My oldest turned 18 years old last month and my youngest is 4. It's amazing how much baby products have changed over the years and all the new must have baby items!

It can become so overwhelming standing in the baby aisle looking at all of the items and trying to decide what you will need. One of my favorite parts of being pregnant was going to the store, signing up for a baby registry and scanning pretty much the whole aisle. 

After birthing 4 children, fostering, providing respite and adopting children over the last 18 years, I can tell you from experience, you aren't going to use half of what you buy. 

I highly suggest to buy a lot of your items used. It is used for such a small amount of time before baby outgrows it, or you realize your life has been taken over by baby fluff and you start purging. 

Let's start with the must have items:

• Burp cloths Burp Cloths
• Newborn side snap onesie (to help umbilical cord dry) Snap Onsies
• Nose aspirator or suction Nasal aspirator
• Small wash cloths
• Onesie packs 0-3 months
• Diapers Size 1 don't stock up on diapers, buy gift cards instead. 
• Bottles-request samples from websites first
• Sleepers with zippers, I repeat zippers...lots of them
• Thermometer 
• Diaper bag-one for each car. Backpack ones are great Diaper Bag
• Baby monitor ( I use ring) Ring Camera
• Car seat and extra base (one with a handle that clicks in and out) Graco car seat
• A stroller you can open with ONE hand. Try it in store first
• Blankets of varying thickness
• Mam newborn pacifier. Just one package on hand just in case
• Bath sponge support. Can just stick in the sink Bat Mat
• Wipes-scent free, gentle. Stock up
• Vasaline
• Bassinet, pack n play, or crib (best in your room)
• Boppy's can be used for a variety of thingsBoppy
• Bouncer or grow with me rocker
• High chair. I loved the foldable ones! High Chair
• Dye free or Deft detergent
• Bottle/nipple rack for cabinet or dishwasher (or both) Dr Browns Rack 
• Drying Rack
• Nail file, not clippers
• Infant carrier (tula, Moby, Ergobaby, Journey) Tula baby carrier
• Extra sheets for crib/pack n play or bassinet) 
• Mirror to see baby in car
• Butt paste Butt Paste
• Bottle brush
• Cradle Cap brush Newborn Brush
• Gentle baby soap
• Small cooler bag for formula bottles or breastmilk
• Waterproof crib mattress cover
• Bibs

Don't go out an buy 15 different bottle types. Your baby will only like one kind and it isn't the one you have 12 of. You will use burp cloths for everything. Poop on your arm, burp cloth. Changing a diaper in your bed at 2am, burp cloth laid down. Breast milk spraying, hold the burp cloth on. Baby pees every time you change them, burp cloth. The same goes for wash cloths. I usually buy a bunch of packs at TJ max or other store to just keep randomly around the house. 

I would get one pack of the newborn side snap onesies. It's best to let the umbilical cord get air. This will help it heal and fall off. You can put on a a pair of pants and the shirt and leave the area open to help it dry. The cord can fall off anywhere from 5-10 days. So no need to buy a bunch. 

You will need multiple outfits per day. Newborns are leaky. Spit up, drool, poop, milk, snot, pee up the back or out the side. I try to throw in a load every night of just baby clothes. But have enough outfits that you don't have to. 

Milk should NEVER be warmed in a microwave. You can use a hot cup of water or a bottle warmer. My bottle warmer from Walmart has lasted 18 years. I bought a few fancy ones over the years that leaked and died. You don't need anything fancy, just a dial to turn or if you are trying to save money....just head it it on the stove or coffee mug. 

If you are thinking about getting the $400 car seat that grows with them and will save you money in the long run. Don't. It won't save you money. You will have frustration. When they are little you can pick up the car seat while they are sleeping and go into the store, have a cup of coffee with a friend, grab a quick sandwich. When they poop through their diaper and into the seat you can take it apart in the house and wash it. It's a nightmare to try and get the big car seat cover off, out of the car and wash it. It will happen and you will cry a few tears. It's also nice to have family members (dad, grandparents, sitter) just have a base in their car for the pumpkin seat. It's a pain in the ass to install. Once it's in, you are not going to want to take it out and make sure it level and secure again. 

Baby bath tubs are so cute, but really you only need to use your sink after the umbilical cord falls off. Then once they get a bit older get a tub or small blow up bathtub. It will save your back from trying to hold them up with one hand, while leaning over the bathtub and trying to open a bottle of shampoo. 

Go to Buy Buy Baby, Walmart, Target or whatever you have close to you and try and open and close the floor model stroller with one hand. That is literally what you are going to have. 

Don't buy stock in diapers. My kids all wore different diapers due to fit. One of my children was allergic to the chemicals in diapers. Buy gift cards to a grocery store (Walmart, target, Amazon), then you will be able to buy diapers when needed. 

Before you buy a baby outfit rub it on your face. Seriously, some of them are so rough. You would never want to wear it. They can't tell you it's uncomfortable. I used to put on a onesie and then a sleeper. A baby should always have 1 more layer than you. 

The non essentials, but sometimes nice to have:

• Bottle Warmer 
• Mesh bumper for crib https://a.co/d/3vIZHmL
• Zipper or velcro swaddles- borrow from a friend first lots of kinds
• Wipes warmer https://a.co/d/evgfiDO
• Electronic Nasal Aspirator https://a.co/d/9vcgaIZ
• Normal saline nose drops
• Mesh bag to wash tiny socks in
• Baby Socks..they don't really stay on. I get footed sleepers
• My Breast Friend pillow if breastfeeding
• 2nd diaper bag 
• Cool mist humidifier for room baby sleeps
• Sound machine
• Haakka if breastfeeding https://a.co/d/2Rlj7qf
• Multiple strollers for different events
• Poop bags for the diaper bag-or grocery store bags
• Waterproof bag for diaper bag or ziplock bags for blow outs
• Baby mobile for crib
• Changing table, but you will use the couch, the bed, the floor...
• Formula mixer 
• Formula container https://a.co/d/2pfd0xw
• Baby mobile 
• Stroller hooks https://a.co/d/eukzxtV
• Stroller fan https://a.co/d/65wY2hf
• Straps for stroller or high chair https://a.co/d/7Bak4Wt
• Instant water warmer https://a.co/d/dFPXOSi

I know you are wondering why I didn't cover any of the electric swings, mamaroo  bassinets and swings. They can be pricey for the short time that they are used. Carrying your baby on you or putting them in the bouncer/bassinet while you take a shower is just as easy to do. 

This is a non-inclusive list. It's just an example of some items. I do not get anything from the links, just wanted to share some of my favorites. I would always buy a car seat and bottle nipples new. Then check the expiration date and all screws if you get a used crib. 

Let me know in the comments what products are your favorite! 

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