Necessities for newborn?

Kurrant · February 2016

So this probably sounds like a stupid question but I'm looking for a list of items that you just can not do without once baby arrives. Most of the threads about newborn/baby items are about what moms found useful but I'm looking for "you must have this" types of things. So money is a bit ( read as extremely ) tight at the moment. Between surprise car and medical expenses it's all just a bit crazy around here. We won't be having a shower and I have given up on my registry. I want to give this little girl everything you could imagine . . . all the frivolous cute things . . . that's just not going to happen for a little while.

At the moment we have a Cot and a Bassinet and that's about it. I'm planning to breast feed and cloth diaper so I will have to get some clothies soon and someone (I think @kbrands7 ?) said a pump is handy for just in case baby doesn't take right away but I might wait till after for that . . . I'm just not sure! I feel so lost!

I sat down to make a "Need Soon" list and realized that aside from clothes and diapers and sheets for the bassinet I really have zero clue what is considered a need item for the first 3 or so months. Any input STMs?

ayeshaohara · February 2016

Car seat and stroller? There's actually not a lot you absolutely need from my understanding. I'm a FTM and we have only bought our cot and stroller so far. Other than car seat to come I feel like we could easily have baby and not buy anything extra other than some swaddles!

finnybooboo · February 2016

Really, you have the basics covered. Baby just needs to be fed, clothed, changed, bathed, and most importantly loved.

I liked having a changing pad which was inexpensive (like $20-25) but that's not necessary as the floor with a blanket down works just as well. If you have health insurance, make sure you check with them as many will cover the cost of breast pumps now days. If it's not covered, I agree it would be something that you could try to get if you needed it, or, I think some hospitals rent them out too which might be cheaper.

Get some bathing essentials (wash cloths, towels, sensitive baby shampoo) and a baby tub is a nice to have. We put ours in the sink the first few months.

Another nice to have would be something you could place baby in. Either a bouncer, swing, rock n play, something like that. If there are any consignment sales near you - find them and get there early because you can get stuff like that really cheap.

Oh, and I did forget probably the #1 essential which is the infant car seat, and if you have multiple cars, an extra base. If you don't want to purchase an entire travel system, I've heard a lot of mommas love the snap and go stroller frames, which allows the infant seat to snap right in. They're pretty reasonably priced and a great option until they've outgrown the infant seat.

Hope some of that helps!

krisspy22 · February 2016

Not sure if you live in the US, but if you do your insurance company is required to cover a breast pump at 100% cost. You'll need to check with your insurance company directly for what kind/brand they will cover, but that should save you some decent money!

DanandVan · February 2016

My list of essentials:
Car seat
Stroller
Diapers and wipes (awesome you are doing cloth!!!)
Pack n play or basinette
A few changing pads (thins ones you can put on the floor or wherever)
Baby clothes gently used (thrift, craigslist, etc)
Baby thermometer, nail clippers, nose sucker, 1 bottle of baby shampoo that will last like their entire babyhood, lol
Diaper bag (I found a great, chic looking bag for $2 at salvation army
Edit to add: a couple baby blankets (pennies at thrift store)
It is also nice to have a bouncer (used), wet bags to put dirty diapers and clothes in when you are out (Alva brand is about $6 on ebay), and if you can splurge on 1 thing, make it a good baby carrier (Ergo, Tula, Kinderpack, etc).

TXmamatobe · February 2016

Definitely add a thermometer to the list! We needed ours within the first week home. it's scary to have a baby with a fever so you'll want to be able to take the temp right away.

kbrands7 · February 2016

Essentials:
Diapers
Wipes or washcloths
Thermometer
Snot sucker
Carseat
Sleepers
Crib/bassinet/PNP (something for sleep)
Gentle soap

Nice to have in case/may be necessary:
At least a manual pump (they run around $30)
Coconut oil/ lanolin
Carrier or stroller

wsgjmw1 · February 2016

as PP said if you have health insurance - you may qualify for a free pump. I really didn't think I would but it turns out I do, I just have to call a phone number after baby is born and they send within three days.

Kurrant · February 2016

Thanks so much ladies! I didn't even think of some of these things like a thermometer and snot sucker! They seem like obvious things now but with stress and pregnancy brain I keep forgetting about all these things.

