Essential Shopping Guide for New Baby
Shopping Guide for New Baby
There are so many things you may think you have to have before your baby arrives that you can probably do without (at least at first). Save your money and just get the essentials for now; you'll discover soon enough which of the "extras" really make sense for you and your baby.
Need to Have:
• A good stroller
• A baby car seat (note that hospitals will not discharge you and your baby without one of these)
• A changing pad
• Clothing for the first few month or so: onesies, simple pants, caps or hats, socks
• Receiving blankets or swaddle blankets
• A sleepsack that will keep baby warm at night without having to use a blanket
• Burp cloths
• Diapers, wipes and diaper cream (usually A&D or similar)
• Washcloths (you won't believe how handy these are for all kinds of things)
• If you're planning to bottle-feed: enough formula for a couple of weeks, bottles and nipples (washed and ready to go)
• If you're planning to breastfeed: one or two comfy nursing bras
Nice to Have:
• A sling or front carrier
• A special baby bath
• A crib (many new moms find themselves using the crib as a place to toss clean laundry for the first few weeks)
• Binkies or pacifiers
• A baby monitor
Only If Someone Else Is Buying ... :
• Special changing table
• A bassinet
• A bottle sterilizer