So you or someone you know is expecting a little one, what an exciting time! Yet with all the excitement, the idea of caring for a little one, even if it isn’t your first, is still overwhelming. Trust me, I know! I was out of the baby game for about a decade before the Lord blessed (and surprised) us with a beautiful baby girl…who turns 2 soon. Where did the time go!?!
Anyway, that experience had us trolling through baby gear lists with so many items on it that it left our heads spinning. My goodness, they make you feel as though you have to own a Babies R Us (who is unfortunately no longer in business) just to take care of a child! Hopefully I can help alleviate some of that anxiety for you. Below is my list of sheer basic must-haves to be able to care for your little one. Please remember, this is my opinion and not meant as a “be-all”. Every family is different and has different needs – whether you and/or your spouse travel a lot for leisure or work, have a special needs child, are unable or choose not to nurse. Whatever your family set-up entails, feel free to tailor these lists to your needs. In fact, this is just the basic list and I will be posting additional lists for items that make things easier and could fall into the necessary category for your family to a list for “luxury” items, which are items you really do not need, but they are useful and nice to have.
Lastly, if you are giving a gift to someone who is expecting, never underestimate gift cards. We received quite a few and they went a long way towards helping buy diapers as our baby grew as well as items we didn’t need until she was eating solids.
Nursery Items
- Crib or bassinet
- Mattress for crib/bassinet
- 2+ crib or bassinet sheets
- Changing Table
- Changing pad
- 2+ Changing pad covers
- Wipes
- Diapers (appropriately sized – weight ranges are given on the boxes)
- Diaper Rash ointment
- Diaper pail
- Baby monitor (you do NOT need a video capable version)
Bath Time
- Infant tub or Infant sponge
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Infant toiletry kit
- should at least contain a nail file or clippers, soft bristle hair brush, and infant gum brush/stimulator. Some come with thermometers and suction bulbs.
- Bath towel and wash cloth (NOTE: can use a set of your own)
- Toddler toothbrush and toothpaste (your little one may cut teeth early, so best to be prepared)
Travel Items
- Diaper bag (stock with diapers, wipes, extra clothing, spare tube of rash ointment)
- Infant car seat and base or a grow-with-me car seat
- Pack ‘n Play or travel bassinet
Clothing
- Several onesies
- 1-2 Swaddling blankets or swaddlers
Feeding
- 3-4 Burp Cloths (can also use cloth diapers)
- Breast Pump and spare parts, even if nursing to alleviate engorgement (Free with insurance)
- Bottles (only if you are planning on working/being away from the baby for extended periods)
- Bottle brushes (to clean pump bottles and only if you need bottles)
- FUTURE NEEDS
- 2-3 plastic utensils (spoons, forks)
- 2-3 plastic bowls and/or plates
- 2-3 bibs
- Sippy cup
- Highchair
Activity
- Bouncer, Swing or Activity mat (choose one, keeping “growth” in play style in mind while also giving you hands free time)
- Age appropriate toy(s) (stacking rings and/or cups, rattle, soft blocks, etc.)
Miscellaneous
- Humidifier
- Suction bulb (might get one from the hospital and one may come in the Infant Toiletry kit)
- Thermometer (may be a part of the Infant Toiletry kit)
- Vitamin D drops
- Infant Tylenol
- Infant Motrin
- Childproofing (lower cabinet locks, toilet lock, door handle locks, etc.)