Having four kids and a fifth on the way, I’ve gone through my share of baby STUFF both essential must-haves and the not so must-have luxury items. I take pride in the fact that I’m a fairly simple person and don’t like a lot of clutter. That being said, you will probably find lists circulating around the internet that are a lot more comprehensive. I just found that those baby items that do not serve a long-term purpose are not worth it. Also, here in south Florida, it rarely gets cold, so the list below does not include any winter clothing.
Here is what I think are the bare essentials for breastfeeding babies, plus a few optional items.
Baby Gear
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Travel System (Car seat+Stroller)
The infant car seat travel system is a MUST for me. The biggest benefit of having s travel system is that the car seat clips right into the matching stroller. It makes transporting sleeping babies easy. There is no need to pull the child out of the car seat and strap them into a stroller. So, if a baby falls asleep in the carseat, you just pull the carseat out of the car base, snap it onto the stroller; and when you ready to put the baby back in the car, just snap the carseat back into the car base. For my first three kids, I used the chicco infant travel system. For my fourth, I purchased the Britax B-agile travel system. Both travel system are great and we loved them. The only reason why I did not repurchase the chicco, is simply because I wanted to try something different. Both travel systems are reasonably priced and have amazing ratings and reviews.
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Diaper bag + organizers
Diaper bags can be anything from a store bought “baby bag” with multiple pockets and compartments to a large purse or even a backpack. Anything that can help contain baby necessities while on the go are considered diaper bags. I like using the traditional messenger “diaper bags”. They have compartments and bottle holding pouches, and they can easily be put over a stroller handle. So, for me, that’s what works best. I also like to organize the diaper bag to make it easy for find things. So, I highly recommend having some sort of organizer. They can be as fancy as store bought matching pouches to homemade fabric bags to even ziplock bags. The idea is to be able to contain like items together and easy to find. I am currently using the Skip Hop messenger bag, with the tender kisses 8 piece chevron accessories. The accessories came with a messenger bag, but it is NOT the same quality. So, I am sticking to my skip hop, just replacing it with a BIGGER bag since I’ll be toting around two kids under two. I have also used the baby bag mesh organize in the past and loved it. When you are packing your diaper bag, the labels help to remind you of what to take, and for diaper changes, you can easily just pull out the mesh bag for diapers rather than having to rumage through the entire bag.
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Baby carrier or sling
A must for when you need to get work done and baby wants to be held. The baby carrier allows you to carry the baby hands free. I have used the Lillebaby. However, Baby Bjorn also comes highly recommended.
Diapering
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Diapers
Any diaper in the newborn size will work. Newborns change size pretty quickly, so 1 pack is a good start. Also, the hospital may give you some to bring home.
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Wipes
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Diaper Pail (optional)
For my first three kids, I used the diaper genie a lot. It helps to contain the odor. For my fourth, I got a little lazy and found changing the genie liner to be too cumbersome. So, instead I just kept the used diapers in a designated trash with a lid. I would take the trash out every night, and start fresh in the morning.
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Caddy (optional)
I dont own a changing table, never have and never will. Its one of those pieces of furniture that has never resonated with me. I find that is just easy and even more convenient to change a diaper on the floor, or the bed. Living in a 2-story, I find that having a small diaper changing station set up in several areas of the home works best. To make diaper changing easy, I store all my diaper changing essentials, diapers, wipes, a tube of vaseline, and a changing mat inside a caddy. I have a diaper changing caddy in my family room and one upstairs in my bedroom. A caddy is not necessary, a basket works just as well.
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Diaper changing mat
The diaper bag usually comes with a changing mat. However, I like to keep a changing mat in my diaper changing caddy for use during diaper changes at home.
Feeding
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Double Electric Breast Pump
I currently have the Madela in style that I got for a nominal fee from my insurance. I have yet to use it. But, when I do, I’ll post a review on it. For my last pregnancy, I received the Spectra free of charge from my insurance. For my first three children, I used the Lansinoh brand (which also goes by the name Ameda). I absolutely loved my Lansinoh.
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Breast milk storage bags
The disposable storage bags are convenient for freezing and storing breastmilk. The bags can either be laid flat in the freezer until it freezes and then organized in a container or stored in a breastmilk storage bag organizer. Storing them this way, takes the least amount of space in the freezer. The bags come with a measurement guide and a place to write the date and volume of the stored milk. It is extremely helpful in creating a stash for future use.
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Breastmilk Storage Bag Organizer (optional)
If you have the space to store the organizer, it makes it easy to organize the frozen bags of breastmilk.
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Disposable nursing pads
I’ve used both washable nursing pads and disposable ones. I found that the disposable ones absorb better and stay dry.
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Nursing pillow (optional)
For me personally, a nursing pillow has just been a waste of space and money. However, I have friends that swear by it. So, I thought I would add it to this list. If you are a first time mom, it could be helpful in positioning the baby for optimal latch, and allowing you to hold the baby more comfortably without straining your back and arms. If you choose not to invest in nursing pillow, you could achieve the same results by strategically positioning regular pillows both under the baby for support, and around your self (especially under the arm on which the baby’s head is resting).
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4 oz Baby Bottles
If you are a nursing mommy, you will not need too many of these. However, if you are going to purchase bottles for use with breastmilk, I strongly urge you to invest in breastfeeding-friendly bottles. Many bottles now come with the mechanism that allows the bottle to mimic the breast. Babies suckle differenly on a breast than on a regular bottle, their lip and tongue placements are different as well as the milk flow. This is the primary cause of nipple confusion. You can prevent this by introducing a bottle after the baby has fully established breastfeeding, and use slow flowing nipples. I use the tommie tippie bottle for breast milk. But there are several other brands as well as some eco-friendly options.
