Pregnancy: What to Buy for Your Baby: The Essentials (and Not So Essential)

Early Pregnancy Symptoms Slideshow

• The Nursery
• Crib Linens
• Diaper Time: What You Need for the Changing Table
• Layette: Baby's First Clothes
• Bathing Baby: What You Need
• Washing Baby's Laundry
• Feeding Baby
• Diaper Bag: What You Need When You Are on the Go
• Other Essentials
• Baby's Medicine Cabinet
• Nonessentials (But Nice-to-Have!)

Welcoming a baby into this world requires more than making sure he or she is healthy in your tummy. At some point, your little love will make his or her way out of your belly and you need to be prepared. This list should help you get all you need to take care of your baby during the early months. As your baby gets older, you will find other items that will make your life easier (like a jumpy seat or an exer-saucer!).

The Nursery

• Cradle, bassinet or crib: If you choose to have your baby sleep in your room at night, a cradle or bassinet is a nice option for the first few months. When the baby gets bigger, you will need to get a crib. When choosing a crib, make sure it meets the latest safety standards and that there are 2 3/8 inches between the slats.
• Crib mattress: Unfortunately, most cribs do not come with mattresses so you will need to purchase one. Pick out a mattress that has good back support, is not too soft, and meets all the fire-retardant regulations.
• Musical mobile for crib: This isn't essential, but a nice addition to the crib. Find one with the figurines facing down so that baby can see them better.
• Dresser: You will need a few drawers to store baby's clothes and toys.
• Changing area: This can be on top of a dresser or a separate changing table. It is a good idea to purchase a pad to lay baby on top of when changing. Never take your hand or eyes off baby when changing him or her, especially if your changing area is off the ground; baby's can roll off the table at the blink of an eye.
• Rocking chair or glider. Although not essential, it's nice to have when feeding baby. Pick one out that has padded arms for extra support and comfort. A footrest adds additional comfort, especially if breastfeeding.
• Nightlight. Not essential, but it helps you see during those middle of the night diaper changes and feedings.
• Tape or CD player: Lullaby music is a nice way to lull baby into a peaceful sleep or soothe baby when he or she is upset.

Crib Linens

• 1 set of crib bumpers
• 1 quilted mattress pad
• 2 fitted crib sheets (smaller sizes are sold for cradles, bassinets or port-a-cribs)
• 2 waterproof mattress pads or waterproof sheets
• 2 light blankets
• 1 sleep positioner. This is not essential but it does helps keep baby sleeping on his or her back or side. It is sold in most baby stores.

When making the crib, you have a few options. You may choose to use a waterproof mattress pad on the bottom and put the fitted crib sheet on top of that or you may want to look in to purchasing a waterproof pad/sheet (called sheet-savers) that goes on top of the fitted crib sheet. These can be found in most baby stores and make cleaning up accidents easier since all you have to do is change the top sheet of the crib. If you go this route, be sure to get one that snaps on to the crib railings (you do not want the ones that you just place on top of the fitted sheet - these can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome).

If you choose to use the waterproof sheet savers you really only need 1 fitted crib sheet and 2 waterproof sheets. The fitted crib sheet should require few changes since the waterproof sheet saver on top will keep it dry. You do, however, want to get two waterproof sheet savers since you will need to change those regularly.

Note: babies don't need pillows or fluffy comforters in their crib! They also should not sleep with stuffed animals or toys. They could cause your baby to suffocate since he or she is not strong enough to roll over or push them away.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Pregnancy Symptoms - Read about early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more on MedicineNet.com.
• Women's Health - Learn about women's health - medical, health and wellness for women - from female anatomy to infertility and menopause.

Read more Pregnancy (What To Buy For Baby) related articles »

Latest Medical News

• U.S. Births Hit Record High