Babies may be tiny, but the list of stuff they need is anything but! The truth is, figuring out everything your little one needs can be rather stressful. If you have been having a hard time with this as you plan to shop for your baby, you have come to the right place. Here is a detailed checklist of all the baby essentials you will need to stock up on before your little one arrives. 

Wardrobe essentials

Most baby clothes are categorized by age, starting from newborn to 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. There are also outfits that have height and weight guidelines. 

Get a few newborn sizes and more 3-month sizes. Your little one will quickly grow into them and you’ll end up using the 3-month sizes for longer. It is also a good idea to buy second-hand and accept hand-me-downs. You’ll have lots of size options to choose from!

So, what wardrobe essentials do you need? 

• 4-8 onesies (get a good mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved)
• 4-6 outer layers (zip-up sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece jackets)
• 4-8 leggings or stretchy pants
• 4-8 sleepers
• 1-3 hats 
• 1-3 no-scratch mittens
• 4-8 socks or booties
• 4-8 pajamas or nightgowns

You can also add the following extras: 

• 1-3 special outfits for holidays, weddings, or other special occasions 
• Hair accessories like adorable bows and headbands
• Shoes (not really necessary, but they sure look cute in photos!) 

Diapering

Here is your list of diapering essentials:

• Diapers (obviously. Get lots!)
• Diaper bag: should be big enough to accommodate diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, and your own essentials.
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Changing table or pad

Other add-ons: 

• Baby wipe warmer (because warm wipes are nicer than cold ones)
• Non-talc powder to dry the diaper area faster

Feeding

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, here are some feeding essentials you have to invest in: 

• Nursing or feeding pillow
• 2-4 nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• 6-10 bibs
• 6-12 burp cloths 
• Breast pads
• Nursing cover
• 6-12 bottles
• 1-2 bottle brushes
• Breast pump
• Breast milk bags
• Formula

At 4-6 months, your little one will be ready to start solids. Here is what you will need for this stage: 

• 2-4 sippy cups
• 3-6 spoons
• 2-4 bowls
• Highchair 
• 4-8 waterproof bibs

Sleeping

Your baby is going to spend a huge chunk of their time sleeping. Here are some of the most important sleeping essentials you’ll need: 

• Crib and crib mattress
• Bedding
• 1-3 wearable blankets
• 4-6 swaddling blankets
• Baby monitor

Bathing 

What about bathtime essentials? 

• 4-6 washcloths
• Baby bathtub
• 1-3 infant bath towels
• Soap and shampoo

Baby gear

Things get a little tricky when it comes to baby gear because a lot of it is subjective. That said, having the following items will make life with your newborn a lot easier:  

• Car seat
• Baby carrier
• Play-yard
• Baby swing or bouncer
• Stroller

Baby health essentials

For your baby’s health and grooming, here is what you’ll need: 

• Nail clippers
• Nasal aspirator
• Soft-bristled baby hairbrush
• First-aid kit (with antiseptic ointment, a thermometer, bandages)

Baby entertainment

These essentials will help soothe your little one: 

• Baby toys
• Books (you should read to your baby right from birth!)
• 4-6 pacifiers
• Activity center
• Playmat

Things you may not think about buying as a new parent 

There are also several things that most new parents barely even think about getting until they realize they need them when it’s too late. You can be proactive and avoid all this by getting them well in advance, just in case. Here is what you’ll need: 

1. Something for your baby’s constipation

Constipation in exclusively breastfed babies is rare. However, it is quite common in formula-fed babies. You’ll also have to deal with it a lot once you start introducing solids. 

Avoid using any constipation medication unless your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Instead, you can simply give your baby a small amount of water, or 100% apple, pear, or prune juice while still feeding them as you normally do. These juices have a natural laxative called sorbitol which will help with your little one’s constipation. 

1. Something for dry skin

Over the first few weeks, you will notice that your baby’s skin is getting progressively drier. Eventually, it will start to peel and flake off. This is nothing to worry about and completely normal. However, you can use a bit of hypoallergenic fragrance-free baby lotion to reduce the effect a bit. 

1. How about trimming your baby’s nails?

A newborn’s nails are soft, flexible, and very fast-growing. They can also be quite sharp and they can hurt themselves by clawing at their tiny faces. This is why it is so important to clip your baby’s nails. 

To do it, wait until they are calm and not fussy. Then trim the nails gently using an S-shaped baby nail file. You can also use a snipper clipper. 

1. What about snot? 

When babies get stuffy noses, breathing can be difficult for them. This makes them irritable and fussy, and your baby may refuse to sleep or eat. You can help them deal with this discomfort by sucking the snot out of their noses using a baby snot sucker. You can also use a baby saline kit that will help you clear your little one’s airways naturally. 

Final thoughts

When shopping for newborn essentials, if you do not know where to start, it is easy to get overwhelmed and end up overshopping and getting stuff you’ll end up never getting any use out of. Hopefully, this guide will help make things a little easier and end up saving you some cash along the way. Good luck!