Things to think about.

    • A trusted medical professional (obstetrician, midwife, etc.)

    • Prenatal vitamins

    • Bras for growing boobs

    • Underwear for a growing belly

    • Maternity pants

    • Nausea relief (drops, ginger tea, crackers, etc.)

    • Pregnancy journal

    • Pregnancy apps

    • A water bottle you love

    • Books

    • Pregnancy pillow

    • Compression socks

    • Belly butter/oil

    • Nursing bra or tank top

    • Postpartum disposable underwear

    • Take home outfit for baby

    • Infant car seat

    • Slip on shoes

    • Water bottle

    • Toiletries

    • Pillow

    • Gum

    • Stroller fan (for bed rails)

    • Button down shirts/pajamas

    • Chapstick

    • Hair ties

    • Super long phone charger

    • Heavy pads

    • Postpartum underwear

    • Dermoplast numbing spray

    • Breast pads

    • Peri bottle

    • Stool softener

    • Tylenol

    • Sweatpants/leggings

    • Snacks for late nights

    • Prepped meals

    • Disposable plates and utensils (you are not going to want to do dishes)

    • Coffee/tea

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Lotion by the kitchen sink (lots of bottle and pump part washing)

    • LactMed database

    • Diapers (Newborn, 1, 2)

    • Wipes

    • Diaper rash cream

    • Diaper caddy

    • Changing pad

    • Burp rags

    • Feeding support pillow

    • Spit up bibs

    • Bottles

    • Bottle brush

    • Dish soap

    • Bottle drying rack

    • Bottle dishwasher insert

    • Bottle warmer

    • Breastmilk storage bags

    • Breast pump (covered by insurance!)

    • Nipple cream

    • Silver nipple cups

    • Pumping and/or nursing bras

    • Nursing pads

    • Infant bathtub

    • Baby soap

    • Baby lotion

    • Washcloths

    • Bath water thermometer

    • Infant cold medications (Tylenol, etc.)

    • Rectal thermometer

    • Nasal aspirator

    • Fingernail clippers or file

    • Laundry detergent (Dreft doesn't get stains out)

    • Sound machine

    • Swaddles/sleep sacks

    • Pacifiers (0-6 mo.)

    • Bassinet

    • Crib

    • Crib mattress

    • Mattress protector

    • Crib sheets

    • Blackout curtains

    • Rocking chair or glider

    • Baby-sized hangers

    • Diaper pail and trash bags

    • Monitor

    • Monitor mount or stand

    • Bouncer and/or swing

    • Play mat

    • Board books

    • Toys

    • Stroller and/or wagon

    • High chair

    • Carrier

    • Diaper bag

    • Pack-n-play

    • Portable sound machine

    • Stroller fan

    • Clothes/pajamas (remember what season it will be at each age!)

    • Bath toys (the ones with the holes can grow mold!)

    • Kneeling pad or stool for bath

    • Hair comb

    • Sleep sacks

    • Pacifiers (6-12 mo.)

    • Developmental toys

    • Walker/Jumper

    • Shopping cart cover

    • Suction plates and bowls

    • Sippy cup

    • Baby utensils

    • Cabinet locks

    • Outlet covers

The things I love most.

  • Hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat

    This thing folds up into a sling bag like a lawn chair. Great for travel, restaurants, and grandma's house.

  • Noodle & Boo Conditioning Hair Polish

    If your baby has hair, this stuff helps tame the bed head. Plus it smells amazing. If Dreft mastered the smell of baby clothes, these guys mastered the smell of baby hair.

  • Vitality Cloud II Maternity Pant

    A more comfortable pair of pants doesn't exist. They come up high over the bump. They don't stretch out. And they fit from month one to month 9 and beyond. They also have biker shorts!

  • Tummydrops

    These are so much better than those preggy candies. They're made with ginger and they actually helped my nausea.

  • Stroller Fan

    The battery lasts forever. And the LED light is perfect for trying to buckle a car seat in the dark.

  • Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

    Somewhat of a hippy read. But this book was empowering and truly gave me the confidence I needed for birth.

  • Old Navy Maternity Sleeveless PowerSoft Mini Skort Dress

    I bought three of these and wore them all summer long. But honestly I'd recommend Old Navy for most maternity wear.

  • Athletic Brewing Hazy IPA

    Hands down the most tasty NA beer out there. So good you might forget you're pregnant.

  • Pregnancy + | Tracker App

    This app has some freaky real looking animations of your baby in the womb. It's fascinating to see.