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Brush and rack for bottle cleaning (optional)
As a nursing mom, I didn’t use or even own enough bottles to justify this purchase. Occasionally when I would use a bottle, I found it easier to clean it in the top rack of the dishwasher or by adding in a little soap and water immediately after use and giving the bottle a nice shake, and a light rub using my fingers. After that, just rinse and lay on a drying mat to air dry.
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Bibs (optional)
Bibs can be helpful when you do decide to bottle feed your breastmilk. It was extremely instrumental in keeping my little ones dry after spit ups. My first three children used to spit up A LOT. To avoid having to constantly change them, I started putting a bib on them during the day. It was a lifesaver. Whenever they would spit up, I would just change out the bib. We would go through several bibs a day, but it was a lot easier to change out the bibs and it kept their chest dry. Whereas spit ups on the clothing seep immediately onto the baby’s tender skin.
Clothing
2-4 Side button long sleeve shirts with mittens – size newborn
These shirts are great as undershirts. In the first few days when the umbilical area is still healing, I use these so that the onesies don’t stain. Plus, being in a hot climate area, we can’t put on too many layers. So, I just use these side button shirts and swaddle the baby in a flannel receiving blanket. It makes diaper changes a breeze. Also, I love that the long sleeves have the attached mittens. Other than my youngest, my kids have all been scratchers. The attatched mittens work much better than the detached no-scratch mittens. They stay in place and can easily be used and removed. I later use them as undershirts worn under dresses or short sleeve onesies.
5-6 onesies – short sleeve (0-3 Months)
Short sleeve onesies are good to use when the baby is swaddled. If the weather gets cooler, they can be paired with the long sleeve side button shirts or as an undershirt under a long sleeved Sleep n Play.
2-3 Baby Caps
Babies are used to living in the warmth of the mother’s womb. In the early days, babies are still developing the mechanism to regulate their body temperature. So, its important to dress newborns in layers with a cap so that they stay warm. Baby caps can be store bought or handmade. The item picture below was crocheted by my eldest daughter for her baby sister.
Socks
For the first couple months, the babies will be swaddled so their feet are covered, and hence socks are not necessary. However, it is always helpful to have them on hand. So, I recommend either a white set or matching colored set; 1 pack of 3-6 pairs is more than enough.
5-6 zippered sleep n’ plays (or button down)
These are the full layettes with long sleeves and footsies. They can be used as pajamas at night or as a daytime outfit during the colder months. To make nighttime diaper changes easier, we prefer to use the zippered rather than having to close buttons while being half asleep. However, button ones also have a benefit, you can just open the bottom buttons for diaper changes, and keep the top of the baby covered.
2-3 pants
6-8 Carters flannel Receiving blankets or similar
I like the Carters brand receiving blankets because are a larger size (40×30). Other receiving blankets usually measure 30×30. The larger size is more versatile and will have longer usage. In the first few months, these blankets are the perfect size for swaddling little ones. Later, they can also be used as burp cloths, nursing cover, and drying cloth. Some people prefer the muslin receiving blankets, but I personally did not like them.
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Burp Cloths (optional)
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2-3 regular soft blankets
For the Home/ Nursery
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Crib/ Bassinet + Mattress
I put this on the list, however, I didn’t actually use a crib for ANY of my kids. In our home we utilize the montessori floor bed, which is just a mattress on the floor. The bassinet was helpful during my six-week stay at my parents for my postpartum recovery. However, since it was temporary, I borrowed the bassinet from a friend. I also co-sleep with my kids for the first couple months since it makes it easier to nurse at night.
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Mattress cover
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Fitted crib sheets
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Foldable baby bather
I have used my foldable bather for all of my kids. I bought it when my first baby was born and was able to hold on to it for 10 years. Unlike a baby bathtub, the bather folds and can be easily stored in the cabinet under the sink. Once the baby is able to, you can easier bathed them directly in a tub. So, both the baby bathtub and the bather are only for use for the first 6-8 months.
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10 Baby washcloths
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Hooded towels
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High chair
We have used Chicco for our first three kids, and recently purchased a graco for our younger kids.
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Scent free baby wash & shampoo
I have used Aveeno for all of my children. It is scent free and gentle on the baby’s skin.
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Scent free laundry detergent
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Fisher price take along swing (or rock n play or Baby Bouncer) – (optional)
For my first baby, I borrowed a baby swing from my sister-in-law. The swing took up a lot space, during a time in my life when space was a huge commodity. I returned the swing within two months and survived pretty well without it. Because I didn’t use it for my first, I never felt the need for it in my other kids. However, for my fourth baby, I received the Fisher price take along swing as a gift, and before I could put it away, my older kids opened up the package and disposed of the gift receipt that accompanied the gift. So, I had to keep it. I won’t lie, we LOVED using it.
PRO: Unlike its bigger, bulkier competitors, this swing is portable and takes up very little space.
CON: The swing can only be used safely for the first few months. Although the weight limit indicates it is safe to use up to 25 lbs, my son was too active and could not safely use it past 6 months.
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Nasal aspirator (usually the hospital will you give one)
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Head shaping pillow
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Ear thermometer
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