Dear Carrie Underwood (And Everyone Else!): What You Really Need for a New Baby

Carrie Underwood has recently admitted to something that so many moms go through during their pregnancy: shopping anxiety!  When you’re about to become a first time mom, it’s so hard to tell which “baby essentials” are actually well, essential, and which ones are just expensive gimmicks that you’ll never ever need or want once baby arrives. Carrie told CMT, “I don’t know what most of it does! There are like, 5,000 things to choose from and I’m like, ‘Do we need that?! I don’t know!” Sound familiar? If you’re like Carrie and simply don’t know what to shop for and what to skip, here’s the baby shopping list I give all my new moms:

Note: I base the amount of clothes you need on wanting to do laundry as little as possible.  If you want to buy less clothes, just factor in more loads of laundry.

For the layette, you’ll need:

• 7 Swaddle cloths
• 10 bodysuits
• 5 leggings
• 5 coveralls
• 7 pairs of socks
• 2-3 hats
• 3 gowns
• 4 kimono pant sets
• 1 pair of mittens
• 8-12 bibs
• 6-12 burping cloths or use swaddle clothes instead

I know you may be thinking, “Why would I need so many outfits?!,” but trust me, your little one is going to go through more wardrobe changes than Beyonce (nobody wants to leave their babe in a spit up covered or wet onesie!).

For bedtime, you’ll need:

• Crib with a mattress
• Bassinet
• 4 sets of fitted crib sheets

You do not need all the other pillows and bumpers that usually come along with a bedding set.  However, if you love the way they look (which I totally understand), accessorize that crib till your heart is content just make sure it is all re moved (except firm mattress and fitted sheet) before your baby sleeps in it.

For feeding time, you’ll need:

• Breast pads
• Breast cream
• Breast milk storage containers or bags
• 4 Nursing bras
• 6-8 bottles
• Slow-flow nipples
• Bottle sanitizer
• Bottle brush
• Hypoallergenic bottle wash
• Sterilizing microwave steam bags
• Formula if you’re not breast feeding

It may seem like a lot of gear, but it’s best to get it now, before your little bunny arrives. Trust me, scrambling to get these things after you’ve returned from the hospital is not a good thing.

In the diaper department, you’ll need:

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Diaper bag with changing pad
• Diaper rash cream
• Diaper pail (optional)
• Diaper pail refills or extra bags to bag up dirty diapers before they go into the trash

Check out my previous posts on diapers if you’re wondering about cloth diapers or what’s actually in disposables.

For bath time, you’ll need:

• Baby bath tub
• 6 washcloths
• Baby body wash
• Baby shampoo
• Baby lotion

Read labels and look for paraben-free products. There are more out there than ever!

For travel and play, you’ll need:

• Infant car seat (snap and go or adaptable stroller)
• Stroller (the type depends on your lifestyle)
• Stroller rain cover
• Stroller sleeping bag
• Jungle gym

Make sure to read all instructions on proper car seat installation. It can be tricky—even Prince William didn’t get it right the first time!—and your babe’s safety depends on it.

For baby’s health and hygiene you’ll need:

• Interference-free monitor
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
• First aid kit
• Hypoallergenic detergent
• Hand sanitizer
• Nail clippers
• Brush and comb
• Digital thermometer

These are just the things you’ll need in baby’s first weeks. Later on, of course you’ll need a high chair and so many other items, but this will cover you (and Carrie Underwood!) for now. Happy shopping!