom are easy to get on and off and lift up for quick diaper changes in the middle of the night.
For You
Nursing Bras and Pads
Nursing pads come in disposable and washable styles and will keep your shirts dry in between feedings. Nursing bras come in two styles: those that unsnap between the cups or unhook from the strap. Whichever you choose, one without underwires will ensure maximum comfort.
Nursing pads come in disposable and washable styles and will keep your shirts dry in between feedings. Nursing bras come in two styles: those that unsnap between the cups or unhook from the strap. Whichever you choose, one without underwires will ensure maximum comfort.
Maxi-pads and panty liners
Your lochia will taper off during the first two to three weeks, but you won't be able (or want) to use tampons, so you'll need a couple boxes of maxi-pads and panty liners.
Your lochia will taper off during the first two to three weeks, but you won't be able (or want) to use tampons, so you'll need a couple boxes of maxi-pads and panty liners.
Breast Pump
If you're breastfeeding and plan to either go back to work, or you'd like to let your partner or someone else occasionally feed your baby, you'll need a breast pump. Choose one based on your specific needs. A manual pump is best if you plan to pump only occasionally; an electric pump is better if you will be pumping on a regular basis.
If you're breastfeeding and plan to either go back to work, or you'd like to let your partner or someone else occasionally feed your baby, you'll need a breast pump. Choose one based on your specific needs. A manual pump is best if you plan to pump only occasionally; an electric pump is better if you will be pumping on a regular basis.
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Nice-to-Haves
Here are some items that are not true necessities, but can really make life easier:
A nursing pillow
Your arms, neck, and back will thank you.
Your arms, neck, and back will thank you.
A functional diaper bag
While any backpack or large purse can get the job done, a compartmentalized diaper bag will keep everything organized and within reach.
While any backpack or large purse can get the job done, a compartmentalized diaper bag will keep everything organized and within reach.
A comfortable chair
A good rocking chair will help keep you comfy and soothe your baby during all those nighttime feedings.
A good rocking chair will help keep you comfy and soothe your baby during all those nighttime feedings.
Nightlight
You'll be getting up a lot during the night, especially in the first few months, and a good nightlight will save you from turning on the harsh, bright light, or stubbing your toes and shins in the dark.
You'll be getting up a lot during the night, especially in the first few months, and a good nightlight will save you from turning on the harsh, bright light, or stubbing your toes and shins in the dark.
Swing
A gently rocking swing will help soothe and calm your baby like a charm.
A gently rocking swing will help soothe and calm your baby like a charm.
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