What to Buy for Baby
Clothes for baby
One-piece outfits (often called "onesies") (4-7): There are kimono-style onesies now available which are great as they don't have to go over the head. Avoid zippers and fussy closures.
One-piece pajamas (4-7): Avoid pajamas with snaps on the back as they are hard to put on and uncomfortable for baby as they must sleep on their back.
Wearable blankets like the Sleepsack (2): These will keep your baby warm at night without the worry about a blanket covering their head, particularly if they toss and turn at night.
Sweater or jacket (1)
Fleecewear or snowsuits (1-2): If you have a winter baby, we recommend finding a one-piece fleece suit to keep them warm on your outings. Another option is to use a bunting bag in a stroller (they're designed to fit in a stroller and work with the stroller harness) so you don't have to put bulky suits on your child.
Socks and booties (4-7) Hats (1-3)
Flannel receiving blankets ( 6-8): For swaddling, laying baby on, spit up, nose wiping, mopping up breast milk
Diapering
Changing table and pad: A bureau or low dresser witha cushioned changing pad will work just fine. A standalone changing table comes with nice extras like safety railings and lots of storage space. You can also just buy a few pads and change the baby on the bed or the floor. I like the foamy change pads that are slightly concave. These are also great for lying on the counter and giving sponge baths.
Diapers: at least 48 newborn sized diapers to begin with. Do not buy too many as babies often grow out of the newborn size quickly
Cotton diapers and liners if you choose to use washables.
Alcohol-free diaper wipes: Good to have on hand for cleaning your baby's bottom in a hurry or when you are out in public. At home you can use small face cloths and warm water if you like.
Diaper cream
Diaper bag: Make sure it looks cool enough that you will be caught wearing it. It helps if it has lots of pockets and storage and a water-proof pocket
24 small face cloths: for wiping bums
12 small face cloths in a different colour: for face and body washing
Sleeping
Co-sleeper or crib or bassinet mattress
Fitted sheets (2)
Note: No bumper pads, ribbons, ties, stuffed animals or pillows in baby’s sleeping area.
Bathing
Plastic bathtub: This can be put on the kitchen counter and gives you easy access to baby.
Note: A newborn can be sponged down on a changing pad next to the kitchen sink as opposed to submerging in the bath. It becomes easier to bath them as their neck muscles develop and they are less floppy. Alternately, I didn't have a tub and bathed my son in the kitchen sink lined with a soft towel. He loved it and it was perfect height for my back!
Hooded terrycloth towels (at least 2) Tear-free baby hair and body soap
Mild massage oil like sweet almond or something made for babies
Comb, brush and nail clippers Thermometer (rectal for the first year or so) Tempra or Tylenol for infants
Getting Around
Front pack or kangaroo wrap
Stroller: For a newborn, you'll want a stroller that reclines to almost flat
Car seat
Baby Extras (Not necessary, but nice to have)
Infant swing: Some parents find a battery-powered infant swing to be a godsend. The swing's soothing back-and-forth motion can calm a cranky infant and buy you time to do something else with your hands.
Bouncy seat or vibrating chair: Strap your baby into a bouncy seat, propped at a 45-degree angle, and he can see the world. It's designed to jiggle and soothe your baby.
Mobile
Baby monitor: It's most suitable for those who live in bigger houses with bedrooms on a separate floor.
Nightlight: One of these inexpensive lights will allow you to get through nighttime feedings and diaper changes without having to switch on a light and completely awaken your sleepy baby (and yourself).
For the birthing parent
Nursing bras (2-4). Buy these a week or more after your milk comes in (Day 10 postpartum or more)
Nursing pads (4-8) washable cotton are best as they are less irritating, do not trap wetness next to the nipple and cause less yeast infection than plasticized pads. These can be hand washed at night in mild soap and hung to dry overnight.
Maxi-pads and panty liners: You'll want a couple of boxes of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads. When the lochia discharge slows, usually within two or three weeks, you'll also want a couple of boxes of panty liners.
Tucks hemorrhoid wipes for sore stitches and cleaning your perineum
Ice packs: If you experienced tearing during delivery, cooling ice packs will help your recovery by reducing swelling and numbing soreness.
