Before I had my first baby, my friends insisted I needed ‘so many things’ before I came home with my new bundle of joy. My parents told me I didn’t need to buy anything, that I would get more than enough gifts once I was home.
Who was right? Both sides really. I did get a ton of gifts, especially blankets, onesies and toiletries. We also received items that weren’t particularly helpful, like endless piles of stuffed animals. Other items that I sorely needed like breast feeding accessories, were not represented at all.
What won’t you need for baby before you come home from the hospital? Items for when baby is moving more, like bouncy chairs, Bumbo chairs, solid food feeding accessories like bowls and cutlery, and furniture like cribs.
Here is my suggested list of items to have on hand (either purchased yourself, or anticipated as gifts):
For Baby
Clothing:
Feeding & Toiletries:
Nursery Items:
Pharmaceuticals:
Could you (or more likely, your partner), run out and get many of these items as needed once you are home?
Absolutely, but when you are knee deep in feeding, changing diapers, cleaning spit up, and generally trying to milk every spare moment of sleep, you’ll be thankful you have most things at your fingertips.
Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF of this list.
Want to make sure you don't forget anything for the hospital? Check out What To Bring To The Hospital: Moms-To-Be Checklist, Part 2.
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