The Ultimate Supply List for New Parents

The hospital will provide the items you will need for your baby while you are both in the hospital. We were provided some extra diapers, alcohol wipes for treating the umbilical cord, and other small items that will get you through the first day home. There will probably be “gifts” from companies that you will be sent home with. These can include formula if you are not breast-feeding and other promotional, but useful, items. You will need car seat for the baby if you are driving. Have the nurse make sure your baby is safely in the seat. A good idea is to have the local police check that your car seat is properly installed before the big day. Studies have shown that most people install the seats incorrectly, and the police or other professionals will not mind helping out. You might want to bring an outfit to bring your baby home in. Our vet recommended bringing something with the baby’s smell (a receiving blanket, etc.) home the day before to help prepare our pets for the new arrival.

Newborn size: You will need some, but depending on your baby’s size, these might not fit for long or at all.

Size 1: These will be what you will use a ton of, either now or very soon. Plan on using 70-90 per week for the first few weeks.

Disposable wipes

Disposable wipes warmer (a luxury item)

Diaper bag

Carrying case for wipes

Cloth diapers: More than you think. The usage will be the same and you will need a supply while you are laundering them.

Cloth wipes: Same situation.

Disposable wipes if you choose

Wet bag to store soiled diapers in the diaper bag

Waterproof diaper covers

Pins or other diaper fastener

Diaper bag

Carrying case for wipes

Boppy (nursing pillow)

Breast pump

Breast milk storage and feeding set

Insulated carrying case for safely transporting milk

Bottles

Nipples

Bottle brush

Bottle drying rack

Burp cloth

Bibs

Journal: Our pediatrician asked us to record feedings and diaper contents for the first few weeks

Formula premixed bottles are more convenient but powdered are more economical

Measuring device

Bottles

Nipples

Bottle brush

Bottle drying rack

Bibs

Burp cloth

Journal Our pediatrician asked us to record feedings and diaper contents for the first few weeks.

Clothes that go over the head are more difficult especially the first few weeks. Snaps are easier. Ask around to see if friends or family have old outfits. Most babies get so many clothes that they rapidly outgrow them after just wearing them once or twice.

Mini sweatpants and separate tops are good to minimize irritating the umbilical cord area.

Onesies            Like a T shirt but snaps over the diaper. Have a bunch as they will get wet, soiled, spit on, and laundered.

Sleepwear        with feet attatched prevents your baby from kicking off socks

Socks

Booties

Caps                babies need these to maintain body tempeature             

Sweaters          Same reason as above. Just because you are not cold does not mean your baby isn’t

“Cute” outfits    for the big public appearances when they are a little older.

Crib

Crib mattress

Bassinette

Stroller

Jogging stroller

Pack and play

Sheets for pack and play

Waterproof mattress cover

Sheets

Diaper pail

Highchair

Baby monitor         allows you to listen and be in another room

Video baby monitor     they even come with night vision

Baby bathtub

Mobile for above crib

Changing table

Extra changing pads

Bouncy swing

Car seat one that snaps into a stroller makes life easier

Portable crib foldable

Check with your pediatrician for their recommendations. Remember when choosing your pediatrician that you will be going there with sick children so ensure the commute is something you are comfortable with.

Baby wash

Baby shampoo

Baby nail clippers         easier to cut their fast growing nails to prevent scratches

Small file

Baby Tylenol

Digital thermometer and probe covers

Baby towels and washcloths

Diaper rash cream

Baby Orajel                  for teething

Baby oil                        for cradle-cap

Baby comb and brush

Rubbing alcohol            for treating umbilical cord

Cotton balls

Petroleum jelly

Front carrier, sling, or baby backpack

Baby spoons

Plates and bowls for when eating “real food”

Board books

Rattles

Teething rings               ones that can be refrigerated were our favorites

Soft blocks

Night lights                   prevent turning on bright lights to check

Mild laundry detergent

Bouncy swing

Shout or other stain remover                 for your clothes not theirs

Toys

Stuffed animals

Pacifiers

Soothing music CD’s                useful if noisy background

Hand sanitizer               for you and anyone touching your baby

Zip lock bags                you will come up with many uses

Receiving blankets

Walker/rider

Sun shades for car

Mirror for car               since babies sit rear-facing in the car, the mirror goes in your back window so you can see your baby using your normal rear view mirror

Digital camera especially with video

Baby announcements

Cute paper for baby announcements if you are doing them yourselves

Envelopes

Stamps

Scrapbook       to save cards, letters, pictures of “first” events, etc

Journal             to keeps thoughts and funny things your baby does

Parenting books                       

Child development books        

Parenting magazines                 

Outlet covers

Baby gates

Door latches

Toilet latches

Non-slip tub mat

Padding for sharp table edges

Doorknob guards

Stove top guards

Radiator covers

            The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy your pregnancy and the birth of your baby (babies). Babies do not need many things when they are born. They eat, poop, and sleep. You will constantly check on then and worry about things, but that is because you love them and have become a parent. As they get older and have more complex needs, you will have more experience and be able to deal with these needs. Remember that you are the parent, but there are specialists for all things that will come up. Do not be afraid to ask for help, be afraid that you will not ask for help when you really need it. It is natural to be anxious about your baby. That is because you love them and have become a parent.