Baby stuff
Clothing
- 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve) [thanks Janet, Peter/Anna]
- 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
- 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
- 5 pairs of pants
- 2 newborn hats
- 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
- 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
- 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
- heavier 1-piece sleeper
- Laundry detergent for infants
Blankets
- 3 large cotton blankets
- 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths)
Feeding
- Lots of bibs
- Burp cloths
- Breast pump
- Milk storage containers
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
- Breast pads (disposable or washable)
- Lotion for sore nipples
- 2 four-ounce bottles with nipples
- 2 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
- Thermal bottle carrier
Diapering
If you are using disposable diapers:
- Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it's better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
- 1 diaper pail
- Changing pad
- Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
- Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby's bottom
Bathtime
- 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
- 12 washcloths, not used on baby's bottom
- Baby soap or cleanser
- Baby soft-bristled hair brush
- 3 soft-hooded towels
Bedtime
- Crib [thanks Sophia]
- Crib mattress
- 3 waterproof mattress covers
- 4 fitted cribsheets
- 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
- Sleep sack
- 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
Other necessities
- Infant safety seat for car [Thanks Janet]
- Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat [Thanks Peter/Anna]
- Nail clippers or scissors
- Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
- Baby thermometer
- Eye dropper or medicine spoon
- Medication in case of fever
Nice-to-have items
- Playpen
- baby carrier
- Diaper bag [Thanks Peter/Anna]
- 1 or 2 change pads [Thanks Peter/Anna]
- 2 to 4 pacifiers
- Rattles and other baby toys
- Mobiles
- Night light