What Do You Need To Buy For A Newborn

Best Baby Bouncer Swing Combo: 4moms Mamaroo

Lets face it: The best baby bouncer is Moms arms. But after a while, mama needs a break. Enter the mamaRoo. The five unique motions of this genius baby bouncer move just like you do, so baby never feels far from your touch. It features a fully reclining seat, and you can adjust the bouncer seats movements right from your smartphone. Built-in noise machines keep baby calm, or you can use Bluetooth to stream your own playlist.

What we love:

• The motion swing for babies features five unique movements and five speed options for a total of 25 different combinations
• Its available in three fabric options: the plush seat fabrics are a softer, blanket-like material the classic seat fabrics are made with a smooth, woven polyester material and the cool mesh-seat fabric has a smooth, breathable surface to maximize airflow to keep baby cool and comfortable.

Things to consider:

• Its could be a hit-or-miss with babies. Parents have shared that by three or four months, their babies lost interest in it or were trying to sit up/get out all the time

Buy it: $240, BuyBuyBaby.com

How Many Newborn Baby Clothes Do I Need

Want to make sure you have enough newborn baby clothes without blowing your budget on dozens of cute outfits you dont need?

Newborn baby clothes are so adorable it can be difficult to stop yourself from buying everything you spot.

This post is all about helping you to decide how many newborn baby clothes you actually need to buy.

The truth is that when it comes to newborn size baby clothes you only need a very small number of outfits three to five maximum because they will grow out of them so very fast!

The secret to shopping smart for your newborn is to focus on buying 0-3 month size clothes, which you may find your baby fits from day one after being born.

This article will give you a checklist of what clothes you actually need to buy for your baby before they are born, including guidance on what size clothing to buy and how many.

Anything That Doesn’t Work With Your Lifestyle

Not every baby item is designed for every family. Your dream of being a parent who jogs in the park with your baby may not be your reality if you never had the desire to go on those runs solo, so you can probably skip the jogging stroller. Banks refers to these purchases as “things not according to your lifestyle, like travel gear if you do not travel.”

She also recommends only buying stuff that’s relevant to your climate and seasonwhich means you can avoid buying newborn winter gear for your summer-born baby, or decking out your buggy in rain gear if you live somewhere that’s mostly dry.

And on the flip side, feel free to indulge in the places it makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Maybe that means a fancy stroller that can handle off-terrain landscapes because you love the outdoors or maybe that means a lightweight stroller so you can keep traveling. Make the baby gear you choose make sense for your family!

Recommended Reading: How Much Should A Newborn Be Sleeping

When Should You Buy Baby Clothes

When should I start shopping for baby?

We had over 70% of the baby clothes ready for the first year BEFORE she came home. That way we could set up a clothing organization system and all of the clothes were put away.

I highly recommend preparing as much as you can before the baby arrives.

Once the baby comes home, you will have little time to do anything other than take care of the baby.

Recommended Reading: What To Put In Hospital Bag For Newborn

We Were Given Too Much Newborn Stuff

“We bought and were given too much first size and newborn stuff as my second was born 9 lbs 3oz and first size and newborn go up to around 9lbs,” says Jasmine B.

“My baby is now 4 weeks old and is only just squeezing into 0-3 stuff as she’s such a greedy baby!

“Looks like I have way too much 0-3 too! Hoping some shops will let me go in and swap the stuff that still has tags on but I stupidly loved removing tags and washing all of her clothes because she was overdue and I just love the smell of Fairy non bio.”

Read Also: How Often Do I Feed My Newborn Formula

Formula Or Breastfeeding Supplies

Long before your baby comes home, he already needed a way to eat. For some, this means formula, which many hospitals will provide. For others, having breastfeeding supplies will make the experience more successful.

For breastfeeding moms, the first item to have is a nursing pillow. I didnt have one with my eldest, so at the hospital, the lactation consultant and I had to make do with whatever pillows we had around. A pillow makes nursing so much easier to manage.

And if youre interested in increasing your milk supply , a breast pump makes that possible. I rented one to help build my supply. Later, I used it many times when I was at work.

Now, this isnt a necessity, but hands-free pumping bras can make multiple pumping sessions at work easier. I wish I had mine from day one.

I also used formula for my twins. One of them was so small that he needed supplementing even at the hospital. So, we chose ready-made formula in liquid form, before switching to the powdered version.

If youre using formula or pumping milk, youll want to have bottles on hand to feed. And regardless of which feeding method you choose, burp cloths will protect you from spit ups.

Best For Newborns: Halo Sleepsack 3

Courtesy of Amazon

• Not recommended for preemies

• Not recommended for babies after they can roll/2 months old

Babies as little as 6 pounds can safely use this sleep sack, which is designed to work as a swaddle and, later, a transitional sleep sack. It goes over the babys shoulders and has an inverted zipper down the front to secure it in place. Then, to swaddle your newborn, you just wrap the wings around their arms and secure them with the velcro tabs.

