Babies are very demanding.

They need you to do just about everything for them!

But, no worries!

After reading this post, you’ll know exactly what you need to prepare for baby!

The only thing that I can’t help you with will be the nap that you will long for after baby comes!

1. Baby Clothes

You probably already have plenty of these from your baby shower!

Or if you haven’t had your baby shower yet, this may be helpful before you plan your registry.

The key point here is to have clothes on hand that are a size or two bigger.

Babies grow out of clothes within a few weeks!

I’m not kidding you!

That darling little outfit that Aunt Nancy gave you in a size 0-3mth?

Forget it!

You will probably see your baby in it once or twice and then…poof!

Baby just grew out of it!

So it’s very important to request a few 3mth outfits from your registry, but mostly 6mth and larger!

If you’ve already had your baby shower, see if you can exchange some (not all) of the 3mth outfits for larger sizes.

You may be glad that you did!

2. Crib Sheets and Changing Pad Covers

Now, I can assure you…

You will be changing crib sheets, bassinet sheets and changing pad covers like no tomorrow!

Babies poop!

Alot!

And they have no control as to how it comes out!

A squirt, a spray or a smoosh….

That poop is sure to make a mess!

Sometimes, it is so bad that you may find yourself giving you and baby a bath at 4 in the morning!

So, make certain that you have plenty of changes because, realistically, it will be a challenge to have to launder the few you may have every single day!

3. Diapers

Make certain that you have plenty of diapers on hand!

You will go through multiple diapers a day!

There’s no harm in stocking up on different size diapers, as well.

I found that, with both of my kids, that they outgrew the diapers before the weight limit on the box.

For example, say the weight limit on the diaper box says 6-15lbs.

The diaper would start to leak or seem tight on them by the time they were 12lbs.

So always have a box of the next size up on hand.

This way, you are fully prepared when your baby’s diapers just don’t fit anymore!

4. Wipes

You will need an immense amount of wipes!

Again, all of that diaper changing will call for a thorough clean-up of baby’s little tush!

So, make certain that you stock up on wipes!

I recommend buying the sensitive/hypoallergenic kind just in case your child’s skin is sensitive.

It may cost a little more, but it may be worth it.

I also recommend buying one package of a few different kinds ahead of time so that you can open them and try them for yourself.

You want to make certain that you are comfortable with the scent, the value and the absorbency.

And remember, please…

Never ever flush a baby wipe down the toilet!!

You may be calling a plumber if you do!

5. Baskets

I always tell everyone to invest in baskets.

Baskets are great!

You can throw diapers into a basket!

You can throw clothes into a basket!

Toys!

Odds and ends that you don’t know what to do with yet…

Just about anything can go into a basket!

Baskets can make your crazy clutter look nice!

They can be moved around the house more easily.

And they come in handy when reorganizing.

Baskets come in all different shapes, colors and sizes!

Invest in any shape, color or size!

At some point in your parenting journey, you may find each one to be a blessing!

6. Car Seat

You cannot leave the hospital without a car seat!

Infact, some hospitals have you bring the car seat into the hospital!

Then they have you put baby in there so that they can make certain that you know how to buckle them in properly.

Make certain that you shop for one and buy one way ahead of time.

If baby happens to come early, you will need to have it ready!

When shopping, make certain that you look at reviews and do some research on them.

You want to pick one that is going to best fit you and your baby’s needs.

Try and aim for one that grows with your baby.

This way, you don’t have to keep buying a new car seat.

You will also want to thoroughly review the installation instructions ahead of time.

This way, you know how to install it before baby comes.

7. Window Shade

Your baby will be “rear facing” in the car seat.

That means ultimate torcher for baby if you do not have a window shade!

The sun beats in the back window and right onto baby!

You may not be able to get a shade for the back window because of driving operation restrictions.

However, you can get them for the windows in the back seat.

If you have tinted windows, you may not need to worry about this.

You can also invest in a car seat sunshade.

It is a shade made to attach to the car seat to keep the sun off of baby.

8. A Diaper Bag Backpack

Diaper bags are essential!

You need something to be able to pack all of babies things into for an outing.

But lose the over-the-shoulder diaper bag!

It makes it challenging to carry an over-the-shoulder bag along with baby’s car seat AND your purse!

Invest in a larger backpack!

This way, both of your hands will be freer!

A backpack with plenty of spaces, pockets and zippers are best!

You can find one here.

Some of those diapers bags are super adorable.

But a backpack is simply more practical and easier to take with you.

9. Breast Pump and Bottles

If you are planning to breastfeed, you will need to invest in a high quality breast pump.

You will need to do some research on these and make certain to read the reviews!

Breastfeeding is different for every mom.

A breast pump that works great for one mama may not work that well for you.

I know that I have had my share of trying out different breast pumps.

In the beginning, you may produce more milk than baby can drink!

Or you may have to return to work and need to pump milk for the sitter to give to baby.

So that’s why it is important to invest in one as soon as you can.

In addition to that, you will need plenty of bottles!

Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may want to have bottles on hand.

This way, if you have to have someone babysit, you can pour breastmilk into a bottle for them to give to baby.

Make certain to do your research on baby bottles as well!

I was always picky about plastic ones, so I opted for some of the best glass ones that I could find.

You can see them here.

10. Baby Carrier

Life can be so much simpler when you have a baby carrier.

I am not talking about the car seat carrier, where you carry your baby around in their car seat.

I am talking about a wrap that goes around your body and you put baby into it.

This way, you can carry baby up against you and have your hands free to do other things.

Make certain that you find a carrier that is lightweight, durable and easy to use.

Some baby carriers are actually a hassle to put on!

Again, read the reviews and see what consumers liked and didn’t like about each one.

Then, buy a few to try out before baby comes.

Obviously, with baby in your tummy, you’re not going to be able to put it on.

But you can look at the instructions and play around with it to see if it will be simple and easy to use.

A baby carrier is awesome because you can get so much done while holding your baby close to you!

Only the Best for Baby!

When you have these top ten items, you’ll be just about ready for baby!

Remember to do your research on said items!

Read the customer reviews and compare and contrast.

Make certain that what you purchase will be a good fit and check into the return policy, just in case!

When you are prepared, life can be a little easier.

And when you have a precious baby in your arms and you are completely exhausted from staying up all night…

Well…

You’ll be glad that you picked up all of these things ahead of time!

Because now that is just one less thing to worry about!

 

Are there any other baby necessities that should be in a top 10 list?

Feel free to share in the comments section below!