Are you wondering what you will need in the first year for your baby? Here is the ultimate first year baby checklist! A list for first-time parents.
- A place for your baby to sleep
- Changing Supplies
- Clothing
- Baby Proofing
- Liners
- Skin Care Products
- Feeding
- Bath-Time Supplies
- Travel Items
- First-Aid Supplies
During my pregnancy, I started thinking about all the baby essentials I would need for my baby. Being a first time expecting mom, I was clueless on what I needed to buy. I wanted to buy the necessary things and avoid buying the unnecessary or the things I could purchase later.
For this reason being, I did not want to overflow my apartment with baby things and I didn’t want to go insane with buying baby things because I knew how expensive it can get.
All I knew I had to buy the basics like a crib, diapers, and clothing. Right, Pretty obvious! But what about other baby essentials? I wanted to keep it minimal with things I would purchase.
Therefore, I have created the ultimate first year shopping list for you expecting mommy. This way you can save yourself some time, money, and worry. About what to get for your bundle of joy.
Note: this list are things that helped me get through the first year and are products that we loved. All this is not sponsored. However, this post contains affiliate links, which means that I’ll receive a commission if you purchase from this link. This will not change or increase the cost of your purchase.
First Year Baby Checklist
Here are all the baby essentials you’ll need for the first year of your baby’s life.
Lets get to it!
1. A place for your baby to sleep is essential
Crib
- I personally skipped the bassinet and bought a co-sleeper and the Delta Children Skylar 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, which will last longer.
- Some parents prefer a crib and others prefer a bassinet, or a co-sleeper
Where ever you and your partner decide where to place baby to sleep, keep in mind it needs to be a safe place.
Firm Crib Mattress
- Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress Features a water-resistant, removable and washable outer cover.
- A firm mattress that fits in your baby’s crib or co-sleeper is essential.
Waterproof Cover
- This makes it easy for parents to keep their baby’s sleep environment clean and cozy.
2. Changing Supplies
Diaper Changing Pad & Wipeable Changing Pad Cover
- Buying a diaper changing pad is working perfect for us. I place it on the bed, couch, and even on the floor.
- The wipeable changing pad cover for the diaper changing pad.
- I didn’t buy a changing dresser because I didn’t want my one bedroom apartment to end up with so much furniture.
- I purchased an Ikea wardrobe for my daughters clothes instead.
Diapers
- Whether you use cloth diapers or disposable diapers, these are definitely an essential and you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of them stocked.
- We order our Huggies diapers from Amazon. Saves money and time. You choose how often it’s delivered, from once every 2 weeks to once every 6 months. You can also skip or cancel any time and Amazon will send you a reminder before each delivery.
Wipes
- Huggies Natural Care Fragrance-Free Sensitive Baby Wipes is by far my favorite.
Diaper Rash Cream
- Baby Anti-Monkey Butt Cream definitely recommend, Works amazing with in hours of my baby’s rash.
Diaper Pail
- You will go through so many diapers a day. A diaper pail or a trash can will work fine,
- I personally didn’t buy a fancy diaper pail. Instead, I bought a small trash can and works just fine.
Munchkin Arm & Hammer Nursery Fresheners
- You’ll for sure going to invest in one of these Munchkin Arm & Hammer Nursery Fresheners for your diaper pail.
3. Clothing
Onesies
- I preferred using the side snap bodysuits for the newborn stage because it’s more gentle to place them into the onesie.
Pants
- Our favorite pull-on leggings to go out
- Staple for her everyday wardrobe are the Baby Girls Leggings-Cat & Jack from Target.
Socks
- Definitely need socks to keep your babies feet warm and protected
Shoes
- Honestly, Evelyn didn’t wear shoes until she started cruising around. At 10 months old, she started walking. Therefore, I had to buy her shoes earlier than I thought I would.
