The Checklist
I am a minimalist when it comes to baby stuff. I like to take the approach that you can always buy it later if you need it. Here is a checklist to get started with some brand names I like. With baby stuff ever changing I’m sure there are other brands that are just as fabulous. Look online and compare. Don’t think that just because something is expensive that it is better.
• Incline sleep bed: I like the Fisher-Price Auto Rock 'n Play Sleeper. I have found this to be a life changer! There is also the 4Moms Mamaroo, and the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Glider. I prefer the Rock ‘n Play, it’s light weight and collapsible, which makes it easy to transfer to other rooms. Look at them and just start with one.
• Crib: You just need a basic crib. Think before buying a transition crib. Some people justify spending a lot of money on a crib that transitions into a toddler/twin bed later on. However, most are tired of their nursery décor by the time their little ones are three and everyone is ready for some change.
• 2-4 crib sheets
• Air purifier or fan: New guide lines for infants are suggesting that a fan be in the nursery to provide circulating air. I have found that I like the Holmes Egg Air Purifier because not only does it circulate and purifiy the air but it creates a nice white noise that helps block out household sounds which can startle your baby from sleep. Any brand or size will work as long as it circulates air. A small fan is also fine.
• Changing pad: If you are not interested or not ready to buy furniture for the nursery like a changing table, you can easily purchase a changing pad and put it on top of any dresser.
• 2-4 changing pad covers: You can get covers to fit your changing pad OR Disposable Chux pads are great so you don’t have to wash the covers every time your baby pees on them.
• 2-4 hand sanitizer: It’s great to have a bottle by the changing area, diaper bag and in the car. I like Purell.
• 2-4 swaddle blankets: SwaddleDesigns brand is a nice big blanket for swaddling, but if you are wanting a pre-swaddled blanket HALO Sleepsack Swaddle is great. If it's cold get the micro fleece, if it's hot get the 100% cotton. Avoid the muslin fabric ones, they are too big and too thin to swaddle with.
• Sleep Sack: if you don’t want to swaddle or once your baby is past swaddling (typically 2 months) then Merino Kids Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Sack is great.
• 6-10 onesies: any brand is fine. Gerber and Carter’s makes nice soft inexpensive ones.
• 6-10 Footed pajamas: any brand is fine. Gerber and Carter’s make nice soft inexpensive ones. Zip up are the best.
• The hat: the one they give you at the hospital is fine.
• Diapers: Start with newborn size, they fit best. But, don't buy a lot as they out grow them fast and when I say fast I mean in about two weeks!
• Wipes: Costco has great unscented wipes. However, if you are adverse to wipes you can use cotton squares and water. The cleansing bottle they give you in the hospital or a spray bottle works great to keep the water in.
• Diaper Pail: I like the Diaper Genie Elite, it keeps the smell in and has a foot pedal.
• Clothes Hamper
• 10+ burp cloths: they don't need to be the fancy ones.
• 2-4 pacifiers: get two different kinds to start with until you find the one your baby prefers. I like the Wubbanub pacifier with stuffed animal attached or the Nuk Pacifier. Don’t buy a lot until you find one that is right for your baby.
• 2-8 bottles: If you plan to breastfeed have at least one just in case things don't go as planned. Any brand is fine, it doesn't matter, just make sure it has a newborn nipple. It’s the nipple that makes the difference not the bottle. Every baby’s mouth and the way they suck are different, so look for a nipple that provides a good quiet latch. Don’t buy a lot at first until you find the one that is right for your baby.
• Breast pump: Check with your insurance, you may be able to get it for free. If you plan to pump, I like Medella. Don't forget storage bags. The hospital grade pump is not always better.
• Bottle warmer: You only need this if you are going to pump and plan to give a bottle regularly. Any brand is fine. If you do not want another contraption on your counter, heating up a cup of water in the microwave and placing the bottle in the water for a minute is also an option. NEVER HEAT THE BOTTLE IN MICROWAVE.