  • Smart Alford 58" LED Dimmable Floor Lamp

    The red light on the sound machine was never enough for me to see during diaper changes. This thing has a remote and you can pick the light color. Genius.

  • Angelcare Baby Bath Support

    Stick a hook on the tub wall and hang this thing to dry when it's not in use. So much easier than anything bulky or fabric.

  • Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder

    I can't attest to how these are with baby food. Truthfully, I don't see a point to that. But they are perfect for an ice cube on sore gums.

  • The Birth Partner

    This was just a solid, informative book. I'd recommend it for anyone. Partners, support persons, and moms too.

  • Little Sleepies Sleepy Bag

    We tried several brands and liked others as well. But this one has the most room to grow, which saves money. It's silky soft. And it washes well over time.

  • Diaper Caddy

    Great for late nights on the couch or in your bedroom during the newborn stage. And to collect random toys and pacifiers around the house.

  • The Complete Pregnancy Journal

    This one just had my favorite content. Pretty, simple, and lots of fun detail.

  • Hatch Sound Machine

    Maybe the more expensive one is cooler. But I wouldn't know because this thing does everything I could want or need. And being able to schedule the lights/sounds just makes life easier.

  • Bath Thermometer

    I'm sure it doesn't matter which one, but this one is cute and it gave me peace of mind.

  • Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

    I know it's pricey, but it's made well. It fits an insane amount of stuff. It's super comfortable to wear. And you're not going to want a tote bag on your shoulder when you're carrying a baby and trying to fold up the stroller.

  • LOVEVERY The Play Gym

    This one just seems to work for so many developmental stages. And the hanging toys come off so you can keep using them when baby is older.

  • Philips AVENT Natural Bottles

    The amount of brands we tried before this one gets me fired up. This is the only bottle we found that doesn't leak. Love these.

  • Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear

    These are surprisingly comfortable and don't really show a panty-line too bad in leggings. Only annoying thing is taking your pants off to change them.

  • Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle

    I never save things, but I saved this to use for future postpartum healing. It's just well made and easy to use.

  • Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon PLUS

    My only regret is not buying this sooner. You will need a lot of cargo space, though.

  • Inglesina Table Chair

    Got a kitchen island? Then you don't need a highchair. This thing makes for less cleaning and more space.

  • Joovy Spoon Baby Walker

    I got this on FB Marketplace, but it's definitely worth full price. It gives them so much freedom and it's easy to maneuver.

  • Tubby Todd All Over Ointment

    It's just good for everything. And it's gentle. Sometimes I use it for my own eczema.

  • Solly Baby Wrap Carrier

    It took me a while to get the hang of it, but it's compact, easy to wash, and perfect for contact naps on the go.

  • Toy Straps

    No pacifiers lost in the car. No bottles collecting dog hair. And no toys on the dirty restaurant floor.

  • FRIGG Night Pacifiers

    Glow. In. The. Dark. Trust me. These will save you from a phone flashlight at 2:00AM. Oh, and there's a billion cute colors.

  • Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads

    Your boobies are gonna leak. And it looks like the disposable ones are rated higher, but I hated them. They would crinkle up in my bra. I just washed and dried these in a garment bag and they worked great.

  • Baby Sling Carrier

    This will save your arm when baby gets older. Especially when you're only half way through grocery shopping and they decide they no longer want to sit in the cart.

  • Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor

    This is our third monitor. You read that right. Most everything on the market is not made to last. They pooped out on us quick. I would have saved money by spending the money on this one. It's crystal clear, no creepy WiFi, and has great customer service ratings for if I'm wrong.

  • Frida Baby Nasal Aspirator

    I promise no snot will go in your mouth. Promise. And have you ever tried to drink from a bottle while congested? Me neither, but it seems terrible. This will help.

  • Ubbi Disposable Diaper Sacks

    I don't care what diaper trash can thingy you bought, shit stinks. And this seals it in. Plus, they're great to stick in your diaper bag for when you can't find a trash or don't want to be rude at your friend's house.

  • Pullover Cotton Terry Bibs

    I know everyone likes the dishwasher safe ones, but hear me out. These turn into a wipe-down rag after mealtime. No need to ruin a dishtowel or spend a bunch on paper towels.

Remember that you don’t need all of this stuff or really anything to be a good parent. Your kid needs to be warm, clean, safe, and have a full tummy. And they need you. Anything else is just for convenience or fun. You can shop consignment at Once Upon A Child, borrow from a friend, browse Facebook Marketplace, or buy as they grow. Or you can absolutely ball out. It’s all up to you.