Newborn essensials....?

Question

What are some newborn essentials? As a first time parent we want to buy everthing from the store but is not true you will need everything and babies grow so fast that they might end up using an outfit once. What are some suggestions?

Answer 1

Here's some of my opinions on some baby items:

We use Huggies diapers because we can buy them in huge cases at Costco (sometimes we buy Pampers on amazon.com when they have a sale that makes them cheaper than the Huggies). I've used Luvs, but don't like that they don't have stretchy sides. Also, I personally found that when we used generic we had to change them more often so any savings was wiped out.

For wipes we use the Kirkland (Costco) brand. However, the next best are the Paren't Choice at Walmart. After that are Huggies, and then Pampers. Dollar store are the worst because they are so thin.

One of my little "secrets": Rather than buying the travel size wipes, just put a few from your large tub into a ziplock bag and put that into the diaper bag.

The Huggies disposable changing pads are great for the diaper bag for those times you have to change your baby on the floor of a restaurant or store restroom (and then learn to avoid those stores in the future).

Get the mobile that takes batteries and comes with a remote control.

Don't waste money on a wipes warmer or bottle warmer.

Get the regular size swing if you have room (and don't be wooed by the ones that have a zillion speeds, you only end up using 2). Get a swing that has a reclinable seat.

A trash can outside your front door is the best place to put diapers, I've yet to hear of an indoor diaper disposal that can handle the stench once they start solids (and it only gets worse when they switch to regular milk).

A bottle of Febreze is a must next to the changing table.

Avoid the outfits that come with accessories (hats, shoes, booties, etc) because they cost more and the accessories NEVER fit.

A monitor is great if you're going to be outdoors while the baby is sleeping, but if you are in the house you will hear every sound your child makes without a monitor (its some type of special mommy hearing, LOL)

A bassinet is a waste of money.

If you're going to save coupons for baby items, make sure you put them in your purse (I can't tell you how many times I've gotten to the checkout line and have been able to tell the clerk exactly where the coupon is sitting on my computer desk AT HOME).

A bouncer is also a must.

Try to buy clothes off season when they're on clearance, and yes the suits and pretty dresses are super-cute for holidays, but they'll only get worn once.

Answer 2

You & Your Newborn

Newborn Essentials Checklist
What you'll need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn



Clothing:

6-8 undershirts (buy side-tying or button or snap front for the first few days; once the cord falls off, you may want to have some “diaper shirts” that snap closed at the crotch)
3-5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
6-8 one-piece stretchy sleepers
1 or 2 hats
2 or 3 “outfits” for dressing up
4 or 5 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
1 or 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
1 or 2 sweaters or jackets, more in winter
bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby

Blankets:

1 or 2 large cotton blankets
6-8 receiving blankets (also good as burp cloths)

Feeding:

If you are breastfeeding, no equipment is needed! Some nursing mothers like to have these optional items:
breast pump
milk storage containers
nursing pillow
nursing bras (if buying prenatally, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
breast pads (disposable or washable)

If you are formula feeding:
6 to 10 four ounce bottles with nipples
4 to 6 eight ounce bottles with nipples
sterilizer
bottle and nipple brush
formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)

Diapering:

If you are using cloth diapers:
2 to 4 dozen diapers
6 to 8 waterproof covers
1 diaper pail
Vaseline or other barrier cream
1 or 2 dozen wash cloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:
buy 1 or 2 boxes of newborn size diapers – it is better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly

Bathtime:

1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
6 to 8 wash cloths, not used on baby’s bottom
baby soap or cleanser
baby shampoo
baby soft-bristled hair brush

Bedtime:

If you are using a crib:
approved crib and crib mattress
2 or 3 waterproof mattress covers
3 or 4 fitted cribsheets
3 or 4 light blankets that fit in the crib

If baby will sleep with you:
firm mattress (not a waterbed)
2 or 3 waterproof pads to place under baby

Other items:

nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
baby thermometer
eye dropper or medicine spoon
approved infant car seat
sling or baby carrier
stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
diaper bag
1 or 2 change pads
change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)

Other optional items:

pacifiers
baby swing
bouncy baby seat
mobiles
rattles and other baby toys

Answer 3

Get lots of "sleep n play" outfits for your newborn...they will use them most of all. It is true that the grow fast, but lots of clothing is essential, especially if you have a spitter, or one who tends to leak. Just make sure that you get lots of comfortable outfits, as you won't end up putting them in more formal stuff very often. Other than that, make sure you have a baby bath tub, stroller, CAR SEAT, diaper bag(s)-you may want a couple different sizes, tons and tons of diapers...try different brands to see which you like the best, a baby thermometer, suction bulb, bottles, a breast pump, etc...just go to Babys R US and look around. The employees there are really good at helping.

Answer 4

Onesies and gerber sleepers. Dont stress over other clothes until the baby comes, or if you see good deals. When theyre first born you change them so often, cause they spit up and poop on their clothes all the time. Real outfits just arent worth it.

Diapers (huggies supreme are the best, no leaks!), a bouncy chair, myclocon gas drops.

Those are all the things I couldnt live without. And really the only things Ive used.

I had a bassenet and a crib, but i nurse and with a newborn its just easier to nurse in bed. And I change him on the bed or on the floor. Yeah, really theres nothing else you NEED, that I can think of right away.

