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Baby Checklist Essentials Preparing For Baby's First 6 Months

So much to buy, so little space! Not to worry – our baby checklist of essentials will show you exactly what’s a must-have on your baby registry. We list items that can make a big difference and which are simply nice to have. You’ll notice some traditional baby registry staples, such as a sterilizer, are not even on here! This isn’t an accidental omission. We purposefully leave out items that most parents report rarely using because there are simple and free substitutes. Watch the “Baby Gear” chapter of The Baby Manual video course to learn baby essentials tips and tricks from other parents and baby care experts.

Must Have

NURSERY/BEDROOM

  • Bassinet, Co-sleeper or Pack N Play
  • Cotton bed sheets (3)
  • Dresser / changing table
  • Armchair
  • Smoke / carbon monoxide detector

Makes A Big Difference

NURSERY/BEDROOM

  • Daybed for mom in baby room
  • Laundry basket
  • Night light
  • Blackout shades

Nice To Have

NURSERY/BEDROOM

  • Crib
  • Rocking chair or glider (in place of armchair)
  • Nightstand

DIAPER CHANGING

  • Diapers (not too many of size Newborn – no fragrance)
  • Wipes

DIAPER CHANGING

  • Changing pad
  • Disposable underpads

DIAPER CHANGING

  • Cloth diapers
  • Vaseline or ‘butt paste’
  • Diaper pail

NURSING GEAR

  • Nursing bras (2)
  • Nursing pads (cotton or disposable)

NURSING GEAR

  • Nursing pillow
  • Nipple cream (Lanolin or herbal)
  • Hydrogel pads (in case of nipple pain)
  • Breast pump (professional double pump)
  • Pumping bra

NURSING GEAR

  • Small manual pump
  • Extra pair of breast shields
  • Cotton sports bras for night time (2)
  • Freezer bags for milk
  • Bottles (3) and nipples (level 1)
  • Drying rack
  • Nursing cover

CLOTHING

  • Onesies (6 – mostly size 3 mo and higher)
  • Swaddle blankets (2) or pre-made swaddle wrap

CLOTHING

  • Footed pajamas (6 – most size 3 mo and higher)
  • Hats (2)
  • Cloth diapers or burp clothes
  • Detergent (any brand free of dye and fragrance)

CLOTHING

  • Newborn shirts (that don’t cover umbilical cord)
  • Socks (2)
  • Bibs (3)

GROOMING

  • Baby bath tub or sink insert
  • Baby scissors or nail clippers

GROOMING

  • Baby shampoo/body wash (free of dye and fragrance)

GROOMING

  • Washcloths
  • Hooded towel

MEDICINE CABINET

  • Digital thermometer (if don’t have one already)
  • Diaper rash cream

MEDICINE CABINET

  • Nasal aspirator (“snot sucker” or similar)

MEDICINE CABINET

  • Saline drops
  • Gripe water or anti-gas drops
  • Infant Tylenol

OTHER

OTHER

  • Baby carrier
  • Activity gym
  • Pacifier (2)

OTHER

  • Extra car seat base (if purchased infant seat and have multiple cars)
  • Diaper bag
  • Video baby monitor
  • Swing and/or bouncer
  • Exercise ball

Did we miss something you consider a must-have on a baby essentials checklist? Add your comments below!

Baby Checklist Essentials Preparing For Baby's First 6 Months
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