What Do You Absolutely Need For A Newborn

To 3 Special Occasion Outfits

Hereâs a tip from Poppylist co-founder Tamiz: âAdd all the cute, stylish clothes to your registry so you don’t have to buy them. Otherwise, stick to versatile staples that you can mix and match.â

Youâll likely find that most of the time, you opt to dress your newborn in easy basics. But youâll want at least one special occasion outfit to have on hand, to wear home from the hospital, for family photos, or to meet family and friends.

Baby Checklist For 4 To 6 Months Old

Much of what youve already bought will suffice as your baby grows. For instance, you wont have to replace her blankets every few months. But some of her needs will change as she grows into new clothes, cuts her first teeth, begins grabbing objects and starts putting everything into her mouth.

Read Also: What Should A Newborn Schedule Look Like

More Must Have Baby Items

Although these are not necessary, they can make a nursery a lot more comfortable.

• Nightlight and mobile
• Additional sheet sets
• Dirty Laundry Hamper to keep in the nursery
• Bookcase, dresser or other storage center for baby towels, clothing, etc.- be sure to latch them into the wall to prevent them from tipping or falling.
• Glider/Rocker for nighttime feeding

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What Newborn Must Haves Should I Get

When I had my first baby, I used one of those comprehensive what to buy for baby checklists that they give you when you create your registry. I put everything on it and got most of it at my showers.

However, I quickly found I actually needed way less than I thought. And the more babies I had, the less I needed each time. You just get really good at stocking up on the necessities and forget the rest! You will likely find the same happening to you.

If you are having your FIRST baby, I wanted to give you a very realistic view of stuff you should get before the baby arrives. I hope you find it helpful!

Cold Weather Car Seat Liner

Some mamas swear by the car seat covers, but when we lived in Boston, I swore by the car seat liners.

THIS cover is the one we used and loved, and it made it SUPER easy to transport a baby in cold weather. You didnt even need to bother with jacket, which are a safety hazard for use with car seats.

Put on a hat, zip baby in, and youre good to go!

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Your Feeding Equipment Shopping List

• A Moses basket, crib, or cot.
• If your baby is going straight into a cot, you will need sheets and cellular blankets, or a fitted bottom sheet and a baby sleeping bag. If your baby is going to have a Moses basket or crib, you will need three sheets or four sheets, and several pram-size blankets.
• A mattress that fits the Moses basket or cot.
• A lightweight, cotton jersey or cotton wrap is useful to make your baby feel secure without overheating during the early weeks.

Expensive Stuff To Put On Your Registry

Remember when I said you dont want to run into the situation where little old Miss Nancy couldnt find anything to buy you, so she got you a random item you never wanted?

Well, one reason why some people buy random things is because theres nothing sufficiently valuable enough on your registry. I know this is true because several people told me this!

Some people just want to get you the best gift available. Im talking hundreds of dollars worth. So just for those gift givers, make sure you have some high priced items on your registry!

Here are some products I used myself and LOVED and recommend to every new mom:

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Layette: Baby’s First Clothes

• 6 undershirts that snap on the bottom or tie on the side, commonly called “onesies”
• 3 to 4 infant gowns with elastic bottoms. These make for easy diaper changes. All you have to do is pull the gown up over the belly to change the diaper and then pull it back down when finished. There is no stumbling around trying to snap the gown back together, which is especially nice when it’s 3 a.m. and all you want to do is get baby back to sleep so that you can get back to sleep.
• 6 sleepers/stretch suits . These are nice to put baby in during the day, but are not essential items. When buying these, make sure you get the kind that zip up the front. These are easier to get baby in and out.
• 3 to 4 pairs of booties or socks with stretch elastic band at cuff
• 3 to 4 receiving blankets
• 1 sweater and hat

Now What Do You Not Need For A New Baby

Honestly, anything else not on this list. Your baby NEEDS very little for the first few months!

We used a towel on the floor or bed instead of a change table.

I bathed the baby in the sink, or with me in the tub instead of in a baby bath tub.

We fore-went cute play mats and let them play on blankets on the floor, and while we did buy toys, for the most part the babies wanted anythings else to play with.

You can purchase bottles and breast pumps as needed, rather than stockpiling them in advance only to find out you wont need those things.

