Eating

These true essentials will get baby ready for months 0-6, so we’re mostly talking milk meals here. 

This list is geared toward moms who are going to take a crack at breastfeeding (just because that’s what I did). If you have expertise in formula feeding – hit me up, I’d love to add a list for that too.

• Bottles – The more the merrier (less pre-pump washing sessions). Speaking of your pump, if your bottles are compatible with your pump that’s a huge plus (again, less washing). I love the Avent Natural Bottles. Yes, we got 8.
• Breast Pump – In the US, your health insurance covers this! Get in touch with your insurance for specifics on what they cover and how to get your pump. Grab a Spectra S2 if your insurance covers it. It works with those Avent bottles I just mentioned.
• Breast Milk Storage Bags – If you pump more milk than you can use right away, use these to keep a stash in the freezer and make dad do that late-night feed.
• Burp Cloths – Again, the more the merrier. Great for spit up, drool, spilled milk, and honestly they are pretty great toys for a 3 month old just learning how to grasp. Go for the absorbency of these Multi-layer Muslin Cloths with cute patterns.
• Formula – Even if you only plan to breastfeed, keep one can around for peace of mind. Feeding a newborn can be frustrating, but I promise you it gets easier. If you sign up for Enfamil or Similac’s mailing lists, they will send you some free sample cans you can throw in your cupboard just in case.
• High Chair – This comes into play around 6 months, but best to pick one up while folks are in the gift giving mood. You really can’t beat IKEA’s $20 High Chair. Yeah, it’s inexpensive, but it’s also a great design, because it’s so super easy to wipe down and light enough to move around wherever you need it.

Bathtime

We didn’t bathe our newborn for at least a week. Babies don’t really get all that stinky … but you will likely want to wash your kid eventually, and have a few other toiletries on hand.

• Newborn Bathtub – If you have the place to store it, I think these things are worth it. Keep your slippery fish safe. This First Years Sure Comfort Tub fits in a standard size sink and has a cozy sling for newborns.
• Newborn Soap – We only use soap on Sundays (for the kid. Us gross grown-ups need it more often). This Puracy Natural Baby is our favorite – suds up great, and rinses off really easily.
• Vitamin D Drops – Your doctor will likely recommend you get these in the first few visits if you’re breast feeding. It’s nice to have them on hand. Be sure to get the kind where the dose is one drop (not a syringeful – that’s easier for baby to spit out). We like Wellements Drops.
• Nail Clippers – It’s not that scary! Just wait till baby is fully asleep – like ‘lift their arm and it just plops down when you let go’ asleep – and cut their tiny fingernails then. Very basic Safety 1st Clippers work just fine.
• Snot Sucker – Babies can’t blow their own noses! Ha. Silly little things. Have a basic Nasal Aspirator on hand (our hospital gave us one, maybe ask about that when you take a tour of yours).
• Infant Tylenol – Your pediatrician may recommend this if in case baby’s vaccinations cause a slight fever. If you’re not vaccinating your baby, get off my website.

Diapers

I wanted to call this category Butt Stuff but I’m much too mature to do that. Here’s some gear that assumes you’re going with disposables.

• Changing Dresser – Why buy a changing table when baby won’t be pooping their pants forever (hopefully). Get a nice deep dresser and they’ll be taking it off to college in a couple decades. If you have the room for it, this IKEA Hemens Dresser can’t be beat for tons of storage. 
• Changing Pad – Throw a changing pad on that dresser and you’ve got yourself a changing table. It’s like magic. This Summer Infant Pad does the trick.
• Changing Pad Covers – Keep it cute. You’ll find yourself standing alongside this quite a bit in the months to come. This Jersey Cotton Changing Pad Cover comes covered in stars, or your choice of other nicely neutral patterns.
• Changing Pad Waterproof Liners – If things get a little wild on the changing table, better to swap out one of these Quilted Liners than to wrestle with the sheet.
• Diaper Bag – Don’t get a diaper bag. Get a bag you like and throw some diapers in it. Diaper bags tend to be more bulky than they need to be. A classic Fjallraven Backpack has plenty of space for all you need.
• Diaper Pail – A special trashcan just for diapers? Yes. You gotta keep in that stink. The Dekor Plus Diaper Pail is hands free. It holds plenty of diapers and plenty of stink.
• Pail Refills – Yeah, the Dekor Pail uses special liners, but they’re easy to change and not too expensive. These Babyfeel Refills are even better than the Dekor brand ones.
• Portable Changing Pad – This is a barrier between public changing tables and your baby. Some diapers bags come with one, but if you’re going with a non-diaper bag, you’ll want one of these. 
• Entertainment – Give baby something to look at while being changed. A mobile above their head will do the trick. My sister has a mirror next to her changing pad that’s a real hit with the babes. The options for overhead entertainment are nearly endless.
• Wipes – You can’t have too many wipes and one size fits all, so stock up! Amazon Elements Sensitive Wipes work great, and why not give that cute little bum extra love.
• Diaper Cream – Have some on hand before you have a problem (and a screamy baby). A+D Original Ointment is my favorite, it works (well!) and rubs in – some white creams are a lot more messy.
• Oh yeah, Diapers – You’ll need lots of these. Do yourself a favor and register for Pampers Swaddlers. They aren’t the cheapest, but they are super absorbent (fewer blowouts) and they have that yellow line on them that turns blue when the diaper is wet – no guessing! You will likely only be able to use one or two boxes of Newborn size (they go up to 10 lbs), so register for a few boxes of size 1 or 2 too. After the gifted boxes run out, you can switch to Target brand and save a few bucks for that college fund.

