With more than 4 million babies born in the United States each year, there are plenty of parents-to-be, grandparents-to-be, relatives and friends buying for the bundle of joy, according to the website Baby Center. Those without children might wonder what newborns need to be healthy and happy during the first few months of their lives.
The Essentials
A newborn needs the equipment to do the basics--eat, sleep, travel and stay warm and clean. If you are breastfeeding, you may need a breast pump. The parenting website Rookie Moms recommends a minielectric pump if you plan to return to work or to be away from the baby for a few hours. You need bottles whether you are breastfeeding or using formula. And, of course, if you are not breastfeeding, you need formula.
To sleep, the baby needs a crib and bedding.
To travel, purchase a car seat. Rookie Moms recommends one that can be carried around. This has to be properly installed before the hospital will let you take the baby home. Also buy a stroller. You can make your car seat pull double-duty by buying a stroller frame that fits the car seat. Rookie Moms suggests snap-and-go models.
Keep the baby warm by buying clothing in multiple sizes--though you will likely get cute clothes if you have a baby shower. If you can wait, buy only a few pieces of clothing in a newborn size, as you never know how fast your baby will grow. After the baby is born, you can buy extra clothing based on your baby's size and the weather. Babies need to stay relatively hygienic, so buy quality diapers in multiple sizes, diaper wipes, washcloths and baby soap and shampoo.
Luxuries
There are items you don't "need" for your newborn, but they can make life a lot easier for both the parents and the baby. Rookie Moms says these include a glider or rocker, which can help lull the baby to sleep, a bottle-drying rack, changing pad covers and a fluffy bath towel.
New vs. Used
There are some items that you should not buy used because of safety or hygiene. These items include a car seat (these can be damaged if the car has been in an accident), a crib mattress and mechanical breast pumps. Electric breast pumps are not washable.
If you can afford to buy a crib new, go that route. In 1995, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission underwent a campaign to destroy used cribs because approximately 50 babies a year had accidents with broken or unsafe used cribs, according to the website Nanny's Place. If you cannot afford to buy a new crib, make sure the used one has a certification seal to ensure that it meets national safety standards. Also make sure all hardware is intact and in good condition.
Registering
If someone is hosting a baby shower for you, it is wise to register so friends and family know what to buy. If this is your first baby, register for the basics, such as bottles, binkies, clothing, baby medication and so on. When registering for bigger items, do your research before starting the registry to ensure the item is safe and the one you want.
A baby shower is typically held during the last two months of pregnancy. As soon as you determine the date of the shower (or general date if the shower is a surprise), start your registry.
Checklists
Plenty of baby books and websites offer shopping lists for parents-to-be to prepare for their baby. These lists are extensive, and not everything on the list will be useful to every parent. Instead of heading to the store and blowing your salary on every item, do your own research. Cross-check shopping lists to see what's widely recommended. Ask other parents what they thought was useful and what was a waste of money. This way, you'll know what you really need for a newborn.
