Baby Items Needed

Wondering what are the baby items needed for your little one?

Having a new baby takes a lot of preparation. It’s amazing how much stuff one little person needs!

Clothing

Well, of course you’ve got to put some clothes on that little one to keep them warm! One piece outfits work great, such as onesies and one-piece pajama sets. Socks and booties will help keep little feet warm, and a sweater or jacket is handy when going out into the cold, cruel world! If it’s really cold, add a pair of mittens. For hot weather and lots of sunshine, a bonnet or cap will shade babies fair skin.

A few dress-up outfits are fun when you go somewhere and would like to show off the new addition to your family!
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Diapers for Dryness!

Unless you want to hold a soggy (or worse!) baby, diapers are essential! For clean-up, baby wipes or washcloths are needed. It’s helpful to have some of that special ointment or powder for baby bottoms on hand, especially if a little skin irritation shows up. Put a sealable trash can or a diaper pail for used diapers right next to the changing table to make disposal easy.

It’s also helpful to have a diaper bag. Keep it packed and ready to go for those unexpected outings!

Bath Time

When it’s time for a major clean-up, a baby tub makes things easier. Some have built-in slip resistant pads, or you can buy a bath mat. A tub seat can make it easier to keep the baby upright in the water while washing. Of course, washcloths, no-tear soaps, and baby lotions are part of the process. Nail clippers made just for babies help keep their fingernails short so they don’t scratch themselves. Finally, hooded towels complete the process, wrapping the baby in drying warmth.

As the baby gets older, bath toys are a nice addition to make bath time more fun.

Baby Furniture

Babies need baby size furniture. They need a place to sleep, so a crib and crib mattress is essential. Some people start out using a smaller bassinet or portable crib before putting the baby in the larger crib.

Of course, you need sheets and a waterproof mattress cover. There should also be bumpers around the inside of the crib. Add receiving blankets to keep your little one warm.

It’s also helpful to have a changing table. Many have storage underneath and can double as a dresser.

There’s one other addition to the nursery that is really helpful, a comfortable rocker and ottoman. When baby is fussy, it’s nice to have someplace to sit while comforting them.

A small lamp or nightlight is also a good idea so you can see to check the baby without turning on a bright light and waking them up.

Other Baby Gear

It’s essential to have a car seat to keep your baby safe while traveling and comply with laws. A stroller is helpful when out and about so you don’t have to carry your baby everywhere. A sling or other soft carrier can also be useful.

Chow Time

Newborns will need bottles and nipples for their formula. Though not essential, a bottle sterilizer can be helpful, and a bottle warmer.

If breast-feeding, breast pump can be handy to have.

As the baby grows and starts eating semi-solid and solid foods, a highchair is the seating of choice. Plastic spill mats under and around the highchair makes clean-up easier.

You’ll also need to have child-size utensils such as rubber-tipped baby spoons. If you want to make a lot of the food yourself, a baby food grinder is useful.

Entertainment and Learning

And infant swing, bouncer seat, doorway jumper, walker or excersaucer are all ways to keep your baby entertained. Play gyms or arches are also great for this, and help the baby learn coordination and more.

It’s nice to have books to read to your baby, and toys for the crib, car seat and stroller.

Safety and Medical

A baby monitor can save you a lot of steps so you don’t have to constantly run back and forth to check on the baby. Of course, a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are a good addition to safety. When the baby is older and toddling around, safety gates, outlet covers, and guards and latches for toilets, stoves, ovens, cabinets and drawers can help keep them out of trouble. Bumpers on sharp cornered objects also help keep them from getting hurt.

A few basic medical supplies to keep on hand are a rectal thermometer, nasal aspirator and first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to have a vaporizer on hand. You may not need it, but if you do, it”s a lot better to have one than need to run out to the store at who knows what time of night to look for one.

Odds and Ends

Some reference books on child care are handy. Baby keepsake journals and photo books are nice mementos. Toys for the car seat and stroller. There are all kinds of odds and ends, but if you have all the stuff discussed here, you’ll have all the baby items needed!