I’m sure the new grandparents, aunts, and godmothers are already hitting the stores in sweet anticipation, and that your closets are starting to fill up with pretty little outfits, soft baby blankents, and sweet little knitted things. But with all the excitement and planning (not to mention the fatigue brought by the third trimester) it’s easy to forget some little things that might prove important when baby comes. You can always send Dad on midnight trips to Walgreen’s… or you can use this list from TheBump to make sure you’re prepared for Baby’s arrival!
The one thing you’ll need to know when planning baby’s wardrobe is that babies poop often and generously! Since baby poo is runny, it tends to get on EVERYTHING! You may find yourself changing baby’s outfit a few times a day… (and doing lots of poopy laundry, oh joy!)
Layette
10-15 bodysuits or onesies (wide head openings, snaps at bottom)
4-6 one-piece pajamas
2 blanket sleepers (for winter baby)
2-3 sweaters or jackets (for winter baby)
4-6 rompers or other outfits (preferrably with feet, as socks tend to get lost!)
4-7 socks or booties (shoes are cute but unnecessary until baby walks)
1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)
No-scratch mittens
Bunting bag or fleece suit (for winter baby)
Swimsuit for (summer baby)
Nursery
Crib, cradle or bassinet
• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress
Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)
2-3 washable crib mattress pads
Bumper pads covering inside perimeter (secured by at least six ties or snaps, with all extra length removed)
2-4 fitted crib sheets
4-6 soft, light receiving blankets
1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)
Rocking or arm chair
Music box, sound machine or CD player
Crib mobile with black and white images (remove when baby can support self on hands and knees)
Baby monitor
Nightlight (good for night-time feedings and diaper changes)
Dresser
Toy basket
Swing or bouncy chair
Changing
Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing
Changing table pad
4-6 washable changing table pad covers
Diaper pail & liners
Diaper cream
Unscented baby wipes (although for Baby’s sensitive skin, rinsing over the sink works best!)
Soft washcloths
2-3 boxes disposable newborn-size diapers {or}
6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers
Bath
Baby bathtub
Baby soap/shampoo
2-4 soft towels or hooded baby towels
Baby hairbrush
Soft washcloths (use a different color or pattern than your diaper washcloths!)
Feeding
For nursing moms:
2-3 nursing bras (Breasts swell following birth, so start with one size larger than your maternity bra. Wait until size settles down — about two weeks after birth — to purchase additional bras.)
Nursing pads
Nipple cream (lanolin)
Nursing pillow
Pump (even if you plan only to nurse, a pump will allow you to leave milk for baby if you want or need to separate)
Milk storage bags
Breast milk is the healthiest as well as most convenient food for new babies: no bottles, nipples, warmers, or formula needed! However if you will be unable to nurse, here’s what you’ll need:
10-16 bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)
Liners, for disposable bottles
Formula
Bottle warmer (cuts down on nighttime trips to and from the kitchen)
Bottle sterilizer (if your dishwasher doesn’t have one)
Bottle brush
Dishwasher basket for small items
4-8 bibs
Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)
High chair
2-4 pacifiers
Medicine Cabinet
Baby nail clippers
Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)
Baby thermometer
Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements
Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antibiotic cream
Saline nasal drops
Baby gas drops
Travel
Infant or convertible car seat
Stroller (reclining to almost flat for infants)
Diaper bag
Changing pad
Baby carrier/sling
