List of Things to Buy for a Baby

Babies can be happy without many of the toys and gear that stores, magazines and companies recommend. This list of things to buy for your baby includes items for your baby's basic needs along with a few things that most parents prefer not to go without.

Food

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "babies be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months of life," and "should continue to breastfeed for a year and for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby." Breastfeeding mothers may want to purchase breast pads, nursing bras, lanolin cream and a nursing blanket. If parents choose to formula feed instead, then they should purchase BPA-free (Bisphenol-A-free) bottles and nipples, formula, bottle brushes and optionally, a bottle warmer and bottle drying rack.

When your baby is around six months old, your pediatrician will most likely recommend the introduction of solid foods. Purchase a high chair, or a baby feeding chair that can attach to a regular seat. Also, buy rice or oatmeal cereal and a variety of stage one baby foods according to your pediatrician's instructions.

Bed & Bedding

To ensure the purchase of a safe crib, make sure that it includes a Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. This should be on the price labeling or packaging. Buy a crib mattress that is the same size as the crib so that there are no dangerous gaps. Get several fitted crib sheets and receiving blankets. Also, you might want to buy a bassinet for the first few months of your baby's life.

Clothing

Many parents purchase a layette which may include an outfit for the baby to wear from the hospital to home, up to eight bodysuits (onesies), three shirt-and-pant sets, up to four coveralls (one piece outfits that cover the hands and feet), sleep gowns and sleep sacks, hat (or knit cap), socks, a sweater and a jacket (if necessary). Many prepackaged layettes include receiving blankets, bibs, washclothes and burp clothes, as well. If not, then purchase these separately.

Medical

It is important to have safe and sterile medical supplies for the baby on hand. Purchase a digital rectal thermometer, nasal aspirator, nail clippers, infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen, petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and diaper rash ointment.

Diapers & Wipes

Buy a small pack of newborn or size one diapers before the baby is born, then more after you know the weight of your baby. Diapers that are too small will leak.

Using reusable diapers, with or without the help of a diaper service, is another option. If you choose this route, then you will need to purchase diaper covers and buy or rent cloth diapers.

You can buy wipes in bulk, but may want to try small packs of different brands first, until you find ones which clean well and agree with your baby's skin. Wipes come in unscented and scented varieties, and may include aloe, green tea or cucumber.

Bathing

For baby baths, buy an infant tub, bath wash and baby lotion. Additionally, you can buy towel hoodies and soft washcloths made for babies if you do not want to use your regular household linens.

Comfort

Consider buying pacifiers, a white noise machine, rocking chair or glider, mobile and baby toys to comfort your baby and help them sleep. Often the most comforting thing for a baby is human touch. You may want to buy baby massage lotion or gel for baby massages.

Safety & Travel

For baby safety, be sure to purchase a new car seat, or at least one that is in good condition and has never been in an accident. Make sure that the car seat is not on the recall list (see Resources). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents should never buy a car seat that "does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number," or that "does not include instructions," or "has missing parts."

To make traveling easier, consider purchasing a stroller and a baby carrier or sling.