If you’re pregnant, you’re likely being targeted with some of the world’s best marketing: marketing toward new moms. Baby companies know you desire to be the best, most prepared mom you can be, and they can play off that desire and cause you to make purchases you may not need.
We searched online, asked our mom friends, and took the experiences of the women we serve into account to compile a list of baby must-haves and baby nice-to-haves. Keep reading to discover what’s essential and what’s not.
Diapering
Must-haves:
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- (1) Pack Size Newborn Diapers
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- (1) Pack Size 1 Diapers
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- (1) Pack Size 2 Diapers
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- (1) Pack Size 3 Diapers
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- (4) Packs Wipes
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- (1) Diaper Rash Cream
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Diaper Bag*
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- (1) Diaper Pail
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- (1) Diaper Caddy
*A medium-sized bag or tote is a great swap for a diaper bag.
Bathing
Must-haves:
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- (1) Baby Shampoo/Wash
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- (1) Baby Lotion
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- (2) Baby Towels
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- (2) Baby Washcloths
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Baby Bath and/or Baby Bath Seat
Feeding
Must-haves:
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- (3) Bottles
- (3) Bibs
- (2) Burp cloths
- (1) High Chair
- (1) Set of Baby Bowls and Utensils
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Boppy Pillow
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- (1) Travel Formula Container (if formula feeding)
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- (1) Breastpump (if pumping)*
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- (3) Nursing Bras (if breastfeeding and/or pumping)
*Available through many insurance providers and the WIC Program.
Toys
Must-haves:
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- (1) Teether
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- (2) Pacifiers
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Play Mat
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- (1) Activity Center
Places to Set Baby Down
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Newborn Lounger*
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- (1) Bouncer and/or Swing*
*If you’re not planning to get a lounger, bouncer, or swing, you can always set your baby down in his/her crib to get a break when you need one.
Clothing
Must-haves:
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- (1) Hat
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- (3) Socks
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- (2) Swaddles
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- (3-5) 0-3 month outfits*
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- (3-5) 3-6 month outfits*
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- (3-5) 6-9 month outfits*
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- (3-5) 9-12 month outfits*
*Baby sleepers are some of the greatest outfits for your baby! They can be worn day and night and are super convenient for you and comfy for your baby.
Sleep
Must-haves:
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- (1) Crib
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- (1) Crib Mattress
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- (1) Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector
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- (2) Crib Sheets
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Pack and Play
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- (1) Bassinet
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- (2) Bassinet Sheets
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- (1) Sound Machine
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- (1) Baby Monitor
Travel
Must-haves:
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- (1) Car Seat (Infant or Convertible)
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- (1) Car Mirror
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Stroller
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- (1) Wrap Carrier
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- (1) Structured Carrier
Medicine/Toiletries
Must-haves:
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- (1) Nail Clipper and File
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- (1) Hair Brush
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- (1) Thermometer
Nice-to-haves:
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- (1) Infant Tylenol
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- (1) Infant Motrin
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- (1) Gripe Water
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- (1) Gas Drops
Budgeting for Baby Items
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re an expecting mom. This transition can be a lot to take in between life changes, body changes, and financial stressors. Take time to process all that is changing around you and root yourself in rhythms to help you prepare.
One way to get the baby items you need is to budget overtime. If you found out you’re pregnant at 6 weeks, you’d have 34 weeks to budget for all the essentials. Whether it’s $5, $10, or $100 monthly, stash what you can spare and watch it grow.
If you’re located in the Triad, we offer free baby items through our Pregnancy 101 class. Each week you attend, you’ll receive a gift from us. Learn more about The Pregnancy Network’s free services and resources below.
Chloe Belk
Chloe is the Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.