In NZ they don't cover the breast pumps so I would have to pay full price for that. I think I'll get the manual for now and get the electric in the months after.

doozer1345 · February 2016

In addition to what you already have... Blankets (you can get away with 3), bottles (you may be able to get away with 1-2) just in case, gowns/onesies (min 2-3), and wipes. Those are all have tos.

doozer1345 · February 2016

@Kurrant snot suckers are "usually" given at the hospital and you can take them home so I would ask before buying one.

araecasey · February 2016

I agree with the above, especially about getting baby items used from a thrift or consignment store, but want to specify a *rectal* thermometer. When DD was sick as a newborn, doctors only wanted her rectal temp because it's most accurate.

I could live without changing pads and strollers though.

proudparent2b · February 2016

As others have mentioned, a car seat is essential. Not sure about NZ, but in my state, babies are not allowed to leave the hospital unless you have a car seat for them.

nerdymama15 · February 2016

And with the carseat beware if you buy them used. Make sure the expiration date is still good.
Also, someone told me that nail clippers were a necessity because baby nails get sharp like talons.

MrsKubley · February 2016

You don't NEED a stroller and I never used a snot sucker.
You will use spit rags but they don't have to be fancy, just a piece if flannel would work

BlueJuice · February 2016

My must-have list (I'm fairly minimalist where baby gear is concerned):

- cloth diapers and covers, plus wipes

- sleeping place (crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper) and bedding (mattress sheet, a few receiving blankets)
- car seat(s)
- thermometer
- clothes - this can be a really small collection. Gowns, onesies, a few hats, socks. Especially since it won't be winter when our babies arrive.

Extras (things I could live without but really really liked having):

- a bouncy seat
- nursing pillow
- baby carrier/wrap
- breast pump and a few bottles
- tabletop changing pad
- nosefrida (best snot sucker ever!)

Standard things I didn't ever actually use:

- stroller
- baby monitor
- swing, play mat, exersaucer, etc.
- elaborate bedding (quilts, bumpers, etc.)
- pacifiers

There are some other things that I would add around 6 months, when baby becomes more mobile and solid food begins to be a thing, but to start out, I think this is pretty much my thoughts about the basics.

kp90 · February 2016

Kurrant said:

So this probably sounds like a stupid question but I'm looking for a list of items that you just can not do without once baby arrives. Most of the threads about newborn/baby items are about what moms found useful but I'm looking for "you must have this" types of things. So money is a bit ( read as extremely ) tight at the moment. Between surprise car and medical expenses it's all just a bit crazy around here. We won't be having a shower and I have given up on my registry. I want to give this little girl everything you could imagine . . . all the frivolous cute things . . . that's just not going to happen for a little while.

At the moment we have a Cot and a Bassinet and that's about it. I'm planning to breast feed and cloth diaper so I will have to get some clothies soon and someone (I think @kbrands7 ?) said a pump is handy for just in case baby doesn't take right away but I might wait till after for that . . . I'm just not sure! I feel so lost!

I sat down to make a "Need Soon" list and realized that aside from clothes and diapers and sheets for the bassinet I really have zero clue what is considered a need item for the first 3 or so months. Any input STMs?

@Kurrant Depending what health insurance you have, most all insurance companies will pay for a pump entirely or at least cover a portion of it. I would call them ASAP and inquire about this so you don't pay out of pocket for a pump if you don't have to.

kbrands7 · February 2016

BlueJuice said:

My must-have list (I'm fairly minimalist where baby gear is concerned):

- cloth diapers and covers, plus wipes
- sleeping place (crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper) and bedding (mattress sheet, a few receiving blankets)
- car seat(s)
- thermometer
- clothes - this can be a really small collection. Gowns, onesies, a few hats, socks. Especially since it won't be winter when our babies arrive.

Extras (things I could live without but really really liked having):

- a bouncy seat
- nursing pillow
- baby carrier/wrap
- breast pump and a few bottles
- tabletop changing pad
- nosefrida (best snot sucker ever!)

Standard things I didn't ever actually use:

- stroller
- baby monitor
- swing, play mat, exersaucer, etc.
- elaborate bedding (quilts, bumpers, etc.)
- pacifiers

There are some other things that I would add around 6 months, when baby becomes more mobile and solid food begins to be a thing, but to start out, I think this is pretty much my thoughts about the basics.

Yes-- this thing is amazing! Easy to use and clean, and it didn't freak DS out like the hospital freebie.
DS was pretty congested as a newborn, so we put some miles on this thing for sure until he was old enough to learn to blow, then massage out the snot.

