Are you pregnant for the first time? Or are you pregnant and it's been a while since you've had a child? Or maybe you're adopting and you're just not sure what you'll actually need versus what you may not really need. Maybe you're buying for someone!...
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Essentials
Things You Don't Need, But May Want
Essentials
Here you will find essentials for a baby!
I highly suggest getting a travel system. This is a stroller and car seat combo. This way the car seat snaps into the stroller, and then when the baby gets too big for the infant car seat, you can use the stroller as normal!
Graco Outpace All-Terrain Travel System, Briggs
When it comes to cribs, we looked for two things: first, that it the mattress could change levels; and second, that the crib could be converted into a toddler bed. Please make sure to get any convertible pieces at the outset!
Oxford Baby Lazio 4 in 1 Convertible Crib
Bassinets are a good alternative to cribs at first if you need one. We did put our kids in cribs in their own rooms right away, but everyone's needs are different.
Gymax Portable Baby Bed Side Crib Height Adjustable W/ Music Box & - See Details
I noticed that playpens nowadays are rather small. I preferred these “play yards” - they are much bigger and as the kids get bigger, there's more room for them to move around. I was able to put bigger toys in and my kids moved more freely about. I al...
DWINGULER Castle Playpen
Some kind of chair in the nursery is a must.
HOMYKA 28" Wide Rocking Chair for Nursery with Solid Wood Leg
A dresser for the baby is a must. We had one that had a changing topper on top. The topper had a portion where we could put diapers and wipes. Then when our babies outgrew it, we threw the topper away, and had a regular dresser! So we spent the money...
Your crib will need a mattress. If you convert it to a toddler bed, or buy a separate toddler bed, this mattress can be used with it.
Safety1st Pleasant Dreams White Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress
Crib sheets are a must for the mattress!
The Peanutshell Grey and White Moon and Stars Fitted Crib Sheet 4 Pack Set
Your baby will spit up, or even pee/poop on the bed. The mattress protector is a LIFESAVER when it comes to keeping the mattress in good condition. Make sure to have at least 2 so if one gets soiled, you can wash it and put a clean one on right away!
AC Pacific Waterproof Bamboo Terry Crib Mattress Cover
Some are pros at blanket swaddling. I was NOT one of them. These swaddles were the BEST!
The Peanutshell Blue Dino Swaddles, 3-Pack, Small/Medium
These are perfect as baby gets a bit older and doesn't need arms tucked in.
A diaper bag is a must. Make sure it has a changing pad. Public bathrooms are gross.
Hudson Baby Premium Diaper Bag Backpack and Changing Pad, Blue, One Size - Blue - One Size
Diapers are a must, unless you use cloth ones. I find Pampers gentler, but every kid is different. Stock up on different sizes. I found my children spent the most time in size 3.
Pampers Swaddlers Size 1, 198 Count Diapers
I liked these personally because I had skin issues and I was afraid of passing anything down to my kids.
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, 1344 Count
If you do have a changing table, you'll need a mattress so the baby isn't on the hard furniture!
Foam Contoured Changing Pad with Waterproof Cover
Don't forget a cute changing pad cover for the changing pad!
Sweet Jojo Designs Grey and White Boho Bohemian Elephant Boy Girl Gender Neutral Changing Pad Cover Sheet Safari Animals Modern
A baby bath is must. It does not have to be anything fancy. Just something to support them while they get bathed!
Angelcare Baby Bath Support - buybuy BABY - 41166639
The hooded towels are the cutest!!!
Hudson Baby Infant Girl Cotton Rich Hooded Towels, Cute Elephant, One Size - Cute Elephant - One Size
Breastfeeding or not, baby bottles are a must. After trying a few different brands, I found my sons got less air with these!
Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Bottle Sippy Gift Set
I did NOT have a bottle warmer with my first, and let me tell you, BIG mistake. These are a lifesaver.
Dr. Brown's All-in-One Sterilizer & Dryer
I do suggest a drying rack so that the baby bottles and potentially pump parts stay separate from food items.
Termichy Baby Bottle Drying Rack - Gray
Once the baby is old enough to sit up by themselves and start food, you'll need a high chair!
Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair, Maison - N/A
Bibs are a must. The silicone ones are the best because they are easy to clean and never get stained!
Hudson Baby Infant Boy Silicone Bibs 3pk, Fast Food, One Size - Fast Food - One Size
I always say buy the pacifier to see if your baby will take it. Mine didn't, but a lot of babies to take pacifiers.
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier 0-3M 4 Pack
Teethers are a must, as they help soothe the baby when they are teething.
Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
Don't forget burp cloths when you're burping your baby in case there is spit up!
Hudson Baby Boys Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths 12-Pack Bundle, Dino Friends, One Size - Dino Friends - One Size
If you're nursing or pumping, make sure to get a bra for that. They are so useful!
3 Pack Larken X Pumpng and Nursing Bra, Marine, Sage, and Black
A nursing cover is good for nursing, but also to just cover the carseat!
Sweet Jojo Designs Blush Pink White Floral Leaf Girl 5 in 1 Baby Car Seat Nursing Cover Boho Chic Bohemian Watercolor Woodland
If you're going to pump, then you need a pump. Remember, you can get these through insurance!
Momcozy M5 Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump, 2-Pack
2 in 1! Nursing pillow and tummy time pillow!
Boppy Tummy Time Prop Pillow, Black & White Rainbows
Unless you're planning to feed the baby straight off the high chair tray, you'll want suction cup plates.. trust me!
Silicone Suction Plates for Baby, 3 Pack
Making sure that the baby has something they can easily handle to help them learn is great, and these are silicone, so easy to wash!
Eascrozn Toddler Utensils 6 Pack Silverware
These are great sippy cups
NUK Learner Cup 6+ Months, 5 Oz, Pack of 2
Baby monitors are a must! We preferred no wifi since people can tap in, but that's personal preference!
iFamily Baby Monitor 5" Screen, 30Hrs Battery, PTZ, No WiFi, Two-Way Audio, Night Vision, Temp, Lullabies, 960ft Range
At some point, your child will get sick and need a humidifier. We like the vicks ones because you insert a tab and then the air gets that minty smell to help open up the airways.
Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Cool Mist Humidifier
Baby carriers are the best way to hold the baby but be able to use both of your hands!
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier
A baby is going to need clothes! Considerations: what month is the baby going to be born in? Make sure to get clothes in varying sizes!
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Boys' 6-Pack Bodysuit
Baby PJs are so soft and cuddly!!!
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby 2-Pack Cotton Footed Sleep and Play
Things You Don't Need, But May Want
These are items that you don't absolutely need, but you may want for peace of mind, make your life easier, or they are fun!
I don't think these are a necessity, but I can see where these can ease anxiety.
Owlet Dream Sock® - FDA-Cleared Baby Monitor
Baby gates aren't a necessity unless you have a space that necessitates them.
Toddleroo Diamond Mesh Wooden Baby Gate 26.5-42"
Not all babies need sleep soothers. We started our kids on it from day one, and now they like to have their lambs on at night (even at age 9 and 5). We actually have 2 of these.
Cloud b Sound Machine with White Noise & Auto-Shutoff
We don't know if our baby is going to need any of this, but it's good to have on hand in case they do!
Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit - 6 Items
Not necessary, but a good way to check in on the baby while you're driving!
Shynerk Baby Car Mirror, Safety Rear View
Playmats aren't a necessity, but they are good to have!
Bright Starts Disney Finding Nemo Mr. Ray Gym
Not all babies love these. I had one that did, and one that didn't! So, not a necessity, but when the baby likes it, they are great to have!