Baby Shopping List

During your pregnancy, you have so many decisions to make, and so much to prepare before your new baby is born. You may want to begin purchasing clothing, a car seat, and furniture for the baby. Don't forget about all the items your new baby will need on a daily basis, such as diapers, wash cloths, bottles, burp cloths, and more! If you are having a baby shower, your friends and family may also ask you what items they can help you with. We recommend talking to other new moms about the items they purchased for their babies, and the brands that they recommend. There are so many baby items and different brands to choose from, that it may be helpful to get some expert advice, so that you will not be stressed about these decisions.

The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) has provided the following list of items a new born baby will need to help you in your shopping efforts, so you can concentrate on staying healthy, resting, and being excited for your new baby's birth. We have also included links to web pages with safety information about those products that may pose a risk to your baby if safety guidelines are not followed. If you have any additional questions about the safety of baby products, we recommend that you ask your health care provider. The most important thing to remember is that your baby only needs food, shelter and you; so don't be overwhelmed by the numerous baby products available.

What The Baby Will Need At The Hospital

Baby shirt and sleeper
Receiving blanket
Diapers and wipes (some hospitals provide an initial supply of these)
Safety pins and rubber or nylon pants (if you are using cloth diapers)
Heavy blanket, sweater, and hat, for the baby, if the weather is cold.
Infant car seat
Diaper bag
Safety Items

Night Lights, or soft lighting
Baby Monitor
Baby Nail/Clippers/Scissors Manicure Set
Things You'll Need To Transport The Baby

Car seat - you will need to find out the specifications for a car seat that will fit in your car. All car seats are not made alike.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/travel/auto.html or; http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/travel/auto_p3.html
Stroller
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Backpacks and soft carriers
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/learning/products_p2.html
Diaper bag - since this is something you will be carrying around for about 3 years, choose one that is comfortable and durable for you.
The Baby's Room

Crib, and crib linens
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Play pen, etc.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Changing table
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Dresser
Glider or Rocking Chair
Suggested Items For Your Home

Diapers or cloth diapers - we recommend that you get a couple of different brands of diapers so you can test them out and choose your favorite.
Receiving Blankets - for more information, click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5049.html
Clothing
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/slpwear.html
Bottles - be sure to get the correct size of nipples, such as preemie, or newborn.
Breast pump - if you plan to breast feed.
Pacifier
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Bathtubs
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Washcloths
Hooded Towels
Diaper disposal system - good to have, but not necessary.
Burp Cloths and waterproof lap pads
Things You'll Need As The Baby Gets Older

Outlet protectors
Toys
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Books
Walker
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
High Chair
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html
Gates
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/200.html