It's also good to have a snot sucker in case of freak-aspiration incidences. They're not very common, but you really need one if it happens in that first week or so before they're good at coughing to clear it. Thankfully, we never needed to use it for that, but our hospital was adamant that it was a necessity.

Bltbear82 · February 2016

Second (or third?) the vote for a nosefrida and thermometer. Maybe I was overly nervous but I was really apprehensive of the bulbs and DS was very congested so it was good to have a safe option that I felt confident using.

Also a benefit to buying just the very basics to start is you can find out what your baby likes and dislikes without a huge investment. Don't stress, babies don't know they whether they have all the bells and whistles!

AdorkablePixie · February 2016

Your hospital may even supply you with a small manual pump. You may want to look into that, or even ask someone. I know a lot of the hospitals I've been to if you plan on breastfeeding, they will give you a manual pump. They did that for my best friend. It's just a little one that pumps into like a little bottle, but it's something.

sillyfox · February 2016

Car Seat
We almost never used the stroller, I would recommend a wrap or carrier (I love my Ergo!)
Diapers/wipes
Baby Wash (I like the Johnson & Johnson Head to Toe that you can use as shampoo & body wash)
Baby Monitor of some sort - I couldn't live without mine. I got a Samsung video monitor used on Craigslist for $80.
Pump/bottles/bags, lanolin for the first few weeks (it stains, beware!), some nursing tops or super stretchy V-neck/lowcut tops
I didn't use, and actually really disliked the disposable breast pads. They were itchy and uncomfortable on my raw nips. I might try some cloth ones this time but in all honesty I may skip them altogether.
You don't necessarily need a diaper bag, but make sure you have a pad to change the baby on. It is very rare that they have the disposable changing pads available in public restrooms, and I'm always grateful for the one that came in my diaper bag that I can just toss in the washer if it gets poop on it.
If you hadn't already bought the basinet I would say to skip it. We had DD in our room in her pack n play (which we still use for vacations etc, its pretty high on the necessity list!) until we moved her to her crib. A crib or pnp would be a more long term solution, they will only sleep in the bassinet for a few months. She is still in her crib at almost 2 years old.
For clothes, find your local goodwill! They have tons of baby clothes that are in great shape (some still have the original tags on) for like $1/outfit. Also, check your local FB buy/sell/trade groups, craigslist, etc. You can find some great stuff for really cheap, and since none of it is used for long it is mostly going to be in pretty good condition.

kbrands7 · February 2016

@sillyfox I'm with you on the dislike of disposable nursing pads! I found them to be uncomfortable and inconvenient because they'd fold and stick and such. I just shoved a bit of soft t-shirt jersey material in my bras if I was having a particularly leaky day and was out of the house. It was soft, absorbent, and washable, and I could adjust it as needed. If I was home, I mostly just didn't worry about it.

Slightly separate topic: I never used nursing bras either. I didn't find ones that were quick/easy enough (I hate those clips!) or supportive enough, so I just used a regular soft-formed-cup, low-cut demi and folded down the cup/popped the boob out as needed.

caterin · February 2016

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

araecasey · February 2016

caterin said:

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

I prefer a baby carrier. I've got a ring sling for this little one.

laurenmdrn16 · February 2016

caterin said:

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

Oh, believe me, with my son we were out and about right away! It was the fall so a little chilly here in New England, but I would wear him in a k'Tan wrap. Sometimes I would use the stroller, but honestly, post-CS it was hard to get him in it. It was so much easier to just wrap him up and go. And now with the second, I am going to rely even more on baby-wearing! If I need to have both hands on a stroller handle, I won't be able to wrangle my toddler as easily. Most of the moms in my area wear their babies instead of push in strollers, but it really is a personal preference. Since our diaper bag is an L.L. Bean backpack, I can wear the backpack in the back, baby in the front, and still have a tight grip on my son...and maybe an iced coffee! We are going to be hitting the town this spring!

doozer1345 · February 2016

caterin said:

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

I wore DD more than put her in a stroller. I intend to do the same thing with DD2. I'm kinda bummed I spent so much on my stroller. I have actually used the stroller that was a hand me down more than my $180+ stroller.

Bltbear82 · February 2016

caterin said:

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

I think it probably depends on where you live. I wore DS but not a ton and I walk everywhere, so it's easier to use a stroller so I can run errands. I don't have a trunk to store stuff in so my stroller basket is my trunk when we go food shopping, to the pharmacy or anywhere really.

