When a baby enters your life, so does a lot of stuff. Newborns require a fairly substantial amount of gear for their first year of life, and the list of things you need for a newborn baby can quickly get very long. Whether you plan to splurge on top-of-the-line baby products or save money by shopping discount shops and thrift stores, narrowing your list to a few key essentials will help you ensure your new baby has what she needs.
A Place to Sleep
Depending on your sleeping plans, you'll need a crib, a baby bed, bassinet or co-sleeper for your baby, as well as a mattress and bedclothes. Be sure to choose a sleeping space that's safe for your baby--avoid beds with cutouts or rails that could snag little clothes, loose mattresses that could shift and trap your baby or rough edges and peeling paint. Look for the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal, which indicates that the crib was manufactured to meet current safety guidelines.
Something to Wear
Diapers top the list of a newborn's fashion essentials, and whether you choose cloth diapers or disposable ones, plan to get plenty of them in a variety of sizes. Plan to purchase comfortable, washable basics, including several one-piece suits, pull-on pants, gowns and socks. Newborns don't need shoes or fancy outfits, but it can be hard to resist them. If you want to splurge on a few dressier ensembles, just be sure you also cover the essentials.
Tools for Eating
Unless you're breastfeeding on demand exclusively, you will probably need a few feeding supplies. If you plan to pump breast milk for feedings when you aren't available, you'll need a breast pump, bottles and nipples. If you plan to use formula exclusively or to supplement your breast milk, you'll also need bottles and nipples. Start with one or two nipples and plan to buy more depending on how your baby does with them; different babies feed better with different nipples. You may also want a few bibs and burp cloths for feeding time.
Gear for Moving
A rear-facing newborn car seat is an essential. Plan to buy one that was made within the last 5 years to make sure it meets the most current safety standards, and look for the JPMA seal. Install your car seat well before your due date, and consider visiting a car seat safety clinic in your area to be sure you've installed it properly--check with your hospital for dates and times. You will probably also want a stroller; since newborns should fully recline, be sure to choose a stroller that lies flat. You may also want a baby carrier for times when a stroller isn't convenient or when you want to hold your baby while doing other things.
Other Essentials
It isn't required, but a diaper bag will help you haul your baby's supplies around. You may want to invest in a diaper pail to dispose of diapers or store them until wash time. A baby monitor that allows you to listen to your baby from a different part of the house can also be a good idea.