If your child is able to roll, you always want to ensure that they have the use of their arms in any transitional swaddle or sleep sack,” DeBear says. If you’re using this Halo, that’s when you can leave your baby’s arms free and simply wrap the wings around their torso instead, still giving them the tight secure feeling of a swaddle. This sleep sack is made from 100 percent cotton muslin and is safe for the washer and dryer.

Price at time of publication: $30

Material: Cotton muslin | Age Range: Newborn to 18 pounds | Machine Washable: Yes

Don’t Miss: How Much Sleep Should A Newborn Get

Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths

Yet another multitasking must have, these absorbent, 100 percent organic cotton burp cloths wont just absorb any spit up and other baby-related spills they’re also big enough to double as on-the-go changing pads. Plus, theyre soft on babys skin and completely cover your shoulder for mid-meal burps. The tri-fold towels easily fit in your diaper bag, and the buzz-y bee patch adds the right touch of sweetness. You’ll get two cloths in a set.

Size: 16 x 11.8 inches

How To Build Your Babys Wardrobe

There are a few things to think about when youre trying to figure out how many baby clothes youll need and how you should add clothing to your registry.

1. Think About Laundry

Your access to laundry makes a big difference in how many items of baby clothing youll need on hand.

Our list of newborn essentials below assumes you do a few loads of laundry throughout the week. If this isnt the case, though, you may need more or less clothing. Heres how to adjust:

• If youre only planning on doing laundry once a week, multiply the numbers below by two.
• If you will be doing laundry every day, cut the numbers below in half.

2. What About Baby Clothes Sizes

Figuring out sizing and how many pieces in each size to add to your registry can be tricky as its tough to anticipate how big your baby will be at birth and how quickly theyll grow. Keep these tips in mind:

• Think big. Most newborn sizes top out around eight pounds, so if you have a bigger baby, they may need 0-3 months sizes from the start. Pick a few newborn items and then focus on 0-3 months since those clothes will fit babies up to around 12 or 13 pounds.
• Mix it up. Each baby brand runs differently when it comes to sizing. Some brands run roomier and are great for larger babies, while others run on the slim side and work better if your baby is long and lean. Since you wont know your babys body type before birth, try to mix in clothes from several different brands so youll have a few different fit options.

Also Check: Can Newborns Sleep In Dock A Tot

Baby Health And Safety Checklist

Itâs good to have some health and safety essentials at home, both for preventing accidents and injuries and in case you need to take your childâs temperature or put a sticking plaster on a small scratch.

Of course, nothing in your first aid cabinet can match the healing power of your âmake-it-better kissâ, but â just to be on the safe side â here are some basic items to have at home:

â¡First-aid kit. You’ll want to have basic items at home like a baby thermometer, tweezers, sticking plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages and basic medicines all in one place in your baby first aid kit. You might want to keep another first-aid kit in the car so you have some of these essentials when youâre on the go as well.

â¡Nasal aspirator. This can help gently remove mucus from your babyâs nose.

â¡Baby nail scissors or clippers. If your baby grows long nails, youâll need to trim them to prevent self-inflicted scratches. Baby nail scissors have rounded ends to prevent accidental injuries. If youâre not comfortable using scissors on your babyâs nails, try filing them down with an emery board instead.

â¡Soft-bristled hairbrush. Even if your baby doesnât have much hair, a brush can help loosen scales if your newborn ends up with cradle cap.

When To Get Started

The third trimester is a great time to start rounding out your babys wardrobe. Make selections to fill in the gaps post-baby shower. Swaddles and onesies are generally the go-to choices. You can stock up on these essentials until you meet your baby for the first time. Then you will have a better idea regarding sizes.

Also, you may not know what the babys gender will be . If you find out on the spot, you may want to choose gender neutral baby clothes traditionally for baby girls or for baby boys once you have this information. Otherwise, go neutral with everything, or simply pick out whatever you like.

Dont forget that you will need clothing for the next stage of development, the one after that, and so on. Rather than wait for your baby to outgrow their clothing, have the next size up ready. Go for the must-haves and make sure you have a nice variety. Whatever may still fit can remain in rotation. Once you have gone through those first weeks and months, you will have a clearer understanding of what baby clothes you need. Make your next shopping experience more educated. Plus, the seasons/weather will change, so you might need new items every few months.

Don’t Miss: How Many Hours A Day Should My Newborn Sleep

Best For Preemies: Mama Cheetah Adjustable Swaddle Blanket Wraps

Courtesy of Mama Cheetah

• Not recommended for babies above 7 pounds

For the teeniest babies, this sleep sack and swaddle combo is safe for preemies up to 7 pounds. Its made from lightweight 100 percent organic cotton that is perfect for keeping your baby warm but with enough breathability to prevent overheating.

