When I was pregnant, I had a good handle on the essentials I needed to make the pregnancy as comfortable as possible for me.  But when I poured over many shopping lists geared toward preparing for baby’s arrival, I was at a loss.  Completely overwhelmed!  As we have all figured out, the baby industry in bursting (see what I did there? A little preggo humour for you.. :P) with products for all your needs and then some. There were a lot of products I bought and didn’t end up needing.  In this post, I am going to attempt to give you the absolute must haves for the first six months.

DISCLAIMER: This is my experience, people may disagree with the placement of some of these items, but use your judgement… your life and needs may be very different than mine.  Also, I live in a condo, so my mantra was “less stuff… compact stuff…multipurpose stuff” 

Newborn Baby Essentials

CLICK HERE TO GET THE PRINTABLE LIST 

• CLOTHING & LAYETTE
  • One piece Sleepers (8-10) : your baby will live in these the first few weeks!
  • Short & long sleeved onsies (8-10) : great for layering or keeping it cool depending on where you live.
  • Stretch pants (6-8) : for your onsies.
  • Hooded sweaters (4-6)
  • Scratch mittens (4 pairs) : baby nails grow fast, keeps them from scratching thier face!
  • Hats (4) : heat escapes from the head so keep it warm.
  • Socks (6 pairs)
  • Swaddling blankets (8-10): this is a multipurpose item, wrap them in it, use it as a nursing cover, use it to cover the car seat in the sun
  • Large blankets (2)
  • Washcloths (6) : burping, spitting up
  • Winter baby: Snow suit
• DIAPERING [CLOTH]
  • Cloth diapers (24 prefolds)
  • Diaper covers (7) : these are made of plastic to cover the cloth and prevent leaks
  • Snap fasteners (4) : keeps your cloth diaper from coming loose
  • Washcloths (10) : to wipe the baby’s bottom
  • Organic coconut oil : great to use to keep rashes at bay
• DIAPERING [DISPOSABLE]
  • Diapers: Start with Newborn but don’t stock up on that size as they grow out of them quickly.
  • Disposable wipes : buy the sensitive kind.  Better for their bums.
  • Vaseline: load up. This stuff is great!
  • Diaper rash cream : in the event that you have to deal with rashes
• DIAPERING EXTRAS
  • Diaper bag : get a LARGE bag with loads of pockets
  • Changing pad
  • Diaper pail : just a covered pail is good
  • Cloth diaper sprayer: to pre-soak soiled diapers before putting them in the washing machine
• BATHING
  • Infant tub or large bowl for sink
  • Hooded towels (4)
  • Baby wash
  • Washcloths (6) – WOOT BUY MORE! They are multipurpose
• BABY SKINCARE
  • Organic coconut oil : such a great moisturizer
  • Baby body lotion : if you can’t find coconut oil
• FEEDING [BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING]
• BREASTFEEDING:
  • Feeding pillow : a regular pillow was good enough for me though
  • Nursing bra (6) : these are great utility, not cute though
  • Breast pads : keeps you from leaking onto your shirts
  • Breastfeeding tanks (4)
  • Nursing friendly clothing
  • Nursing cover and wash cloths
  • Nipple cream/ organic coconut oil: Basically organic coconut oil is life!
• PUMPING:
  • Breast pumping bra : great contraption that allows you to pump hands free!
  • A double pump: I had a single pump, took me twice as long to pump
  • Storage bags/ bottles : I like reusable bottles
  • Labelling system/dry erase marker
• BOTTLE FEEDING:
  • Formula
  • 5oz bottles & Nipples (4)
  • 8oz bottles & Nipples (4)
  • Bottle brush
  • Microwavable sterilizer : I did the boiling route, but it took too long, this is a lot easier.
• SLEEPING
  • Crib, mattress, sheets, blanket
  • Bassinet, sheets
  • Baby monitor : if you live in a house, this is mandatory.
• TRAVELLING
  • Infant car seat : better than a convertible car seat for infants.
  • Stroller
  • Carrier/Sling
• HEALTH
  • First aid kit
  • Thermometer
  • Baby nail file/clippers
• OTHER – NICE TO HAVE
  • Door jumper
  • Swing / bouncer
  • Activity center/ Jungle Gym

I hope that this list helped you out, I know it seems long, but these are the absolute essentials… I hated just buying STUFF, so this should help you keep on top of things… a little.. it’s easy to get carried away.  Also, comment down below with other ESSENTIALS that you cannot live without for your little one!

Just a little thank you to Shajon for asking for this list <3 Hope that helps hun!