I'm planning to wear DS2 more just so I have both hands free when we go to the park etc, but grocery stores in my neighborhood don't usually have full size carts so there's not a kid seat so I'll be using my stroller probably 99% of the time. Plus I'm due in early May, and it gets hot and humid here so I can't imagine wearing a baby and walking 20 blocks will be very fun.

sillyfox · February 2016

caterin said:

What's up with not really using a stroller? Just asking since I'm from Germany and all people I know had that on their number 1 list. Everyone I know used the stroller every single day, if it's just a walk through the park, getting fresh air in the neighborhood, grocery trips or weekend trips with the hubby. I'm looking so forward to push my baby around and get out of the house. I know everyone has different priorities and there are so many ways going out with baby. Just confused. My stroller is on top of my list. Hope I stick to my plan....

For groceries its very inconvenient. Even if I went to the store with DH it was so much easier to have baby on me than to have a stroller and a shopping cart. It barely fits in my trunk so it is always a huge pain to get it out and back in, where throwing her in a carrier is super quick and easy (after some practice). I used the stroller a little bit in our neighborhood maybe 2 weeks after she was born, before I was cleared to work out from my CS but I wanted some fresh air so I would walk aimlessly through our neighborhood. But I think maybe it has to do with the simple difference in culture that in the US we drive everywhere, and it is a pain to take a stroller in the car, but in Europe there seems to be a lot more walking everywhere from your front door, so a stroller is maybe an easier and less hassle option?

ETA for clarity

caterin · February 2016

Ladies, thanks so much for the insight! I plan on carrying baby as well, maybe it's just all these things first time mums "think" they need. I will still get a stroller, that's my splurge item to be honest. Will see what works best and you guys are right, it all depends on where you live... We have a boardwalk around the corner from my neighborhood I just see myself walking there, grabbing a coffee, and relax there... For real grocery shopping I carrier really makes more sense now since you guys mentioned it.

Bluejay3030 · February 2016

caterin said:

Ladies, thanks so much for the insight! I plan on carrying baby as well, maybe it's just all these things first time mums "think" they need. I will still get a stroller, that's my splurge item to be honest. Will see what works best and you guys are right, it all depends on where you live... We have a boardwalk around the corner from my neighborhood I just see myself walking there, grabbing a coffee, and relax there... For real grocery shopping I carrier really makes more sense now since you guys mentioned it.

It really does depend on where you live and your lifestyle. I used my stroller alllll the time with DD. I liked being able to drive somewhere and then just click the infant car seat into my stroller so I didn't have to wake her up. I also went for a lot of walks with it. I mainly used the baby carrier if DD was fussy, for traveling, or for quick trips to the grocery store.

camillaandcarson · February 2016

The main things I used were: clothes, diapers, boppy, wipes, lanolin for me those beginning nursing sessions, someplace for baby to sleep, a baby carrier (life saver!! -ergo), and a car seat. A little later a nursing teething necklace for me was a must every day when I nursed and baby needed something for their hands.

We we ended up rarely ever using a stroller, even when traveling. The ergo was the biggest life saver ever for years and so easy and portable. And it is somehow despite all of the use and going all over the country; in great condition and ready for #2.

JoMunson · February 2016

Can I get some clarification on Pack n Plays? We got our baby a rocking/vibrating bassinet for when they're really small and have a crib for when they're a little bigger. The bassinet folds in half for travel/moving (in laws live three hours away). We also have a changing dresser and two portable changing pads. I see some people talking about how they loved pack n plays but I can't really tell if it's a "need" for our family.

proudparent2b · February 2016

JoMunson said:

Can I get some clarification on Pack n Plays? We got our baby a rocking/vibrating bassinet for when they're really small and have a crib for when they're a little bigger. The bassinet folds in half for travel/moving (in laws live three hours away). We also have a changing dresser and two portable changing pads. I see some people talking about how they loved pack n plays but I can't really tell if it's a "need" for our family.

I'm really into spending time outside- whether that be hours on the back deck while DH grills, going to parks for picnics, etc. So for me, I see it as a place to let LO be able to take naps/relax while we're all enjoying nature together. Of course, we don't have any family in town, so it'll also be used for family visits.

