Baby Checklist: Shopping Guide for Pregnancy to 12 Months
Most parents' new baby checklists include necessities as well as a few purchases that are over-the-top optional. Your baby really needs only enough clothing to keep him or her clean and warm, a comfortable environment, proper nutrition and plenty of love. Here's a look at the items you may want that are just the start of the cost of raising a child.
But chances are you want more than the bare minimum for your little one, so these lists err on the comprehensive side.
Nerd tip:
Friends and family are often more than willing to spoil your bundle of joy. Even if a baby shower isn’t in the works, directing loved ones to a registry can make a big dent in your shopping list — and lessen the chance that you’ll receive unnecessary items.Baby checklists: Pregnancy through homecoming
Baby checklist for pregnancy
The shopping began the moment you bought a pregnancy test. Now is the time to complete these financial tasks to prepare for a baby and purchase items crucial for parents-to-be.
Budget tip:
It's easy to find pregnancy and infant supplies secondhand, often used for only a handful of months. Check local exchange boards on social media, Craigslist and even yard sales.Baby checklist for the hospital
Many of the items in the hospital bag will already be part of your layette — a fancy word for baby’s wardrobe — but you might have some purchases to make specifically for the time in labor and delivery.
Nerd tip:
Be conservative in buying clothing for your little one. Many babies wear “newborn” sizes only for the first few weeks, if at all. As your baby grows, you’ll know better which sizes you’ll need and when.Baby checklist for the nursery & home
If budget isn’t a concern for your nursery, furnishings such as low-allergen wood or cork flooring, soothing paint colors and custom furniture are nice options. For the majority of expectant parents, however, there’s a happy medium between building your baby a dream palace and ensuring she has a safe and comfortable room. Essential buys:
Baby checklist for breast- vs. bottle-feeding
Breast-feeding moms might also want bottle supplies for times when they can't feed their babies personally.
Nerd tip:
Manufacturers’ websites often offer free samples of diapers, formula and other baby care products, as well as valuable coupons.Baby checklists: 0-12 months
Baby checklist for 0 to 3 months old
This is the biggest list, because you’re buying items that will last well into baby’s first year. And you won’t want to run out on emergency shopping trips after bringing baby home from the hospital.
Aim to have the 0-to-3-month items purchased at least a month before the due date. If you’re considering any delivery services, such as Amazon Mom for diaper and formula deliveries, now’s the time to set them up, too.
Budget tip:
If you purchase a stroller, crib or high chair secondhand, make sure it's safe. Examine all buckles, harnesses and moving parts, and perform a quick search on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website to see if the product was involved in a recall.We don’t recommend buying a used car seat because of the possibility that its safety has been compromised as the result of a car crash, but local law enforcement agencies often inspect them for free, so take advantage of this option if you must buy used.
Baby checklist for 4 to 6 months old
Much of what you’ve already bought will suffice as your baby grows. For instance, you won’t have to replace her blankets every few months. But some of her needs will change as she grows into new clothes, cuts her first teeth, begins grabbing objects and starts putting everything into her mouth.
Baby checklist for 7 to 12 months old
Your baby is far more interactive now, and might soon be crawling. If you haven’t already, baby-proof the house and provide toys and activities that will nurture her exploratory nature.