Go to any baby registry site and you will be given a looooooong list of all the “must have” baby items. According to one large baby retailer’s “Must Have Registry Checklist” you’re in for AT LEAST $2700 of stuff (that’s if you get the minimum number of the cheapest style of each “must have” item on their website).
Previously I shared my suggested list of baby gear items, but let’s be real for a minute: most baby items you’ll want, get or be told you HAVE to have are actually luxury items (including many on my list.) So what does a baby REALLY need?
As a mommy who has survived three babies, here are the actual must have baby items, for any (and every) baby:
1. Car seat. If you have a car or will ever go in a car (taxis included) you must have a car seat.
2. Baby bed. Even if you plan to cosleep/bed share, I would still suggest having a safe place to put baby any time you aren’t sleeping as well (or when you want to shower, go the bathroom, etc.)
3. Carrier. Every baby loves to snuggle therefore every mommy should have a good baby carrier. I recommend on you can easily nurse with (I use a ring sling) so you don’t have to stop and sit whenever baby is hungry.
4. Large floor blanket. Especially if you have pets, it’s nice to have a large blanket you can out down on the floor for baby to play on that you can easily pick up and keep clean when baby isn’t using it.
5. Baby bath or support. You don’t need anything fancy but I recommend at least a foam bather to give baby a comfy spot to sit/lay while getting all cleaned up.
6. Baby soap. Baby skin is super sensitive so be sure to have some extra gentle baby soap/shampoo on hand.
7. First aid kit. At minimum, have on hand a thermometer, nail clippers and some pain reliever/fever reducer (for the later since the last thing you’ll want to do when baby suddenly rocks a high fever is have to run out and get something to knock it down!)
8. Bibs. The fluffier, fabric ones are better for bottle feedings (babies tend to dribble!) and plastic ones with pockets are best for solids.
9. Diapers and wipes. Duh. (of course the kind is up to you!)
10. Clothes and socks. You don’t need anything fancy, stick with the basics. I don’t believe in layette (in fact, if you figure out what it is, please let me know!) I stick to bodysuits with socks if it’s warm, all-in-one footie suits if it’s cold. You can get into fancier clothes later when baby does more than eat, sleep, poop, spit up and snuggle!
