When it's your first time registering for a baby shower, it's so easy to get overwhelmed. Both online and brick-and-mortar retailers may have you convinced that you need everything they have on offer. But the list of things your baby actually needs is fairly short. Before your guests (or you) blow a small fortune, it's important to understand which items are essential and which are .
To help you wade through the hype, we've drawn up this list based on our own experience and that of other parents. Those must-have baby items are categorized as "necessities," while those that might make your life easier are listed as "nice-to-haves. " We also mention unsafe products that you should avoid.
We provide a detailed list of each category below, but in general, your baby must-haves for the first three months of their life should include:
Nursery furniture and gearBaby linens, including crib and bassinet sheets, baby blankets, and swaddlesBabyproofing gearFeeding gearDiaper essentialsHygiene and grooming essentialsBaby clothesTravel gear, including car seats and strollersEntertainmentBaby gear, like swings and play matsFirst aid and baby care equipment
Read on for a closer look at the items in each category. Just remember: Every family's needs are different, so this list can (and should!) be modified to your tastes as you set up your .
CribCrib mattress
Changing table
Bassinet (safe until the baby is 3 to 6 months old or weighs 15 pounds)
Rocking chair or glider
Humidifier or vaporizer
Dresser/chest (to bolt to the wall)
Hamper
, if you have a big house
What you don't need: A secondhand crib. Get a new one for instead.
2 fitted crib sheets
Several thin cotton receiving blankets (they have )
1 or 2 waterproof mattress protectors
Swaddle or
Matching quilt or a crib skirt (for decoration)
What you don't need: Pillows, , sleep positioners, bumper pads, or mattress padding. All of these items increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and should be kept out of the crib.
Gates at the top and bottom of all stairsCabinet latchesDrawer latchesOutlet coversFurniture anchors
Toilet lockCorner guards for low tablesFireplace bumper
About 8 bottles with newborn nipples (try several brands to find the one your baby prefers)Bottle-cleaning brush or a dishwasher basketBottle-drying rackSeveral weeks' worth of baby formula (to start)6 or more cotton bibs6 or more burp cloths (though receiving blankets and cloth diapers also do the trick)Insulated cooler/carrier for outings
Dry formula dispenserBottle sterilizer
What you don't need: A bottle warmer (heating in hot water works just as well) or .
Nursing pillow
2 or 3
2 or 3 boxes of nursing pads or a set of reusable pads
Freezer-safe breast/chest milk storage bags or containers
6 or more burp cloths (receiving blankets and cloth diapers also work)
(a double electric pump is most convenient, but some parents prefer hand pumps)
Several bottles and nipples, if someone else will be feeding your baby pumped milk (you'll want to get several brands of nipple to find the one your baby prefers)
Nipple cream for the first few weeks
High chairBibsInfant feeding silverwareInfant bowl
Mess mat for under the high chair (a plastic shower curtain can work)
Baby food mill (if you're ambitious enough to )
2 packs of (to start)
Wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Diaper pail or trash can with lid
If you're cloth diapering, you'll want to check out our .
Waterproof changing table pad (if you get a changing table)
2 or 3 changing table pad covers (usually cotton or terry cloth)
4 or 5 waterproof square or rectangular pads for under baby's bottom (these will protect the cover that's protecting the pad—you can also use a towel or doggy pee pad)
Baby cream, if your baby has dry skin (, too)
What you don't need: A wipe warmer or a diaper stacker (though they're pretty)
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 shampoo
Baby comb and brush set
Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set (some parents find an electric nail trimmer easier)
A rinse cup
Bath toysMesh bag to store bath toysBath thermometerFaucet guard
What you don't need: A baby-size robe. It's hard enough to get your baby dressed in their real clothes!
7 or more snap-crotch bodysuits/onesies3 or 4 T-shirts and/or side-snap shirts3 or 4 pairs of pantsSeveral snap-up or zippered rompers7 pairs of pajamas and/or sleeping gownsSun hatCold-weather hat and cardigan (if it gets cold) Bunting or snowsuit (if it gets really cold)6 pairs of socks Several bootiesBaby hangers for the closet
A special outfit for bringing baby home and/or showing them offSeveral shirt-and-pant setsBaby swimsuit or rash guard (if you foresee pool or beach trips; not needed immediately)
What you don't need: Shoes. Wait until your baby is walking outside (i.e., the toddler years).
that fits a newborn
Stroller that accommodates a newborn
filled with diapers, wipes, changing pad, and a spare outfit
Baby carrier that can accommodate a newborn
Infant car seat and baseBaby wrap or sling for newborns and lighter infantsBaby hiking backpack (for after 6 months)Stroller that your car seat fits ontoRain cover for the strollerWarm blanket to wrap your baby in during winter strollsSunshades for the car windowsBig diaper bag for overnight trips
What you don't need: A mirror to see your baby in the car (these can be a hazard if there's an accident). Also avoid secondhand car seats for safety reasons.
Soft books and board booksRattlesSoft blocksActivity gym/play matToys that attach to a strollerSomething plush that crinkles, rattles, and/or squeaksMultiple baskets in which to store toys (place one in the baby's room, living room, and kitchen)
What you don't need: Car seat toy bars. These are an added risk if there's an accident.
or infant seat
Stationary activity center (once baby is 4 months old)
Playmat
Moses basket (usable until baby reaches 3 months)
Portable play yard
What you don't need: A walker or a jumper. Get a stationary center instead, for safety reasons.
Several pacifiers (try different brands to see which one your baby prefers)
Thermometer
Petroleum jelly
Nasal aspirator or snotsucker
Saline nose drops
Electrolyte drink, such as Pedialyte, for dehydration
TeetherVapor bath (once baby is 3 months old) Anti-gas medicine or gripe water