MOM probably needs more things than baby actually needs! Heres a full list of postpartum supplies mom needs to have on hand after baby.

Related: How to Heal Faster Postpartum

Also Check: How To Keep Newborn Awake During Breastfeeding

Types Of Baby Thermometers

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are three main types of digital thermometers to consider: multi-use, temporal artery and tympanic . The AAP recommends taking babys temperature rectally for the first three years, as its the most accurate method. Forehead thermometers are the next most accurate, followed by oral and ear. Its most difficult to receive an accurate reading from the armpit. Heres a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each.

Munchkin Clear Nose Nasal Aspirator

This is just not one of those things you want to be in need of at 3 am and not have on hand. My 2nd baby got her first horrible sad snotty stuffy nose cold at 7 days old, and sucking the snot out of her head helped her stay SO much more peaceful.

So unlike some other I MIGHT need this someday sort of things, I wouldnt hesitate to buy this before baby is born because I can almost guarantee that you WILL use it eventually.

The Munchkin Clear Nose Nasal Aspirator works AMAZING, unlike these ones dont get that kind.

Put it right in the cabinet next to to the baby Tylenol and the thermometer which I would also go ahead and buy early because you will also use them eventually.

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Best Baby Rectal Thermometer: Fridababy Quick

As scary as it sounds, taking a rectal temperature provides the most accurate readingespecially in young children. Basically, a rectal reading is considered the gold standard among pediatricians. Making the process quick and painless for parents and baby is the FridaBaby Quick-Read Rectal Thermometer. A stopper design prevents you from inserting the thermometer too far , and readings take only 10 seconds. Plus, the large back-lit display makes temps easy to read . If the best baby thermometer is the most accurate baby thermometer, this one just might be the right pick for you.

Considerations: Some users report that the battery can die quickly and without warning.

Buy it: FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer, $16, BuyBuyBaby.com

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Sprout Baby Iphone App

Thehaze of the first few weeks is real. You think youll remember which side you nursed on last, but trust me when I tell you that you wont. And not remembering has potentially painful consequences .

While you can use things like hairbands on wrists to track things like feedings, I recommend making good use of technology, instead. Use the Sprout Baby iPhone app to help you record all.the.things.

Everything you need is on this one app! Track feedings, solid food, development, medical history, milestones, and first memories, and medical symptoms.

You can also track pumping activity, sleep, diaper changes, and activity time.

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Must Have Baby Items: What To Buy Before The Little One Arrives

Heres the thing

A newborns material needs are few. This newborn must haves list includes the basics needed to help baby sleep and stay warm, fed, and clothed. Thats it! (Dont worry Ill include some more fun items at the end that I really enjoyed so you can have a well-rounded registry!

Assuming youve started your registry , lets get to adding these items to it!

Also Check: How To Give A Milk Bath For Newborn Baby

Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier

Why pick this one? This pair of stylish pacifiers from Itsy Ritzy feature a one-piece cable design on the handle and are available in a multitude of colors for when youâd like to coordinate with your babyâs outfits.

Made from food-grade silicone, the pacifiers are also free of BPA and latex. The pacifierâs nipple is both soft and durable, which is good for when your baby starts teething. Two extra-large air holes ensure the pacifier is comfortable for your baby.A pacifier pod is sold separately if youâd like to have a way to store both pacifiers neatly and cleanly.Highlights: The pacifiers can be cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher or sterilized in a microwave steam bag.

Price*: about $8.97 on

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Changing Pad And Table

Some will say a changing table and changing pad arent completely necessary as you can always change your baby on the floor or on a bed.

But, I always used one and very much appreciated having it! Its easier on your back, it gives you a place to keep your diapers and wipes handy, protects your floor, carpet, and bedsheets/comforter from poop stains .

Brentwood Home also sent me their Sweetpea Changing Pad in exchange for a review. Its a very nice changing pad.

I dont like that there are zero straps on it to either A) connect it to the top of my changing table and B) click baby into the changing pad so they dont roll off, for safety. I have used the clip multiple times on my other changing pads when a baby is particularly fussy and not wanting to be changed due to a sore bottom or whatever.

This type of pad really requires a changing table with tall sides on the top, designed to fit changing pads, rather than just a flat surface.

