The one thing you’ll need to know when planning baby’s wardrobe is that babies poop often and generously! Since baby poo is runny, it tends to get on EVERYTHING! You may find yourself changing baby’s outfit a few times a day… (and doing lots of poopy laundry, oh joy!)

Layette

10-15 bodysuits or onesies (wide head openings, snaps at bottom)

4-6 one-piece pajamas

2 blanket sleepers (for winter baby)

2-3 sweaters or jackets (for winter baby)

4-6 rompers or other outfits (preferrably with feet, as socks tend to get lost!)

4-7 socks or booties (shoes are cute but unnecessary until baby walks)

1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer baby, soft cap that covers ears for winter baby)

No-scratch mittens

Bunting bag or fleece suit (for winter baby)

Swimsuit for (summer baby)

Nursery

Crib, cradle or bassinet
• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)

2-3 washable crib mattress pads

Bumper pads covering inside perimeter (secured by at least six ties or snaps, with all extra length removed)

2-4 fitted crib sheets

4-6 soft, light receiving blankets

1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)

Rocking or arm chair

Music box, sound machine or CD player

Crib mobile with black and white images (remove when baby can support self on hands and knees)

Baby monitor

Nightlight (good for night-time feedings and diaper changes)

Dresser

Toy basket

Swing or bouncy chair

Changing

Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser or bureau, with safety strap or railing

Changing table pad

4-6 washable changing table pad covers

Diaper pail & liners

Diaper cream

Unscented baby wipes (although for Baby’s sensitive skin, rinsing over the sink works best!)

Soft washcloths

2-3 boxes disposable newborn-size diapers {or}

6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers

Bath

Baby bathtub

Baby soap/shampoo

2-4 soft towels or hooded baby towels

Baby hairbrush

Soft washcloths (use a different color or pattern than your diaper washcloths!)

Feeding

For nursing moms:

2-3 nursing bras (Breasts swell following birth, so start with one size larger than your maternity bra. Wait until size settles down — about two weeks after birth — to purchase additional bras.)

Nursing pads

Nipple cream (lanolin)

Nursing pillow

Pump (even if you plan only to nurse, a pump will allow you to leave milk for baby if you want or need to separate)

Milk storage bags

Breast milk is the healthiest as well as most convenient food for new babies: no bottles, nipples, warmers, or formula needed! However if you will be unable to nurse, here’s what you’ll need:

10-16 bottles and nipples, both four and eight ounce (if fed strictly by the bottle, baby will go through about ten in the four ounce size per day)

Liners, for disposable bottles

Formula

Bottle warmer (cuts down on nighttime trips to and from the kitchen)

Bottle sterilizer (if your dishwasher doesn’t have one)

Bottle brush

Dishwasher basket for small items

4-8 bibs

Burp cloths (or cloth diapers)

High chair

2-4 pacifiers

Medicine Cabinet

Baby nail clippers

Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)

Baby thermometer

Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator

Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements

Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Antibiotic cream

Saline nasal drops

Baby gas drops

Travel

Infant or convertible car seat

Stroller (reclining to almost flat for infants)

Diaper bag

Changing pad

Baby carrier/sling

For Mom

Ice packs (in case of tearing during birth or swelling after)

2-3 week supply of ultra absorbent sanitary pads

Panty liners