Maybe a sling. Those are priceless. Lets you get house work done and keeps baby happy. You can nurse with them too, thats nice.

Answer 5

I'd say plenty of tshirts, sleepers(some are so cute they can be used as an outfit those early months), hats, burp clothes or disposable diapers, diapers Luvs work just as well as the expensive brands and are cheaper, wipes,blankets. Bottles, I use disposible but, can be expensive because of buying the bottle bags. They cut back on air intake which cuts back on gas and ear infections Avent and playtex are good brands for any bottle with their breast shaped nipples. Baby's first years bottle warmer with night light and cold bottlle compartment. Infant bathtub or sling you just place in kitchen sink, car seat, crib or bassinet, sheets, changing tables are nice.( I thought I would never need one until I actually bought it and now can't live without it.)papasan bouncy seat, this always depends on the baby's temperment but, a swing is very good for sleepless nights. I would recommend a sling or soft carrier for those early bonding days. That way you can do things with your baby attached to you. Also, a stroller for those first outings. Graco has nice strollers but, if you want the same luxuries and a lighter weight to haul around try Combi or Peg perego brands. Congrats on your new baby and I hope this helps.

Answer 6

Carseat, sling, diapers, sleepers, receiving blankets. That's it. A newborn doesn't need much. Anything else is optional. If you're sure that you'll need a swing or bouncer, then go ahead and get it now. Same for a stroller. I wouldn't even bother with proper outfits for a newborn. All they do is sleep, so why not let them stay in comfy sleepers? You may also want a crib, changing table and Diaper Champ. Congratulations on your baby, and for being smart enough to know that you don't really need everything in the "new parent guide" from Babies R Us.

Answer 7

Babies do grow fast, I used alot of sleepers with the draw string rather than the snaps, we got more use out of those and it sure was easier to change the baby. I have two sons and both were born in winter months, so here is what I found was a must have:

Diapers (only about 1 package or two of newborn size, they grow out of them to fast)
Whipes
Bottles
Formula
Fluoride water
Pacifiers
Pacifier attachment clip (get lost alot with out this)
T-shirts
Sleepers
Socks
Baby wash cloths/towels (our cloths can be to course for the soft new skin of a newborn)
Baby shampoo (can also serve as body wash for a baby)
Desitin (man this stuff a miracle on rashes!) (baby powder is not recommended, it's found to cause asthma problems)
Baby lotion (babies skin is developing and can dry out in areas, especially on the head, cradle cap)
Baby brush
Baby nail clippers
Nose cleaner (these things are awesome to clear out the stuff that develops in their tiny noses, look like a baster)
Car seat, crib, stroller, dresser
Blankets for burping, protecting against weather and for keeping his tiny body warm during naps.
Lots of love!

I put main necessities down here, now a days people think some of those luxury items they have out now, are necessity, but in all actuality, their not. I did with out allot being an 18 year old mom with no parents to help. Good luck, being a mother in the best miracle God has given us.

Answer 8

I suggest a bathtub and baby wash and shampoos, lotions, and plenty of wipes and diapers. A nice diaper bag (stocked) burp cloths or cloth diapers, enough bottles, a bottle brush, and bottle sterilizer. If you plan on breast feeding from breast and bottle get a GOOD breast pump and containers to freeze/store the milk. A swing and/or bouncer, a Boppy pillow, enough blankets and car seat of course (you can't leave the hospital without it and install it before the baby comes!) Also you may not need them now but baby meds like gas drops, teething meds, and baby Tylenol are good to have in advance so you don't have to do late night runs. And of course a camera to capture all the cute moments! Good Luck and have fun shopping!

Answer 9

I have had two children and about to give birth to my third. So I have remembered what worked for me. A pack and play equipped with bassinet, diapers and wipes, a kitchen trash can just for dirty diapers with trash bags to fit. you can buy cheap scented waste basket bags or reuse grocery store plastic bags to bag each diaper then dispose where and when needed.
receiving blankets, hand towels or cloth diapers. Babies tend to spit up and more if you bottle feed. Formula tends to stain.
Car seat for baby. About 5 to 7 outfits. Get newborn to 15 lb. or even up to 25 lb. room. (Note; the season and the weather your baby will be born into.)
I hope that is some help.

Answer 10

You don't need much at all.

A few clothes. Sleepers, onesies, things that are easy to change diapers in and can be put on and off easily. When they are tiny, I did prefer to not have to pull things over their heads. Baby hats/caps.

"Free and clear" type detergent with no dyes or perfumes. You don't have to buy the special baby stuff that's more expensive.

Some burp cloths - can just be old hand towels if you don't want to buy something special.

Some blankets. Receiving blankets for swaddling.

Diapers, wipes, lotion, thermometor, nail clippers, nasal aspirator (aka the "snot sucker").

Diaper bag - can just be a backpack. I liked backpacks much better than diaper bags usually.

Nursing pads, Lansinoh cream and a good breastfeeding book. Phone numbers of local Lactation Consultant and La Leche League Leaders.

Car seat.

A sling so you can wear baby and keep him close to you while you get things done. Also makes nursing in public easier AND discourages strangers from touching your baby.

Really, that's all you need for a young baby.