However, the cover is easy to clean in the wash and super soft and textured too for a little extra tactile experience for babies, and became even softer after washing. The under layer is also waterproof which is good and its free of harmful chemicals.

And when it comes to changing tables, any high flat surface will suffice to put a changing pad on top of. Desks, dresser tops, or designated changing tables all work.

Out And About With Your Baby

Spend some time looking at what’s available for getting around with your baby. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they have found useful.

Before buying a pushchair or a pram, check that:

• the brakes are in good working order
• the handles are at the right height for pushing
• the frame is strong enough

Also Check: How To Improve Newborn Sleep At Night

Best Baby Carrier For Hiking

For a serious hike with a baby on your back, your best baby carrier is a frame carrier, like this one from the outdoors company Deuter. Built like a hikers backpack, you can unload it while keeping your kid inside with the kickstand, this baby carrier becomes a makeshift stand-alone seat. And because you may be using it for several hours at a time, theres storage for toys and pockets for parent necessities. Purchase a hood accessory and rain or shine, youll be able to trek with baby in tow.

Suited for: Up to 48.5 poundsBuy It: Deuter Kid Comfort 2 Child Carrier, $250, rei.com

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What clothes do I actually need for a newborn and how many?

Also Check: When Should You Give Newborn A Bath

Pairs Of Socks And Booties

You have to keep those little baby toes warm somehow! These are especially important if you are having a baby in the winter time. If your baby is expected in the summer, you probably do not need to go out and buy a lot until it starts to get colder, or you might, depending on how cool you keep your house during the summer with the AC!

Health & Hygiene

Use outlet covers in your home to prevent your baby from getting shocked.

Baby Soothers Toys And Entertainment

• Pacifiers : Some babies love them, some don’t. Baby pacifiers aren’t a necessity by any means, but for some parents and babies soothers are essential.
• Bouncer seat: These baby seats bounce up and down when your little one kicks or moves. It’s a handy, safe place to put your baby down , and many babies love the motion.
• Toys: Your baby doesn’t need a lot of fancy playthings, but it’s nice to have a few rattles, musical toys, and soft toys.
• Books:Chunky board books are a fine way to introduce reading to your baby. Washable cloth or vinyl books are a good bet, too.

Nice-to-have baby entertainment extras

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What Else To Know About Your 1

Its normal if you are feeling a little lost right now as you get to know your baby and learn to care for them. If you are recovering from birth, remember that your hormones are still adjusting, and your body is healing as well. Just as you want to make sure that your baby is happy and well-fed, you need to take some time to do the same for yourself. Make sure to eat when you are hungry and stay hydrated.

It can be easy to look at all the big picture questions like When am I going to sleep again? and When will I find my rhythm with this baby? but try not to focus on that right now. Those aspects of your life will fall into place soon. Try to take things one day at a time, and try to relish in the sweet newness of your baby.

Baby Essentials For The First Three Months

Those are the baby essentials youll need to care for your newborn from birth to three months old.

There are many other great baby products, but make sure these ones are absolutely on your baby item checklist or on your registry.

If you havent started a registry yet, create a right now! After adding some newborn essentials and making your first purchase, youll receive a welcome box full of awesome baby supplies and samples.

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Swaddleme With Velcro Closures

My firstborn was a master escape artist with ANY swaddle. I was at the point of mental breakdown when she was waking up every 45 minutes round the clock.

Pretty desperate, I tried the only other thing I knew to try belly sleeping. While it did work like a charm , I always felt anxious, knowing that pediatricians consistently recommend back sleeping because of SIDS.

Thats why I was SO happy to discover SwaddleMes with subsequent babies. It was the only way I could make back-sleeping work. Without the SwaddleMes, they were guaranteed to wake up early and unhappy.

And thats not fun for anybody.

Can You Have A Baby Registry Without A Baby Shower

I find that even if you dont have an official baby shower, people are excited to buy gifts for you when youre pregnant. Creating a registry even if you arent going to have a shower is a good idea. That way you can send a link to a list of your favorite items. This also helps avoid receiving duplicate items.

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Several Breastmilk Storage Bottles And/or Bags

Even a breastfeeding mom will find this handy if the baby will be fed pumped breast milk. If youre gonna feed your baby the milk within a day or so, youll need at least several extra bottles to store the milk in the fridge. If youre saving it for later on, youll need freezer storage bags like these > >