To use it, tuck your babys feet into the little pouch and then simply wrap the wings around your babys arms and use the Velcro straps to secure it. For late-night diaper checks and changes, you can simply untuck your babys feet without having to undo their swaddled arms.

Price at time of publication: $40

Material: Organic cotton | Age Range: Preemies | Machine Washable: Yes

Changing Table Or Pad

Speaking of diapers, youll need a place to change the baby. For many, this means a changing table .

Technically, you can forgo the table and simply use a changing pad. If so, I recommend keeping the pad on the floor instead of the bed. Constant diaper changes on the bed took a number on my back.

And even if you do have a changing table, I suggest having a portable changing pad as well . Having a second changing pad means you can change diapers in more than one location. And of course, a portable pad is a must when youre out and about.

You May Like: How To Add A Newborn To Your Health Insurance

What A Newborn Baby Needs

If babies could talk, they would probably tell us that they have very simple needs. They need to be loved, to be fed, and kept warm and safe.

There are a lot of items you can buy for a new baby. This can be overwhelming for new parents. When you come home with your newborn, you will not need too much. Plan in advance to have some essential items ready.

Best Overall: Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack

• Shoulder snaps for easy removal

• Two-way zipper make overnight diaper changes a breeze

• Safe from 2 months until 2 years of age

Who else recommends it? BabyCenter, Good Housekeeping, and Babylist all picked the Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack.

What do buyers say? 89% of 2,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

This Woolino sleep sack is our top choice for all seasons because the merino wool inner layer and organic cotton outer layer are designed to keep your babys temperature regulated so that it’s just as comfortable during the winter months as it is during the summer months. We also like that it has two snaps at each shoulder so you can slip your baby in and out to put it on as well as a zipper at the bottom for easy diaper changes.

Finally, this sleep sack has amazing longevity, because its safe for babies as young as 2 months old up to 2 years. It is one of the most expensive sleep sacks available, but the simple fact that it will fit your child until they are 2 years old means this is the only sleep sack you need to buy. And since it’s machine washable, you really can get away with just having one.

Price at time of publication: $100

Material: Merino wool and organic cotton | Age Range: 2 months old to 2 years old | Machine Washable: Yes

Don’t Miss: What Position Should A Newborn Sleep

How We Selected The Best Sleep Sacks

We chose the best sleep sacks by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, material, and any height and weight limitations when deciding our picks. We also spoke to sleep consultant Aubrie DeBear, PsyD, for additional insight and any product recommendations.

Breastfeeding Essentials For Nursing Moms

• Nipple Cream: This can also be called Nipple Butter and it will SAVE your nipples as a new mom nursing those first two weeks! Use it religiously.
• Nursing Bras: Make it easy on yourself and stock up on 2-3 nursing bras to make those frequent feedings much easier.
• Nursing Pads: Protect your nursing bras and clothing from leaking by using disposable nursing pads those first three months as your supply regulates.
• Nursing Cover: Bring this along with you for feedings while out and about.
• Breast Pump: Your health insurance should cover this for free! You can order this in month 6 or 7 of your pregnancy to ensure its shipped to your house in time.
• Haakaa Manual Pump: The Haakaa is a new hack for building your freezer stash! Wear it on your other breast to collect breast milk that wouldve otherwise leaked and been wasted.
• Breast Milk Storage Bags: If you decide to pump at any time, youll store any extra breast milk in these storage bags to freeze.
• Breast Milk Storage Bottles: If you pump and bottle feed, youll store your recently pumped milk in the refrigerator in these.

Recommended Reading: How Often Should I Give My Newborn A Bath

Bringing Home Baby: The 20 Essentials You Actually Need

When I was pregnant with my first child, friends offered a heap of advice on all the baby gear I absolutely had to have. I ended up creating not one, not two, not three, but five different registries to account for all those necessary items.

Of course, no one ever sets out to be that excessive. But with the wave of parenthood approaching, I wanted to cover all my bases. When it comes to our kids, even the most rational and levelheaded among us can succumb to that nagging fear: If I just buy X, then Ill win at parenting . . . or at least not mess up so badly.

It doesnt have to be like that. Before you go wandering glassy-eyed through the aisles of Babies R Us, check out this list of 20 must-haves built from hard-won wisdom and experience in the child-rearing trenches.

1. Car seat: Car seats are mandatory by federal law, and the hospital wont let you take baby home without one. Baby car seats, or infant buckets, snap into a base and have a carry handle. There are numerous brands available to fit your budget and style.

2. Soft carrier: When you cant put your newborn down but want to move around with your hands free, soft carriers are lifesavers. Styles range from sling to wrap to front-to-back convertible, so talk to a friend, try a few out and keep your receipts!

6. Nursing wear: A nursing mom should have two good nursing bras or tank tops, plus nursing pads so you dont leak through all your shirts.

Recommended Reading: How Many Poopy Diapers Should A Newborn Have