What if you could only have 15 items for those first few newborn months?
Here are my TOP 15. Give me these 15 and I’m “all set.”
1. Diapers – Cloth or Disposable, take your pick, but you’ll need something to cover up that super sweet bottom. Unless, of course, you decide to go diaper-free.
2. Wipes – Wipes are important for diaper changes, but they also have a multitude of other uses. The Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes from Costco are our favorite – they’re soft and unscented and excellently packaged.
3. Car Seat – This item is non-negotiable…unless you want to negotiate with the police, that is. I recommend a “convertible” car seat so that you baby can stay in the same seat from newborn all the way through to pre-K.
4. Onesies or Footsies, depending on the season – If it’s hot, stock up on about 6 onesies per size. If it’s cold, go with footsies. Opt for simple pieces in soft materials. Steer clear of lace, decorative buttons, fancy collars, and other frou-frou details that make the garments difficult to take on and off.
5. Receiving Blankets - I suppose any brand will do, but we’ve found that aden + anais wraps just can’t be beat. They’re soft and breathable and big enough for use beyond the first few weeks.
6. Washcloths – You’ll use these for bath time…and for massaging out plugged tear ducts…and for wiping boogers on that you suck out with the nasal aspirator. Ah, the many magnificent tasks of parenthood. Bummas cloths are particularly soft and nicely shaped.
7. Mattress Protector – If co-sleeping has crossed your mind, you won’t want to go without a mattress protector. You wouldn’t want to ruin your fancy mattress with throw-up, breast milk, blow-outs, and other liquids commonly associated with having babies. Neither would I…which is why we have 8. Changing Pad and Cover – You’ll need somewhere to change the baby’s diaper and you might as well make it a soft, cozy spot.
9. Somewhere to set the baby down – I know you won’t want to ever put that baby down (and you don’t have to…don’t listen to those people that say you’ll spoil the baby!), but having at least one place to set your baby down is a good idea for when you have to go to the bathroom or take a shower. Think: crib, bassinet, swing, baby rocker, or play pen. I recommend picking something portable and lightweight so you can carry it from room-to-room.
10. Baby Fingernail Clippers – Newborn nails are razor-sharp, super thin, and hard to cut. Make it easier on yourself by investing in a pair of clippers that are specially designed for the tiniest of fingers.
11. A Digital Camera - If you don’t already have one, now is the time to invest in one. Buy the best one you can afford…preferably an SLR. $500+ may seem like a hefty sum to spend, but capturing memories and stories as your baby grows up is positively priceless.
12. Baby Soap – There are all kinds of baby washes and soaps out on the market – scented, unscented, organic, natural, chemical-free, creamy, gel-y, bubbly, etc. We prefer soaps that are as free of extra chemicals as possible, but I’m not brand loyal yet. (Are you?).
13. Baby Carrier – You never realize how nice it is to be able to use both of your hands until you’re a new mom. Carriers make that possible. You can choose between slings, mei tais, pouches, wraps, and more. Lately, I’ve been wearing the BabyHawk Mei Tai.
14. Jogging Stroller – For me, this was/is a necessity because running is how I stay in shape and retain my sanity. It’s so nice to just be able to lace up my tennies and head for the pavement…no gym fees, babysitters, or driving time required!
15. Baby Monitor – It’s nice to be able to “check in” on your baby from another room. Audio monitors are okay. Video monitors are even better.
It’s important to note that babies require very little – in terms of commercial rubbish, that is. As my husband so aptly put it, “babies require almost none of the items on traditional baby registry lists, but they require ALL of YOU.” They need your love and attention, your warm arms, your one-of-a-kind smile, your sparkling eyes, your patience, and just a few “basics”.
I could probably whittle this list down to ten and be perfectly fine.
YOUR TURN: What would be your “TOP 15″ items? Did I miss anything that you just couldn’t live without?
