You might be nervous about caring for a baby financially if you’re unexpectedly pregnant.
How many baby items do you actually need? Will it be expensive? You need much fewer items than social media or brands tell you. You need:
1. Somewhere for baby to sleep.
Your baby needs somewhere to sleep that follows safe sleep recommendations. This can be a crib, a bassinet, or a portable play yard. You need a firm, flat surface with no other people and no extra items like blankets and pillows. A safe sleep space helps lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
2. Some way for baby to eat.
Breastfeeding is free and extremely beneficial for you and your baby. You’ll also need a breast pump, bottles, bottle sterilizer, and breastmilk storage bags if you’re planning to work or attend classes away from your baby.
- Prepare to breastfeed: Make a free appointment with our lactation consultant!
- Get a breast pump for free with insurance or some Medicaid plans
If you choose to feed with formula, you’ll need bottles, formula, and a bottle sterilizer if you don’t have a dishwasher with a sanitize setting.
3. Something for baby to wear.
You’ll need baby clothes with different layers based on the weather. Babies grow quickly, so be prepared with newborn and 0-3 month clothes before birth.
4. Diapers and wipes.
You’ll need disposable or washable diapers and wipes ready as soon as you give birth.
5. A car seat to keep baby safe in the car.
You’ll need a car seat anywhere your baby will ride in a car. Don’t forget to bring this to the hospital when you give birth!
6. Health items.
Make sure you have a thermometer, nasal aspirator, and newborn vitamin D3 drops (only if you’re planning to breastfeed). Sicknesses can be extremely difficult for your newborn to fight. A thermometer allows you to monitor your baby’s health if they appear unwell, and a nasal aspirator clears sinuses and avoids infections if they do get sick. Newborn Vitamin D3 drops help keep your breastfed baby healthy since they can’t make this on their own or get it from your milk.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.