Clothing

You will get baby clothes. Baby clothes are adorable, they’re basically irresistible, so you’ll get clothes you didn’t register for. Here is what you actually need. You’ll get plenty of onesies and outfits that you don’t.

• Pajamas – Your baby will live in pajamas – maybe you’ll throw on an outfit for the first time meeting grandma – but for a few months, pajamas will be everyday wear. The keys here are: long sleeves, covered feet (no need to mess with socks), zippers (no fiddly snaps) – bonus for zipping top to bottom and fold-over cuffs (no need for scratch mittens). We found all these features in Cloud Island pajamas at Target. On amazon, our favorite jammies are Carter’s Sleep and Play, if you have a fall/winter baby go with a fleece set.
• Baby Hats – Keep that head warm. They’ve been living in a full body hot tub, they probably like to be warm. Especially if you’re bringing baby home in winter like our November girl. Hats with ears are always cute. If you’re me, you just might want to match your kiddo.
• Baby Socks – You don’t need too many baby socks, because baby PJs have built-in feet covers and baby feet don’t get stinky. The cool thing about baby socks is that they are great baby mittens. You don’t need to buy those scratch mittens, socks work just fine. You’ll only use newborn size for a couple months – we liked Luvable Friends Newborn Socks. Grab a set of 3-12 months for those fast growing feet.
• Baby Shoes – You don’t need shoes till baby walks, but if you live somewhere cold and would like an additional layer to keep li’l toesies warm Cozy Velcro Booties stay on nice and snug. They’re too big for newborns, but will fit in a couple months.
• Weather Appropriate Outerwear – We had Luna in the fall in Wisconsin, so we needed some extra layers. Register for a sweater or two and cute bear shaped bunting. If you’re having a summer baby in Florida pick up a good sun blocking hat.

Holding

That’s what my sister labeled this category on the OG spreadsheet, and that’s what it is. Stuff to hold your baby – the key to using your hands for yourself in the coming months.

• Baby Carrier – Very very useful! Anytime you’re walking around town sure, but also great for wearing baby while you try to get things done around the house. We like our Beco Gemini. It’s quick to put on and simple to adjust when swapping from mom to dad.
• Bouncer Seat – A great place to plop baby while keeping her safe and cozy. We love this no-frills Fisher Price Bouncer because it’s light and easy to move around the house.
• Car Seat – You need a rear facing car seat to leave the hospital. The Chico Keyfit30 is a great choice and you can use it till your baby is up to 30lbs. We like that it can be used without the base when you’re travelling.
• Gym Mat Thing – Just another place to put the kiddo. This wood Little Olympians Gym is lightweight with no attached mat, which is a plus because we sometimes set it over her bouncy seat, or directly on a bed.
• Stroller – Great for covering lots of ground – like too much ground to want to be carrying your baby. The City Mini by Baby Jogger (not actually a jogging stroller) is a solid choice. Great on sidewalks, but we’ve covered some dirt paths no problem. I cannot stress enough how easily it folds down and pops back up (one handed!!). I’ve linked to last year’s model cuz it’ll save you about $100 and the difference is no adjustable handle.
• Stroller Adapter – This doodad lets you pop your infant carseat onto your stroller before baby is ready to sit up. This specific adapter right here lets you put the Keyfit30 onto the City Mini that we recommend.

Other

Baby will also require these things. These items that refuse to be categorized.

• Baby Book – Pick a simple one! We love all the designs from Lucy Darling and you mostly fill it in with photos (we love taking photos). Put it in your hospital bag and they can put baby’s footprints right in there.
• Pacifier – A good way to plug the baby when she screams! Kidding. Our sweetie screams because she loves her pacifiers so much. Our favorites are these Cute Guys because cute, and they GLOW IN THE DARK for quick middle-of-the-night replugging.
• Pacifier Clips – Key to keeping clean pacifiers off of dirty floors. A set like this will do the trick.
• Toys – Your babe will have no interest in toys for a couple months, but it’s so fun once they do! We like this easy to grab rattley guy, a toy to play with on car rides, and anything that crinkles.
• Books – Pick up your favorites from childhood, some classics and remember representation matters.
• Safety Stuff – You will eventually need to batten down the hatches. Grab a baby gate or two, lock up the cabinets, and plug up those outlets.

Nice to Have