Mattress pad to protect your mattress from breastmilk leakage
Clothes for baby
One-piece outfits (often called "onesies") (4-7): There are kimono-style onesies now available which are great as they don't have to go over the head. Avoid zippers and fussy closures.
One-piece pajamas (4-7): Avoid pajamas with snaps on the back as they are hard to put on and uncomfortable for baby as they must sleep on their back.
Wearable blankets like the Sleepsack (2): These will keep your baby warm at night without the worry about a blanket covering their head, particularly if they toss and turn at night.
Sweater or jacket (1)
Fleecewear or snowsuits (1-2): If you have a winter baby, we recommend finding a one-piece fleece suit to keep them warm on your outings. Another option is to use a bunting bag in a stroller (they're designed to fit in a stroller and work with the stroller harness) so you don't have to put bulky suits on your child.
Socks and booties (4-7) Hats (1-3)
Flannel receiving blankets ( 6-8): For swaddling, laying baby on, spit up, nose wiping, mopping up breast milk
Diapering
Changing table and pad: A bureau or low dresser witha cushioned changing pad will work just fine. A standalone changing table comes with nice extras like safety railings and lots of storage space. You can also just buy a few pads and change the baby on the bed or the floor. I like the foamy change pads that are slightly concave. These are also great for lying on the counter and giving sponge baths.
Diapers: at least 48 newborn sized diapers to begin with. Do not buy too many as babies often grow out of the newborn size quickly
Cotton diapers and liners if you choose to use washables.
Alcohol-free diaper wipes: Good to have on hand for cleaning your baby's bottom in a hurry or when you are out in public. At home you can use small face cloths and warm water if you like.
Diaper cream
Diaper bag: Make sure it looks cool enough that you will be caught wearing it. It helps if it has lots of pockets and storage and a water-proof pocket
24 small face cloths: for wiping bums
12 small face cloths in a different colour: for face and body washing
Sleeping
Co-sleeper or crib or bassinet mattress
Fitted sheets (2)
Note: No bumper pads, ribbons, ties, stuffed animals or pillows in baby’s sleeping area.
Bathing
Plastic bathtub: This can be put on the kitchen counter and gives you easy access to baby.
Note: A newborn can be sponged down on a changing pad next to the kitchen sink as opposed to submerging in the bath. It becomes easier to bath them as their neck muscles develop and they are less floppy. Alternately, I didn't have a tub and bathed my son in the kitchen sink lined with a soft towel. He loved it and it was perfect height for my back!
Hooded terrycloth towels (at least 2) Tear-free baby hair and body soap
Mild massage oil like sweet almond or something made for babies
Comb, brush and nail clippers Thermometer (rectal for the first year or so) Tempra or Tylenol for infants
Getting Around
Front pack or kangaroo wrap
Stroller: For a newborn, you'll want a stroller that reclines to almost flat
Car seat
Baby Extras (Not necessary, but nice to have)
Infant swing: Some parents find a battery-powered infant swing to be a godsend. The swing's soothing back-and-forth motion can calm a cranky infant and buy you time to do something else with your hands.
Bouncy seat or vibrating chair: Strap your baby into a bouncy seat, propped at a 45-degree angle, and he can see the world. It's designed to jiggle and soothe your baby.
Mobile
Baby monitor: It's most suitable for those who live in bigger houses with bedrooms on a separate floor.
Nightlight: One of these inexpensive lights will allow you to get through nighttime feedings and diaper changes without having to switch on a light and completely awaken your sleepy baby (and yourself).
For the birthing parent
Nursing bras (2-4). Buy these a week or more after your milk comes in (Day 10 postpartum or more)
Nursing pads (4-8) washable cotton are best as they are less irritating, do not trap wetness next to the nipple and cause less yeast infection than plasticized pads. These can be hand washed at night in mild soap and hung to dry overnight.
Maxi-pads and panty liners: You'll want a couple of boxes of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads. When the lochia discharge slows, usually within two or three weeks, you'll also want a couple of boxes of panty liners.
Tucks hemorrhoid wipes for sore stitches and cleaning your perineum
Ice packs: If you experienced tearing during delivery, cooling ice packs will help your recovery by reducing swelling and numbing soreness.
Mattress pad to protect your mattress from breastmilk leakage