- These are our favorite shoes Stride Rite Soft Motion Baby and Toddler Girls Adalyn Athletic Sneaker and Baby Shoes Boy Girl Infant Sneakers Non-Slip First Walkers 6 9 12 18 24 Months
Hats
- beanies for newborns
- Beanie for the chilly days
- Sun hat for the warmer days
Coats, Jackets, Sweater
- Classic Down Hooded Jacket by Eddie Bauer
- Redwood Jacket Sherpa Lined by Carhartt
- Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby 2-Pack Knit Cardigan Sweaters
Pajamas Or Sleepers
- Sleepers from Solly Baby are our favorite. The two-piece set includes an easy wide-neck top and pull-on high-waisted pants. Also, size 0-3 months has optional hand covers. Sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months are footed for cozy toes.
4. Babyproofing
Once your little explorer is on the move crawling. It is time to babyproof! Preventing makes a BIG difference in your child’s daily life.
12 preventable ways to lower common causes of home accidents among children post is here.
5. Linens
Swaddling Cloth
- You will definitely going to need a swaddle for the first few months.
- Solly Baby Swaddle are soft and stretchy.
Crib Sheets
- Definitely choose soft sheets that fit snugly on your baby’s mattress pad.
- Solly Baby Crib Sheets are lightweight and silky-soft. Made to fit standard (28″x52″) crib mattresses.
Burp Cloths
- Burp clothes come in handy, if breastfeeding or formula feeding.
6. Skincare Products
Oils
- Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Baby Oil
- This is the only skin product that I have been using.
- Babies usually do not need lotion on their skin. Babies already have their own natural oils. However, some babies have skin that is very dry and splits, especially around the ankles and hands. Gently moisturize and sooth your little ones delicate skin with Burt’s Bees Baby Oil.
7. Feeding
Breastfeeding Essentials
- I have a post on Breastfeeding Essentials.
- Please check out the post on breastfeeding essentials here and my 5 tips to increase milk supply post here.
Baby Food
- I also have a post where I share my 12 favorite baby feeding Products here.
Bibs
- We are loving the silicone bib. Very easy to clean and adjustable behind-the-neck closure.
8. Bathtime Supplies
Baby Bathtub
- Fisher-Price Whale of a Tub Bathtub adjusts over time, from newborn to toddler.
Towels
- You’ll need a hooded towel to dry your baby after bath time.
Washcloths
- Baby Washcloths, Super Soft Absorbent Baby Bath Wash Cloths for Face & Body, Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Cleansers
Minimalist Baby Bath Essentials Post here.
9. Travel Items
Stroller
- I purchased the Graco’s Relay Click Connect Jogging Stroller Travel System, in Glacier. It is the ultimate performance jogger and includes everything you need to involve your child in your active lifestyle.
- The included top-rated Snug Ride Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat attaches to the stroller in a secure, one-step attachment.
Car Seat
- A car seat is number one baby essential. We used the Graco’s Relay Click Connect Jogging Stroller Travel System, in Glacier. It includes the infant car seat
- Best purchase EVER!
Baby Carrier
- We have been loving the Solly Baby wrap!
- We also have the Mens Tactical Baby Carrier for Infants and Toddlers
Diaper Bag
- Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Back Pack Maternity Baby Changing Bags, Large Capacity, Waterproof and Stylish, Gray
- Dad Diaper Bag, Diaper Bag Backpack for Dad, Changing Pad, Stroller Straps, Included Patches, Dad Life Diaper Bag for Dad
10. First-Aid Supplies
Baby Thermometer
- Touchless Thermometer, Forehead Thermometer with Fever Alarm and Memory Function
- It’s always nice to keep a thermometer handy.
Cotton Swabs
Nail Clippers
- Baby nail clipper
- babies nails grow fast
Final Word
There are plenty of baby items to be purchased once a baby is born. When shopping whether online or in the store, you will be tempted to buy all these cute little things for your baby. Therefore, do not buy everything the stores and advertisements tell you to buy. The money saved from making unnecessary purchases can be better spent on things to help you as a first time mom, like scheduling a massage, getting a manicure or pedicure, and food delivery services.