What do I really need for the baby?

aocain02@yahoo.com

I'm putting together a list of what I really need to take care of my baby the first couples weeks. Can anyone help me with the absolute necessities?

Anna&Matt

crib or bassinet and sheets for it

newborn and 0-3 month sleepers/onesies

carseat and stroller

blankets - thick ones for going out in the cold, receiving blankets for around the house, burp cloths

baby bath tub and bath supplies

diapers, wipes, etc

bottles and formula if you plan to use formula - if not, nipple cream for you.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something - I've also heard bouncers or swings are good to have but not essential.

Hip2Bsquare

Anna&Matt:

crib or bassinet and sheets for it

newborn and 0-3 month sleepers/onesies

carseat and stroller

blankets - thick ones for going out in the cold, receiving blankets for around the house, burp cloths

baby bath tub and bath supplies

diapers, wipes, etc

bottles and formula if you plan to use formula - if not, nipple cream for you.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something - I've also heard bouncers or swings are good to have but not essential.

I would agree with everything here except the stroller....I am not planning to purchase that until later...I plan to use a Moby wrap or ergo carrier at first.

erinkate23

Add medicine cabinet stuff: thermometer, suction bulb, baby nail clippers, baby tylenol, a humidifier or vaporizer ($20), diaper rash cream.  If you need one of these things you'll probably need it at 2am when the stores are closed.

PurpleK26

I'm not reading anyone else's lists before I type this, so I'm sure I'll double up on a few, but this is what I feel is absolutely needed:

Carseat

Some clothes

Some blankets

Diapers (although the hospital usually send you home with a bunch)

Somewhere for LO to sleep. As another bumpie put it, LO couldn't care less where, they'd be happy in a dresser drawer! 

Formula if you re planning on FF.  If you're planning on BFing, don't even buy a little formula. The hospital will give you alot to take home if you can't BF.

serrill2

Carseat

sleepers or one piece clothes with a hat to wear.

a box of diapers and some wipes and some rash cream

a small baby kit with thermometer

a couple bottles and some formula if you aren't b/f.

blankets and sheets for where you have baby sleeping.

a pack of receiving blankets that can double as burp clothes

I would buy a binkie

Some baby soap and vaseline if you have a boy and do a circ.

kattyleigh

If you're going to BF, I'd get a My Brest Friend.  It has been my lifesaver.  I hate Boppy.

Married2MrWright

ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVES:

Carseat (if you drive/have a car) or stoller/carrier (if you live w/out a car and don't drive...i.e. big city with public transportation) 

Safe place for baby to sleep (bassinet, crib, PnP or if you plan to bedshare, the proper accomodations made to your bed to make it safer)

Diapers/Wipes (cloth or disposable).  If cloth, make sure you have the proper detergent to clean them (unless you're using a diaper service).

Clothing - lots of onsies, socks, and one piece sleepers, a few hats/caps

Burp cloths (can use cloth diapers...you don't need fancy burp cloths)

Swaddling blankets as well as some plusher blankets for covering up outside or in the car

Bottles & nipples as well as formula if you're not going to breast feed

Infant care/first aid kit (thermometer, nasal aspirator, nail clippers, etc.)  also some baby shampoo/soap.  An infant bath is nice, but not essential...same goes for hooded towels and baby wash cloths...nice but not essential.