Preparing for Baby Essential Items a Baby Actually Needs By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH LinkedIn Twitter Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 13, 2021 Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Baby needs—there are so many things, but what do you really need? Do you need a bassinet? Do you need a diaper pail? Two? When you are about ready to have a baby, everyone has advice for things you have to have. As a mother of eight, here is my list of important baby items for new babies. 1 One Piece Outfits Peopleimages / Getty Images You can live for a long while with only one-piece outfits. These one-piece, snap crotch articles of clothes are amazing. They come in colors, prints, and stripes. You can get long sleeve or short. You can also buy them just about anywhere. They fit nicely under other clothes for a warmer layering effect or you can wear them alone during warmer times. You can also add a pair of cute pants for another outfit selection. Can you tell I'm sold on these? 2 Diapers! JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images Okay, so you might believe that diapers are more important than the onesies, but I'm not sure about that. You do need diapers, whether cloth or disposables. Be sure to have at least a size of a newborn and the next size up, some newborns just aren't newborn sized! 3 Sling or Baby Carrier David Cyr (Froghammer) / Getty Images Personally, I think that slings are awesome. I like them much better than other types of carriers. Slings are good for discreet breastfeeding and just carrying a baby around. You can also use one sling to carry newborn twins or as they get older double sling using two slings. Some people like the padding, I have both varieties and it doesn't really matter to me. Get whatever appeals to you. My husband also enjoys wearing the sling. 4 First Aid Kit Amazon.com It is important to have some basics on hand for when baby arrives. Some infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, rectal thermometer (and lubricant!), first aid cards with tips for what to do in emergencies, numbers of the pediatrician and local poison control and anything else your pediatrician recommends. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend Syrup of Ipecac. I usually add these to the health and grooming kits. 5 Place for Baby to Sleep Hero Images / Getty Images You may ask yourself: do you need a bassinet? a crib? This is actually a personal opinion place. Notice it says a place for baby to sleep. You may have a crib if that is the right place for your family, but other families may choose co-sleeping or a cradle or any of a number of other variations. Preplanning and designing that space always makes it safer for baby. Be sure to follow all safety rules for your preferred method of sleep. 6 Car Seat Ariel Skelley / Getty Images Most people will require a car seat when leaving the hospital. Some families have two bases, which attach to the car seat to easily move the seat from car to car, others have a whole system for each car. Do what works for you. Local AAA, fire stations, and the others can help you install it safely. 7 Stroller Photo © Adrianna Williams/Getty Images A stroller is a must for me, but not everyone. I have other children, so the stroller is helpful for corralling someone, even if it isn't the baby (who is usually in a sling). This just makes trips out a bit easier for me and allows me to walk around the park and get some much-needed exercise. (They also sell double strollers.) You will want to know if it's a system, meaning it includes the car seat or a plain stroller. There is also stroller that is meant specifically for running or jogging. Loading shell for quizzesApp1 vue props component in Globe. By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit