Bringing a new baby into the world requires several items that are focused on safety and comfort, and there are nearly endless items that you are encouraged to purchase, but of these, there are a few things that you actually need. Many things are helpful or even just get in the way, while some are absolute needs and required for caring for an infant.

1. Carseat

This is a strict necessity, however, a basic car seat that is rated for newborns is fine. There are many options available and some to fit almost any budget. Many hospitals have created rules that restrict parents from leaving with a newborn until they are able to see the car seat, and they will ensure that it is properly fitted to the baby, so they are able to arrive home safely. You are unable to take a baby in a car without one, so this should be one of the most important and researched items that will be purchased for any child.

Whether you choose a convertible seat that is fitted in the car fulltime or a bucket seat that is removed from the base and attaches to a stroller, the key things to check are expiry, sizing, and how it will fit in your vehicle.   

2. Stroller

While some will find this less necessary than a car seat, it can become one of your most used baby items. Not only are strollers good for holding the baby while you go for a walk, shop, or run errands, they can save you from the extra work of carrying the baby while you do so. If you will use it a lot one with a basket underneath can be useful for carrying other items, cupholders on the handle will make it easier to carry your water bottle, and those that are easy to steer make appointments and errands fast and simple. For the easiest use choose one that matches with a bucket car seat for easily transferring the baby. Anyone who takes public transit for transportation will find a stroller of great use and most buses and other transportation have seats for those with strollers.

3. Baby Monitor

A baby monitor may be sound only or sound and video, can come with a handheld parent portion or link to a phone, and they are very useful for parents who are unable to be in the same room with their baby at all times. They are not only useful for overnight after a baby is moved to their own room, but also if you want to shower, do dishes, run the laundry, or do other tasks around the house. Some will find they don’t use it often if they are room sharing during the first years if they wear the baby around the home, and if they keep close to the baby while napping. Others will find it invaluable and use it frequently every day.

4. Diapers in Different Sizes

When preparing for a baby it is common to purchase newborn diapers, but it is also useful to gather larger sizes. Babies are not the same size, and they do grow very quickly, so having both newborn and size one in place before the birth is beneficial for the next few weeks and months. As they are expensive it can be helpful to purchase a few sizes during the sale and store them, the baby will grow into those sizes later. Choosing to try different brand names may also be recommended as some will irritate the skin or leak in ways that others do not, and every baby will have a brand that works best for them and may not be the same as what worked for their siblings or others. Cloth diapering comes with the same challenges. Different sizes, materials, styles, and brands may be needed to find the one that fits right and works for your family. There is more work about washing, but services are available in many areas, and they can save on some of the ongoing costs of buying new disposable diapers so frequently.

5. Onesies in Different Sizes

Basic clothing is key to have, though some newborns and babies, even into toddlerhood, prefer to not have clothes on. Due to the differences in sizing across brands, materials, and how fast a baby grows, it is helpful to have several sizes and styles ready for when the baby comes home. This helps you to be prepared for whatever size they need without rushing to the store when they outgrow something.

6. Place to Sleep

Providing a place for the baby to sleep can be done in many ways to fit the needs of all types of families. A sidecar sleeper will allow the baby to have a bassinet that is attached to the bed for easy nursing and close sleeping at night without the newborn being in the actual bed. A bassinet may also be used for the first few weeks or months as the baby grows, allowing it to be moved throughout the space during the day for naps and a spot to place the baby when you need to do something. A crib is also a common choice, many being able to be converted to a toddler bed than a double bed.

7. Bathing Baby

A baby bath and other safety items are key to a comfortable transition home with a baby. These are smaller items, some towels and soft facecloths, baby soap, and a small baby tub that keeps them above the water and is safer than a full tub.

Shopping for a newborn can be very overwhelming but there really are very few things that are absolute needs, and these can be easily gathered before the birth with additional purchases of items that may help being added later. Often additional furniture and other items remain unused, such as change tables, large dressers, seats and chairs, and clothing that will not fit for very long. Basics that will be used often are safety needs, diapers and clothing, and spaces for babies to sleep or rest.