 | Diapers: Whether you're going the re-usable or disposable route, you'll need plenty on hand. |
| Burp cloths (fabric diapers can also double as burp cloths). |
| Disposable wipes. Always have a few packets on hand -- this is not an item you want to run out of. |
| Diaper rash cream |
| Diaper pail: Choose one that you can operate with one hand, one that uses regular garbage bags, and has an odor control system. |
| Diaper bag: Make sure it hangs well from your stroller handlebars. |
| Baby monitor |
| 1 or 2 pacifiers, if you want to use them. Be sure to get ones labeled "newborn." |
| Portable crib, commonly known as a Pack 'n Play, for when you visit the grandparents. |
| Co-sleeper. It's so nice to just reach over to nurse your baby at night. But you can easily substitute the portable crib if it's easier. |
| 6 bottles, including nipples: Make sure you buy nipples for newborns. |
| Bottle brush |
| Breast pump: Go for the fancy automatic double pump if you're going back to work. |
| Breastfeeding pillow |
| Nursing pads |
| Lanolin lotion for sore nipples |
| Breast milk freezer bags or storage cups |
| Thermometer. The rectal kind. Don't be freaked out -- once you do it, it's a piece of cake. |
| Nasal bulb syringe for clearing stuffy noses |
| Baby nail clipper |
| Alcohol swabs and bandages |
| Infant bath tub or seat with a newborn "sling" |
| Baby shampoo and cleanser |
| Baby lotion |
| 2 to 3 hooded towels that let you swaddle baby post-bath |
| Crib |
| Changing table with pad (you can also covert an existing dresser by topping with a pad) |
| Rocking chair |
| ExerSaucer. You won't use it for a few months, but once your baby hits 4 or 5 months, it will blow his little mind. |
| Swing or bouncy seat. The movement makes almost all babies very, very sleepy. |
| Activity mat (also called the baby gym) |
| Mobile for the crib: Think music, lights and movement. We like ones you can turn off remotely. |
| Mobile for the changing table: Distract your baby from the fact that his bum is cold. |
| Crib bumper |
| 2 to 3 fitted crib sheets |
| 2 waterproof mattress pads |
| 2 or 3 changing pad covers |
| A rear-facing infant car seat with base. If you have two cars, you'll need a second base. |
| Baby carrier and/or sling |
| Stroller: Baby won't sit up for a few months, so you'll need a Snap 'n Go, a travel system or a model in which baby can fully recline. |
| A "take-me-home" outfit. Look for a set that's cute for photos, but practical (something warm for winter or light for summer). |
| 6 to 8 onesies, half short sleeve and half long sleeve. Choose kimono styles that don't pull over baby's head to cut down on screams. |
| 5 pairs of pants |
| 6 to 8 sleepers (aka coveralls) with built-in footies, or rompers if it's spring or summer |
| 5 to 6 sleeping gowns, which snap5 to 6 sleeping gowns, which snap, zip, or cinch closed at the bottom, making late-night diaper changes a breeze. |
| At least 3 sleeping gowns should have built-in mittens to cover fast-growing baby fingernails and avoid scratches on smooth baby skin. |
| 1 to 3 sweater cardigans or zip hoodies, depending on the season |
| 1 snowsuit or winter bunting (for winter babies) |
| 1 to 2 pairs of mittens if they aren't included in the snowsuit (for winter babies) |
| 8 pairs of booties or socks |
| 4 to 6 hats, including at least one sun hat |
| 4 to 6 receiving blankets. One should be soft and thick enough to be a blankie contender; two should be thin enough for your diaper bag. |
| 4 to 6 bibs. At least two should be waterproof. Once baby starts solids, you'll need something you can just hose off. |
| Velcro swaddle. This crucial miracle item may be the key to peace in your household. |
| Sleep sac, for when baby outgrows the swaddle or sleep gowns, but is still too young for a blanket in the crib. |
