One of the most common questions expectant parents (particularly those in their third trimester) get asked is, "Are you ready yet?"
When it's your first baby, I think it's totally normal to feel like, "How in the world do I know if I'm ready? What do I need to be ready??"
Well, I want to let you in on a secret: you don't actually have to buy a ton of stuff to be "ready" for your babe's arrival. Why? Because when babies first come home, their needs are pretty simple: food, sleep, and love (lots and lots of love!) And then as they grow, you'll be better equipped to know what else is necessary, what would be nice to have, and what might have been a registry guide suggestion for suckers ;)
So whether you're motivated by making sure your basics are covered, by saving a little money, or by not wanting baby gear to completely take over your home, we've put together a list of essentials that can help you answer "yes!" the next time someone asks if you're ready.
And just in case you're not convinced, let me share this story: dear friends of ours got in touch with us on New Year's Eve two years ago. They had just received a call - out of the blue - that they had been chosen by a birth mother to adopt her newborn baby girl. At the time of the call, the only preparation our friends had was love - but like I said, that's only one of the four things a baby needs! Three hours and a couple hundred dollars later, Brian and I had helped them get everything they'd need (at least for the first couple weeks) - and more importantly, had given them a bit more peace of mind as they left to meet their daughter.
In later blog posts, we'll share a more extensive baby registry guide (think 100+ items rather than the 40 found below) along with providing reviews for some of our favorite recommendations.
But for now, here's your "Ready List." Happy Shopping!! :)
GEAR
Infant Car Seat
Don’t forget additional bases if your little one will be riding in multiple cars.
Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame
Babies shouldn’t ride in a regular stroller seat until they are six months or able to sit up on their own. Since they’ll probably stay in their car seats during that time while you’re out and about, skip the bulky strollers in the beginning and instead opt for a lightweight chassis for their seat.
Bassinet or Playard (best known as a Pack ‘n Play)
Some people opt to use a full-size crib from the start, but it can be nice to have your tiny newborn be in a smaller space - and optimally, one that’s a bit portable so that you can take baby from room to room when necessary.
2 - 3 Bassinet sheets
Structured Baby Carrier or Wrap Carrier
Babywearing isn’t for everyone, but it can be an awesome way to stay close to your infant while getting some “hands free” time.
Diaper Bag & Diaper Bag Accessories
Make sure you load up with plenty of travel size wipes, a changing pad, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer!
BREASTFEEDING (if applicable)
Breast Pump
Check with your insurance company as the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance companies to cover this cost.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
50 – 100 Disposable Breast Pads
I hate to tell you this, but you’re going to leak. And probably at a really inopportune time. Good thing these disposable pads can save you!!
Nipple Cream
2 – 4 Nursing Bras
Boppy Nursing Pillow with 1 - 2 Extra Covers
FEEDING
4 – 6 (4 and 8 oz) Bottles
Different babies have different bottle preferences, but two things we looked for were a nipple that was close to the real thing and a flow system that prevented too much air intake (which helps reduce gassiness for your little one!)
1 – 2 Bottle Cleaning Brushes
Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags
These are amazing for sterilizing not only bottles and bottle parts, but also pacifiers, breastfeeding accessories, and some toys.
4 - 6 burp cloths
DIAPERS & ACCESSORIES
100 – 150 Newborn Diapers
Babies eat, sleep, and poop - and you can assume that your newborn will go through 10-12 diapers per day! On average, babies will wear the newborn size for 3-5 weeks (up to 10lbs).
4 – 6 boxes of Baby Wipes
Tip: We found that store brand wipes work just as well as brand-names! But, the same can’t be said for store-brand diapers… particularly in the newborn stage.
Diaper Rash Cream
Charlotte’s Nannie swore by using diaper cream as a barrier with every diaper change. Because of that advice, her bum always was as smooth as a…. well, you know where I’m going with that :)
Diaper Disposal Can
This is a “must have” - not a “nice to have.” Trust me!
2 - 3 Diaper Can Refills
SLEEPING
Baby Monitor
Sound Machine
Great for blocking out household noises and providing a calm environment for sleep. Charlotte used the white noise function well past her 2nd birthday.
2 - 4 Swaddle Sacks
After spending nine months in utero, many babies are most soothed when they’re tightly swaddled. Make it easy on yourself with a “dummy proof” easy swaddling wearable blankets.
2 - 4 Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Not only can you do traditional swaddling with these oh-so-soft blankets, they’re also great as stroller and car seat covers when you’re out and about.
LAYETTE
6 – 8 long sleeve and short sleeve onesies (NB, 0-3, 3-6 mos)
3 – 5 pull on pants and shirts
6 – 8 one piece sleepers
4 – 6 pairs of socks
2 – 3 hats
BATHING
Baby Bath Tub
When baby can sit up on her own, your options open up (we especially loved kitchen sink soaks!) But during the newborn stage, make sure you get a tub that supports baby’s sensitive neck.
2 - 3 towels
Hooded towels are especially adorable (and comfortable) for babies.
4-6 washcloths
Baby shampoo and/or body wash
Make sure you use one that’s specifically noted as being fragrance free!
HEALTH & OTHER ESSENTIALS
Nasal Aspirator
Thermometers
We found it essential to have both a rectal thermometer and a reliable ear thermometer.
Nail Trimmers
Cutting such tiny nails can be terrifying! The safest thing to use in the beginning are plain old emery boards - or, you can upgrade to an electric nail trimmer, which gently files the nails electronically without hurting baby’s sensitive skin.
Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
2 - 4 Pacifiers