While writing down my must have list I realized how much my list has changed since my first pregnancy. When pregnant with our first, I was very focused on items for the baby - a crib, a bouncer, a car seat. And for baby #2 I was focused on helping our oldest adjust to having a sibling. And by baby #3 I realized that I needed to not only focus on baby’s needs, but my own. A “must have” list for a new baby should have a plentiful number of items for a new mother as well as her little one.
Here is the first half of my list, which focuses on baby:
A place for baby to sleep:
1. A crib, bassinet, etc.
2. A 2nd place to sleep Some people believe baby should always sleep in one place, so the baby associates that place with sleep. For me, I liked having options (especially with baby #2 and #3).
3. Black out curtains.
4. Some babies love to be swaddled, others don’t. I would buy a couple swaddle blankets (or similar items), but not a ton of anything in case baby has other ideas
A place for baby to be when on-the-go:
1. A high-quality carrier that supports baby’s neck and hips
2. Car seat
3. Stroller
Nursing/pumping supplies (if planning to nurse and/or pump):
1. Pump, bottles, storage bags and sharpies for labeling
2. lanolin cream (hospitals probably supply some)
3. Nursing/pumping bras
4. Disposable nursing pads
5. Lactation consultant’s phone number
6. Bibs
7. High chair (for later)
A place for baby’s stuff:
1. By baby #3 I didn’t use our diaper bag often. But for baby #1 it was nice to have everything in one place - diapers, wipes, change of clothes, etc.
2. A place for baby's clothes, toys etc. at home. Think long term about how you want everything to be organized.
Clothes and things to keep baby warm:
1. Easy to wash and put on outfits. However, I think new parents should buy outfits that they enjoy. You never know what baby will be wearing when he smiles or rolls over for the first time. There are so many milestones in baby’s first year and so many photos taken.
2. Blankets. I would recommend buying (or making) at least one blanket that you love to use in photos.
3. Think about how often you’ll be doing laundry. If you plan to do laundry every day, you probably need fewer pieces of clothing for baby.
Diaper stuff
1. Buy some diapers and wipes, but it’s hard to know what size you’ll need and you may get some from the hospital.
2. Changing table and a changing mat that you can take with you (from room to room or in the diaper bag).
3. Diaper pail.
Toys/Books
1. Board books that you think you’ll enjoy reading 100+ times
2. A place to do tummy time
3. A bouncer
4. Crib soother
5. A long mirror can be fun for baby
6. You really just need a couple of things for baby to look at, shake and chew on. Think about toy storage in the long run.
7. Pacifiers
Health stuff
1. Finger nail clippers or file
2. Rectal thermometer
3. Baby wash clothes, towel, shampoo/body wash.
4. Lotion
5. When baby is older, bath toys are fun
6. Baby proofing items
What would you add to this list (or remove)?