JoMunson · February 2016

@proudparent2b that makes sense. We're big outdoor people too- we plan on doing a camping trip when LO is two months. We were just going to bring the rocker but maybe a pack n play is better.

saladflambe · February 2016

Do a quick search on Facebook and the like for childrens' consignment sales -- there are a lot of them! Big ones usually held as fundraisers at churches, etc.

I'm hoping to get as much as possible 2nd hand. I've also bought all my maternity clothing through consignment.

JoMunson · February 2016

@saladflambe YES! We got almost all of LO's clothes at thrift stores. I felt like I could get him more/go as far as 9 months (I even got a few 12 month items) because I wasn't spending $20 per outfit!

helleebellee · February 2016

Car seat
Diapers and wipes
Onesies (pants, too, if it's going to be cold)
Swaddle blankets
Breast pads, if that's the route you choose.
Bottles and formula, if not BFing.

I could get by with just those and nothing else. My hospital gives us a manual breast pump, but I'm not sure what other hospitals do. I can totally relate to your situation as money is tight right now. I'm going the minimalist route and I'll get things as I need them, if I need them and can afford them. Most things are just conveniences, but definitely nice to have. A baby carrier/wrap is a good alternative to a stroller, but neither are necessary. It's nice to have a separate diaper bag, again, not necessary (I got two from my hospital). Start out as basic as possible and add from there.

ETA: Actually, my hospital gave me a lot of stuff, even a thermometer. Maybe see if you can find out what, if anything, is given so you don't buy it.

southerngirlgetsfit · February 2016

I am a FTM due in May so I don't know from experience, but I have worked in a daycare with 6 week olds and tons of nieces and nephews. The only things I believe you NEED are:
-diapers and wipes
-formula if you plan to formula feed (and even if you don't. You never know if the baby will latch or take to breastfeeding). The good news is, though, I have found most formula brands send free samples to get you by, and the hospital will probably send some home with you too. Sign up for a few samples using your name, SO's name, mom's address, etc.
-clothes, obviously, but I have found super cheap deals on facebook for sale groups, craigslist, garage sales and just friends and family that give hand me downs
- a bassinet or something for baby to sleep in. I would recommend a rock n play sleeper or something similar that could also be used to place the baby in during the day while you get other tasks done. A pack n play would work too, as I know many parents put their babies sleeping in them at night.
-a swaddle blanket or two (could also be found cheap on facebook groups or cosignment shops.
-bath supplies like shampoo or soap, specifically for baby. Baby can be bathed in the sink on a towel if need be. I wouldn't think a baby tub would be absolutely necessary. Same with washcloths made specifically for babies. Most moms I know told me not to even both, as they don't hold much soap, so I just plan to use our regular ones.
-carseat. check with your insurance, ours allows 2 per family for $30 per seat.

sillyfox · February 2016

JoMunson said:

Can I get some clarification on Pack n Plays? We got our baby a rocking/vibrating bassinet for when they're really small and have a crib for when they're a little bigger. The bassinet folds in half for travel/moving (in laws live three hours away). We also have a changing dresser and two portable changing pads. I see some people talking about how they loved pack n plays but I can't really tell if it's a "need" for our family.

We primarily use ours for travel. The first month or so we had it in our room, but DD is almost 2 and it is great to pop up at grandparents or in a hotel room and have her own bed. She refuses to cosleep, now that she's older we almost wish we could just throw her in a king bed with us when we travel but she just climbs over us and plays and laughs and jumps, etc. So PNP it is!

doozer1345 · February 2016

JoMunson said:

Can I get some clarification on Pack n Plays? We got our baby a rocking/vibrating bassinet for when they're really small and have a crib for when they're a little bigger. The bassinet folds in half for travel/moving (in laws live three hours away). We also have a changing dresser and two portable changing pads. I see some people talking about how they loved pack n plays but I can't really tell if it's a "need" for our family.

We got DD a bassinet and she hated it so much she would only "allow" us to change her in it. She ended up sleeping in her swing until 4-5 mos and then we switched her to the pack n play in our bedroom (her bedroom is upstairs so I was uncomfortable with er being up there that young). My ILs had her sleep in a pack n play as well at their house. I wouldn't know what to do with the pack n play in my house.

JoMunson · February 2016

Thanks everyone for the pack n play tips! My SIL has one, I'm gunna see if we can borrow it when we do trips if baby doesn't like his rocker when he's new/were camping this summer.

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