What are the first things I need to buy for my baby?

Question

This is my first baby and I still don't know the sex yet. So what are the main things I need to buy? and when do I need to prepair?

Answer 1

There are a lot of things available to new parents that seem like necessities, but really aren't. I'm working on my third baby boy, and here's what I'd say you absolutely need:

A crib (a bassinette is very useful for nursing at night, since it keeps the baby close at hand - they can be fairly inexpensive (around $40) so I think they're worth getting)

Crib sheets (getting a fancy, expensive crib bedding set is completely unnecessary - it's more to impress visitors than for the baby. A mattress pad, a few crib sheets and some light receiving blankets or blanket sleepers are all you need. You can't use a crib comforter until they're much older, and the bumpers can be dangerous.)

Bottles, a bottle brush and formula if you plan to formula feed, breast pads, Lanisoh (or other breast ointment) and receiving blankets if you plan to breastfeed.

A package of pre-fold cloth diapers (not for diapering, but for burp pads - they are soft, absorbent, and just the right size for putting on your shoulder.)

Sleeping gowns (as opposed to snap up pj's - it's so much easier to change 8-10 diapers a day with a gown).

An infant or convertible (rear facing) carseat.

A stroller - this is usually a must have, though some manage without one.

A baby wrap or sling - I've worn my sons and I can tell you it's a convenient way to keep them close, keep them happy (especially when they're cranky or colicky) and they are often more convenient than a stroller. Visit sites like www.thebabywearer.com to see all the different kinds available. I don't presonally like the Baby Bjorn type carriers - they're too structured and not as comfy.

Baby toiletries - you don't "need" to get a baby bathtub, but they are nice - you can use the sink or the regular tub with a simple bath sling. You will need baby wash and diaper ointment and a baby brush and nail clippers.

Diapers and wipes (regardless of whether you use cloth or disposables, it's a good idea to start stocking up in advance).

You'll get a functional diaper bag at the hospital, most likely, so it's not a "must purchase" item.

The baby should also have a few hats and socks or slippers as well as some onsies and/or undershirts.

Most of the registry items they recommend at places like Babies R' Us are nice to have but completely unnecessary when it comes down to it. Things like Diaper Genies and wipe warmers are non-essentials, in my opinion.

Good luck! Hopefully I haven't left anything out.

Answer 2

Whenever you feel comfortable enough with buying things for him/her. Most people like to wait until after they find out what they're having so they know what colors to go for. Others who want it to be a surprise just buy everything neutral. i think the only time it's too early to buy baby stuff is when you're not out of the danger zone of having a miscarriage, but since you are, I'd say knock yourself out. It'll be a lot better to start buying now than having to buy everything all in one shot later. Also consider your babyshower in the future if you are having one, don't buy too much that you might receive then. Good luck and congrats

Answer 3

This really varies. It depends on how much you want to do before the baby is born. The only things you absolutely need when you bring a baby home from the hospital are:

-Car seat
-Basic clothes - onesies and some PJ's will do for now
-Diapers
-Some place for the baby to sleep - crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper
-Formula unless you plan on breastfeeding
-Cotton balls, Q-tips, alcohol (for cord care)

That's bare minimum - what's nice to have right away:

-Bathtub
-Washcloths
-Soap/lotion
-Play mat (something that they can lay on and have toys hanging above them) - they won't be interested in this for a few months, but it's a nice place to lay them down during awake time
-Stroller
-Bibs
-Bottles (again, unless breastfeeding exclusively)

Everything else you'll discover you need when you need it - and you'll have time to go and get it when the baby's born. What I'd do is wait until you find out the sex for clothes and nursery theme - if you're not going to find out, then do the nursery in a neutral theme and hold off on the majority of clothes. Then just take a walk around Babies R Us or other baby superstores - you'll see a million things you don't really need, a few that you absolutely have to have, and a lot that's nice to have for convenience. And make use of your friends who have had babies - take their advice seriously!!! Congratulations and good luck! :)

Answer 4

The sooner the better, after a while you will remember things you forgot. The essencials:

Car Seat and Stroller
Crib
Blankets and Crib Bumber
Bottles with replacement nipples
Bottle Washer
Diapers (Size N) and Wipes
Baby bathing supplies
-Baby body wash and shampoo
-infant bathing tub
-wash cloths
(my daughter is 11 months old and we haven't finished a shampoo bottle yet, so you only need one!)
BIBS!!! Your baby will go through these like crazy
And of course clothes.... Socks are important so her feet dont get cold.

Those are the absolute essencials... A Bobby nursing pillow is my best friend now, so I highly recommend getting one.

Answer 5

Less than you think.
Diapers
Wipes
Bottles if you will be using them.
A place to sleep
Thermometer
Sleepsack/gown
onsies
socks
a few receiving blankets
burp cloths
Stroller
car seat
I got rid of all my baby things and surprise, our fourth came along. By then we realized how much you really don't need or use. It's best to buy things as you need them so there is no doubt. Be ready by month seven in case he or she comes early.

Answer 6

Hmm I didn't buy much until after my baby shower because I didn't want to buy anything I was going to get, and you get gift cards too. When you do decide to buy, get diapers, diaper wipes, a changing table, a diaper bag, socks, burp rags, baby bath soap, a baby bath tub, swaddling blankets, bottles, a book to read when you freak out that his poop is yellow or burps too much. Have fun with your little baby!

Answer 7

My baby came three weeks early, so be prepared early. I would have a bassinet for beside your bed, a baby tub, diapers, wipes, sleepers, burp rags, swaddlers (those baby blankets that you wrap them in), Mylicon for gas, baby tylenol, onesies, a monitor if he/she will be sleeping in their own room, bottles, formula or breast milk, diaper bag, infant seat, pack and play, baby wash, baby lotion, ( I was told not to use powder) I have a pillow for feeding, sure helps your arms from getting tired, I can't think of the name of that thing. Dreft, for washing clothes, lullabye cd, receiving blankets, hmmm I think that's the essentials:) Best of luck!

Answer 8

Blankets!in the hospital while recovering it is usually cold,and they only give the baby thin sheet ones,lil caps for their head too,then of course diapers and bottles,formula for home

Answer 9

mostly when u have a baby shower you most of everything but if you are not go to websites like ivilliage.com or babyzone.com that can help you with what you need and will give you good advice.

Answer 10

furnature can be bought. that is all we really bought until we had our showers, then with all the giftcards and such that we got, we went and got everything left. Just go register and see the things out there that you can use and usually where you register, they have mini check lists you can follow