Essential Baby Accessories

Posted on 08/31/2017 by AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center

If you are getting ready to welcome a baby into your family, now is the time to start learning about the essential items you will need in order to be prepared. You might have an idea of what you need, but it is easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed as you begin to set up the nursery and gather all the accessories you will need in the early months of your child's life. To get started on the right path, read on to learn about the essentials you will need for your newborn.

The Baby Checklist

You might not realize how much your newborn baby needs until you actually start shopping. To ensure you do not forget anything, it is wise to compile a list of the necessities prior to the arrival of your newest family member.

Baby Clothes

When choosing clothing items for your baby, think in terms of what is practical, comfortable, and cozy. Here are some of the essentials:

Onesies
Undershirts
One-piece pajamas
Blanket sleepers
Sweaters or jackets
Socks or booties (shoes are not necessary until your baby is able to walk)
Hats (a broad-brimmed hat for the summer and a soft cap that covers the ears for the winter)
Bunting bag or a fleece suit for the winter

Nursery

Before you preoccupy yourself with the details of décor for your baby's nursery, consider these furniture essentials that will make caring for your newborn easier and safer:

Crib, cradle or bassinet
A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib
Washable crib mattress pads, fitted crib sheets, blankets for warm and cold weather
Rocking chair or arm chair
Baby monitor
Nightlight
Dresser

Diapers

Changing diapers is going to be one of your most frequently performed tasks, and there are some must-haves you will need to help you pick up this skill even faster.

Changing table or a cushioned changing pad for a table with a safety strap or railing
Diaper pail and liners
Diaper bag
Diaper cream
Unscented baby wipes
Washcloths
Cloth diapers and diaper covers, or disposable newborn-sized diapers

Bath Necessities

Giving your new baby a bath will also require the right gear:

Baby bathtub
Baby soap and shampoo
Soft towels or hooded baby towels
Baby hairbrush
Soft washcloths that are a different color than your diaper washcloths

Feeding

You will be feeding your newborn around the clock and, whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you will need the right gear. Here is what you will need:

Several bottles and nipples, both 4 and 8 ounces
Bottle brush
Dishwasher basket
Several bibs
Burp cloths
Pacifiers
Formula (for those who do not plan to nurse)

If you plan to breastfeed, you will need:

A pump
Milk storage bags
Nursing pads
Nipple cream
Nursing pillow

Other Essentials

When you are preparing your baby for mealtime, or getting ready for a day out, you are going to need some important equipment.

Infant or convertible car seat
Stroller or carrier
Baby swing or bouncer
High chair
You should also have a baby thermometer and first aid kit for when your child gets sick.

Preparing for a newborn might seem like a never-ending list of tasks, but once everything is settled and you welcome your new child into your home, these new routines will begin to fit into your everyday life as you enjoy raising and caring for your baby.

This article contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis of a physician. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.