Baby gear can get expensive so it's a good idea to purchase the basics little by little in advance to help ease the financial strain. Since some babies come early due to complications or health risks, it's a good idea to get all the important baby necessities well in advance of the baby's due date.
Baby Bed
The new baby will need a bed to sleep in. While a crib will offer a baby years worth of sleeping space, smaller beds will do the job just fine. A bassinet is small and will fit in a corner of the master bedroom. It can be moved from room to room as needed. The baby will sleep fine in the bassinet for the first few months of life.
A portable playpen is another good item to have on hand. Like the free-standing bassinet, it also moves easily from room to room. Most portable playpens come with bassinet inserts, changing table attachments and an area to store baby's supplies. This option works well for the parents who only have one bedroom and need a smaller sleeping situation for the new baby. The portable playpen can grow with the baby. The bassinet unit can be removed as soon as baby begins to pull up and the baby can sleep on the floor of the playpen.
A full-size crib will last the longest. The crib is sturdy enough to hold a child for at least two years.
Make sure to buy sheets and mattress pads that will fit the selected crib or bassinet. Check to see how long it will take to have the crib delivered. The items might need to be ordered and can take several weeks before delivery.
Baby Clothes
You'll need a variety of baby clothes to carry baby through the first few seasons. The baby won't need a lot of clothes since he'll outgrow each size every three months or so. The layette should include a few long-sleeve sleepers, several baby gowns and several one-piece T-shirts that snap at the crotch. Baby booties or socks will round out the clothing necessities. If the baby will live in a drafty house or in a cold area, blanket sleepers or a sleep sac will keep baby warm at night. Either can be worn alone or can be slipped over the baby's regular baby sleeper.
Baby blankets, cloth diapers that can be used as burp cloths and a couple of hooded bath towels will make bathing baby easier are all baby basics.
Baby Supplies
A few packages of newborn-size disposable diapers should be on hand before the baby's due date. If you're using cloth diapers, you'll need one or two dozen diapers in a style that will work with a newborn. Diaper covers will also need to be purchased. A diaper bag is a must-have item.
Baby bath, baby shampoo, baby lotion and baby powder are good items to have on hand. Smaller sizes of the diapering supplies can be purchased for the diaper bag. A gentle baby detergent will protect the baby from harsh chemicals.
Baby bottles are nice to have on hand, even if the mom-to-be plans to breastfeed.