• Bottle brush
• Drying rack: I like the Skip Hop Splash, it's a rack with a brush altogether, but again any brand is fine. Boon has the one that looks like a section of grass, very modern and has cute twigs and flowers to add more holding space for small items like pacifiers and nipples.
• A comfortable chair: You are looking for a comfortable chair with rounded padded arms. The ability for the chair to recline is a great option. If you are breastfeeding, you want the chair to allow you to sit straight up with your feet touching the ground. An additional nursing back pillow and Medela nursing stool may be helpful.
• Formula: If you plan on using formula please research what is best for your baby. I found the site above to have a lot of helpful information, it may be too much for some people to have to consider but at least don’t assume what your doctor hands you for free is the best food for your newborn.
• Breast feeding pillow: My Brest Friend Pillow is the brand most of my clients prefer, as it has the back pillow attached and it snaps around your waist.
• Bathtub: Get one that has a sling or sponge in it, it just makes it easier. I like the Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub with a non-slip sponge for support.
• Bath non-slip sponge: I like the Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge.
• Bath soap/shampoo: I like California Baby Shampoo & Bodywash or Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Shampoo & Body Wash.
• 2-4 wash clothes and towels: You can use your own towels if you want, but the baby wash cloths are softer and thinner. You can also use a natural sea sponge, it's wash and rinse all in one go.
• Nail clipper NOT nail scissors: You can buy the cheap $5 ones, don't get suckered into the $30 set. Zo-li Buzz B. Baby Nail Trimmer is an electric nail file that is very cool for those who are scared to cut newborn nails.
• Aspirator: You can use the one the hospital gives you or purchase the Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator, client/parent approved.
• Bouncy chair: A bouncy chair will give you a place to put your baby down but, allows them to be a little upright if they spit up a lot. I prefer the ones with all the bells and whistles, as they are more interesting for babies long-term. I like any of the Fisher Price Bouncies. Look for one that has vibration, toy bar and preferably lights and music. I also like the ones that have a toy bar that you can change the toys on like the Summer Infant Sweet Comfort Musical Bouncer.
• Crib mobile and crib music/water toy: Again, I like the ones that have all the bells and whistles. You are looking for something that is going to be stimulating and engaging for your baby. Some people want a mobile that will go with their décor, that’s fine but, then get a crib toy that has music and lights, like the Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium.
• Crib mirror: I love the Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Double-Sided Mirror.
• Monitor
• Stroller: I like the Maclarean umbrella strollers for newborns and up. You just put one of those snuggle insert in it while they are little (Summer Infant Snuzzler Infant Support for Car Seats and Strollers), it reclines and is more practical and light weight then the whole system ones, but any are fine. The UPPAbaby is nice and light! Mamas and Papas also has great strollers and other fun products.
• Infant car seat: Britax makes great car seats. You can get an infant car seat or a convertible car seat.
• Diaper Bag: So many to choose from…think about what your needs are going to be…are you the minimalist who only needs a diaper and some wipes? Or are you the type who want to take everything but the kitchen sink?…fashionista? Or are you a backpack kind of person? Check out Petunia Pickle Bottom.
• Infant carrier: Baby Bjorn, ERGObaby, Mamas & Papas or some other version including wraps. These are nice to have if your baby likes to be held and you want to get stuff done with two hands.
Things you don’t need right away but may later
• Talc-less Powder: Country Comfort Baby Powder is my favorite powder, it is made with Pure Powders Of Arrowroot, Kaolin Clay, Slippery Elm, Comfrey Root, Golden Seal, Aloe Vera, Pure Oils Of Orange And Lavender And Natural Fragrance. This is the only brand I found that does not contain cornstarch for those who are allergic to corn, like my daughter. You can also just buy arrowroot powder at your local health food store, located in the spice aisle…it's cheap and has many other uses.
• Destin: You can use the all-natural versions too, but I have found that Destin works faster than others.
• A&D Ointment, Gripe Water, Gas relief drops, Thermometer, Saline nasal spray