A Handy List for Expectant Parents – A lot of the items you see below are optional. I would recommend that you buy items on an as needed basis.

List of Items Needed

Breastfeeding

1. A few disposable breast pads
2. Nursing bras – 1-cup size bigger than the size in the ninth month- (Most recommended Medela bras available at Gap).
3. Breast Ointment/ Soothing hot/cold breast compress pads
4. Breast pump and its accessories (optional) - Insurance providers now cover this so check with yours before you buy.
5. Bottle warmer (optional)
6. Bottle sterilizer (optional)
7. Bottle brush(optional)
8. Bottles with nipples (various sizes) (optional)
9. Nursing pillow- Recommend- Boppy

     Baby’s Sleep

1. Crib – a safe and comfortable place for the baby to sleep, till age 3-4. (optional for parents that co-sleep)
2. Crib mattress and waterproof cover
3. Crib sheets (2-3) – soft, fitted sheets that stay safely tucked around the mattress - cotton.
4. Crib bumper – helps prevent head bumps and helps arms and legs from being caught between the slabs/slats.
5. Changing pad and Changing pad cover
6. Receiving blankets (2-5) – for keeping baby warm, and to protect from sun and wind.
7. Baby monitor – Audio/Video- helps you keep a tab on the baby from wherever in the apartment.
8. Towels and washcloths (3-5) – perfectly sized and soft against the baby’s delicate skin.
9. Waterproof liners
10. Blankets/quilted
11. Glider/rocker
12. Instrument to check the temperature of the room – keep at 70 degrees.

     Baby Clothing (should be mostly front-open) Need to be pre-washed in fragrance-free detergent

1. Undershirts – remember to get the ones that are front-open as less strain on baby’s neck.
2. Stretchy sleepers
3. Socks/booties
4. Hat/Cap
5. Sweater
6. Jacket
7. Burp cloths/bibs
8. Diapers – stock up on these – as newborns go up to 10-12 diapers a day. (Infant size)/cloth diapers.
9. Cleaning wipes and creams – to cleanse, moisturize and protect the baby’s diaper area.  (Wipes holder/warmer
10. Diaper disposal bin with liners
11. Snap-bottom T-shirts
12. Sleeping Outfits/onesies

    Baby Comfort/Play Items

1. Play gym, mat
2. Bouncer seat/kick and play bouncer- Fisher Price Newborn to Toddler Rocker
3. Suzzler/Head support for car seat
4. Stroller and Car seat toys
5. Rain Sheet and Net cover for stroller
6. Pacifiers and Pacifier holders
7. Digital thermometer
8. Mobile for crib and stroller
9. Musical toys
10. Toys basket /chest

Baby’s Toiletries

1. Bath Tub with Infant support
2. Towels /hooded
3. Washcloths
4. Nail clipper
5. Soft hair comb/brush
6. Cotton pads/swabs
7. Diaper rash ointment – zinc oxide
8. Baby shampoo
9. Baby body wash- Doctor recommended using Dove for the first month
10. Baby oil for massage/ baby lotion
11. Rubbing alcohol
12. Mild soap for baby’s laundry
13. White petroleum jelly
14. Sterile cotton
15. Nail cutting scissors/emery board
16. Diaper Pail

Traveling with the Baby

1. Stroller (with full recline) - We love Maclaren Quest
2. Infant car seat - Fav brands include Graco 4Ever, Britax Marathon
3. Sling or soft carrier- Recommend- Ergo Baby Carrier. I bought several brands before the Ergo and have found it to most useful amongst all.