Here’s a list of items that every baby needs. I suggest waiting until after your baby shower before purchasing too many supplies because many of the items you will receive as gifts.
Medical Supplies
* thermometer – I prefer digital thermometers over mercury ones.
* infant ibuprofen, Tylenol, or both – You don’t want to be running to the drugstore when your child is sick.
* teething tablets – These are homeopathic and great for relieving teething pain. They can be found at Wal-mart.
* nail clippers – the scissor kind is worthless, get small clippers that look like adult ones
Changing Supplies
* small changing pads
* diapers – don’t stock up on too many newborn diapers because most babies don’t stay small for long. I love the White Cloud brand at Wal-mart. Buy the big box it’s cheaper per diaper.
* wipes – I prefer Parents Choice wipes at Wal-mart. Buy one carton for the container then buy them by the box.
* changing table or countoured changing pad and a cover that can sit on top of a dresser
Bath Supplies
* bath towel – buy two with hoods
* bath toys – plus a plastic cup for rinsing and pouring
* washcloths
* baby soap and shampoo or body wash
* baby lotion
* desitin or corona (Which is for animals and sold at feed supply stores. It has lanolin, which heals diaper rash faster than anything I’ve ever found. A nurse recommended it to me.)
* soft brush
* infant bath tub or sling – I preferred the sling because the tubs are so hard to store
Feeding Supplies
* bottles – 1 or 2 are nice even if you plan on breastfeeding
* binkie
* burp clothes – need 4 to 6 or more if your baby has reflux
* breast pads – actually for Mom. I recommend Lansinoh brand
* formula
* breast pump – I found hand pumps worked better than electric.
you can wait until your baby is four months old before buying these items
* plastic bibs – get a small one that fits the baby’s neck
* baby spoons – plastic coated ones are the best
* baby food and cereal also plain mashed potato flakes are easy to fix and cheap.
* sippy cup – I like the ones with handles for first time drinkers
Bring home from the hospital
* alcohol pads
* soft brush for scrubbing babies head while bathing – this prevents cradle-cap
* nose aspirator
Sleeping Essentials
* crib
* receiving blankets – buy 4 to 6 because babies need to be wrapped up when they are first born
* sheets – at least two for when your baby poops or throws up on one
Car Basics
* infant car seat
* sun screen for the car window
Clothing
* clothes – don’t buy too many you will receive a lot of 0-3 month clothes at your baby shower. If you get too many which you probably will take them back and buy a bigger size. Figure out how old your child will be the next time the season comes around and buy that size.
* pajamas – buy lots of these, 4 to 6 pairs, because they are easy to change and keep your newborn warm
* onesies
* socks – keep those baby feet warm
Toys and Board Books
* teething rings
* toys with bright colors and music
* balls
* blocks
* rubber toys for chewing
* soft toys for cuddling
* board books – not paper
Great extras
* bounce chair – my son slept in his the first three months because he was elevated and it helped his acid reflux
* swing – some children love these and some don’t
* baby carrier – I used to take mine to the grocery store and carry my baby in it so I had my hands free.
* stroller – I used to take my son on walks for exercise.
* bassinet – this is nice because you can keep the baby closer for the first month
* rocking chair – babies love the rocking motion