Baby Shopping Guide

Basic Baby Care

For diapering

The necessities:

____ 2 packs of newborn diapers to start

____ Wipes

____ Diaper rash ointment

____ Waterproof changing table pad

____ 2-3 changing table pad covers (usually cotton or terry cloth)

____ Diaper pail or trash can with a lid

It's nice to have:

____ 4-5 waterproof square or rectangular pads for under baby's bottom (protecting the cover that's protecting the pad -- you won't be sorry)

____ Baby cream (if your baby has dry skin)

____ Non-talc powder (to help the diaper area dry faster)

Strictly optional:

____ A wipe warmer

____ A diaper stacker (though they're pretty)

For bathing and grooming

The necessities:

____ 2 hooded towels

____ 4 washcloths

____ Infant tub (for after the umbilical cord falls off)

____ Bath seat or inflatable tub-within-a-tub (for after 6 months)

____ Baby bath wash

____ Baby shampoo

____ Baby comb and brush set

____ Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set

____ Cotton swabs

____ Cotton balls

It's nice to have:

____ Bath toys

____ Mesh bag to hold bath toys

____ Bath thermometer

____ Faucet guard

Strictly optional:

____ A baby-size robe (it's hard enough to get baby dressed in her real clothes!)

Clothing

The necessities:

____ 7 or more snap-crotch bodysuits/onesies

____ 3-4 T-shirts and/or side-snap shirts

____ Several snap-up rompers

____ Several shirt-and-pant sets

____ 7 pairs of pajamas and/or sleeping gowns

____ Sun hat

____ Cold-weather hat

____ Cardigan sweater

____ Bunting or snowsuit if it gets cold

____ 6 pairs of booties and/or socks

____ Baby hangers for the closet

It's nice to have:

____ A special outfit to bring baby home in and/or show her off

____ Several diaper covers

____ A wearable sleep sack, to use instead of a blanket

Strictly optional:

____ Shoes (until baby is walking outside, i.e., the toddler years)