Items needed for baby - first six months

Question

Hello All....I'm trying to compile a list of supplies that we might be needing for baby.  I know some are not necessities but I think they are things that I might need.   I would appreciate any input as it's been 14 years since my last baby.  I haven't really visited Babies R Us.   Window shopped a little big but really didn't have that much time to check out the entire store.   I'm just trying to get some input on some items that I might be missing.  Does this list seem excessive.  I don't know if I really need all of these items.   Please give me your input.  I know there are new latest and greatest items too...so maybe mention those too!! Thanks

BATHING

baby tub
hooded towels 
wash cloths

BEDDING
blanket (light weight)
blankets (receiving)
blankets (winter)
crib bedding (dust ruffle, pads, and quilt)
crib mattress pad
mattress for crib
sheets for bassinett
sheets for crib
sleep sacks light weight

CLOTHING
baby hangers
booties
day time outfits   (3 to 6 months)
hat for summer
hat for winter
jacket (6 to 12 months)
mittens (light material)
onesies 0 to 3 months
onesies 6 to 9 months
sleeper gowns   0 to 3 mos
sleepers 0 to 3 months
sleepers 3 to 6 months
socks
sweater (6 to 9 months)
t-shirts - snap in front long and short sleeved

FEEDING
baby spoon 
bibs
bottle brush
bottle drying rack
bottle warmer
bottles - 4 oz
bottles - 8 oz
breast feeding pillow
breast milk storage containers
breast pump
burp cloths
nursing pads
sterilizer for bottles

FURNITURE / BABY GEAR
bassinett or co-sleeper
bouncer
changing table (type with drawers)
crib 
exersaucer or jumperoo
front carrier
hamper
infant car seat
play pen
stroller
swing 

MISC
baby memory/milestone book
baby wipes
binkies
diaper bag
diaper pail
diapers
Dreft laundry detergent
little items for diaper bag
mobile for crib
neck pillow for carseat

TOILETRIES / MEDICINE CABINET
baby lotion
baby oil
baby powder w/cornstarch
baby scissors
baby tylenol
baby wash/bath soap
benadryl (liquid)
brush 
cotton balls
diaper rash ointment
dropper for medicine
ear thermometer (digital)
gas drops
gauze
lanolin ointment
nasal aspirator
rubbing alcohol
Vaseline

Tanker Chic · Answer

I used my changing table a ton.  I have the dresser type, with a pad that goes over it.  I used it constantly and it actually became a very special bonding place for me and the baby.  I would lay him on it and talk and play with him the whole time.  He is 14 months and we still use it for 90% of his diaper changing.  It just depends on your habits I suppose.  If you decide to use one, I would recommend getting 3 to 4 pad covers.  In the beginning you will go through them a lot.  Baby often poos or pees before you can get the next diaper on him/her.

YvetteY · Answer

You're right about the pacifiers....I just thought I should have a few on hand just in case the baby takes an interest.  I was just going to get a few.   

I wasn't sure about the moniter, but I think I will get one.  It seems practical later on...for example I could go in the backyard and be able to hear the baby if the baby wakes from a nap.   I just never used one before....like I said...I'm trying to get up to date on the latest and greatest.

YvetteY · Answer

Oh I know the crib stuff isn't really recommened when the baby's still a little, but I wanted to have it for later on when the baby was out the SIDS risk.    I dont' think I will be setting up the crib right away.   Probably when the baby out grows the basinett.

jennyb473 · Answer

I didn't see monitor on your list....I think that is essential (although ours picks up radio stations more than anything else!).  Also, I didn't think baby powder was recommended anymore.  I found that we didn't use a lot of things I thought we HAD to have....it depends on the pattern you fall into and your baby.  I have more pacifiers than I know what to do with and Jillian has 1 or 2 she chews on but has never had an interest in them....of course I went nuts washing and sterilizing things before she was born so I can't even return things!  I would buy essentials only before the baby and then see what you need as you discover a need for it - it will save you a lot of money!

YvetteY · Answer

It's been a few years and I've yet to put serious effort into determining what we'll need. 

What's this you say you don't need a sterilizer??   What happen to "making the bottles"?  I used to have a big pot and it had a section for bottles (like a rack) and you'd put in the forumla add the water, shake the bottle, put the bottle in the pot and put the lid on the pot and boil.    Are you telling me I don't have to do that anymore??  

I will try my very best to breast feed for as long as I can.  However last time it seemed my milk supply was very minimal.   It was terrible.  So I'm hoping this won't be an issue.  I will pump and pump.   I'm not sure what bottles are out there these days....I wasn't a fan of playtex bottles in the past, but the past was 14 years ago.   So we'll see. 

I think you're right about the changing table.  I know I ended up mainly using mine for storage, but I had the kind with just shelves...that's why on my  current list I would like one with drawers.  I figured that way it could be a useful piece of furniture when baby gets older.  This is weird but we have a two story house and I'm going to keep the changing table downstairs with supplie and then keep the supplies also upstairs.  I don't want to be running up and down the stairs all day.   Upstairs I will probably change baby on the bed.  But downstairs on the changing table.   I know later on when the baby's older I will probably end up throwing down a blanket and changing baby on the ground.   

And as far as swadling....isnt that what you use the receiving blankets for?  Are there newer / better editions out there?  I know I need to be up to date!!

Diabolicafemmia · Answer

so you can omit a few of the item and combined them as one...Pack and Plays are essential! Its a portable playpen, and the have a model that has an infant sleeper and seperate changing area built in! (but removeable so you can just use the playpen as needed....) its small enough to fit at the end of my bed, so that is one of the first things I plan on investing in (saw them listed at Target for around 169.00.) as for the thermometer, they have ones you just swipe across the forehead now. Changing tables are neat, but I will tell ya, you end up changing more diapers on the floor, your bed, the seat of your car then you ever will on a changing table. Its nice to have for storage but thats about it. Also, if you are nursing, get a bopie pillow. they wrap around your body and hold the baby up as they feed.

40smama · Answer

Oh, yeah if you use Playtex Drop-In bottles, you don't need a sterilizer.  In fact, check on if you need a sterilizer at all.  From what I read, you sterilize or boil the products at the beginning but after that you wash w/hot, sudsy water.

40smama · Answer

y - if you plan on swaddling the baby, I HIGHLY recommend swaddling blankets from the happiest baby on the block website - not the actual swaddling ones but the large square ones.  They're easy to use& comfy in all kinds of weather (even hot).  It's the one item that I'm still using - Noah loves to be swaddled.  I believe we used the receiving blankets for swaddling during the first six weeks as the ones mentioned above were too large but after that, we were on to those.

They're a little pricey, $29.95 for two which I highly recommend (they're called The Perfect Swaddling Solution)

magnolia55 · Answer

The crib items are not necessary, nor recommended. Baby is supposed to sleep without blankets, pillows etc. as a SIDS prevention. I received a least a dozen receiving blankets but never used any of them.  You can use towels as burp clothes and on the change table. I found our own bath towels were warmer and more absorbent than the hooded towels. Likewise, warm face clothes are kinder on little sticky bums than wipes. 
I got so many clothes as gifts and most of them were never worn because our daughter is tiny and the sizes were all for the wrong season. In other words, don't stock up too much until you meet your little darling!

Tanker Chic · Answer

After the first bit, I never used the mattress pad.  The mattress is plenty padded and waterproof.  The pad was really a pain.  

Couple of things I had but never used:
Sleeper gown
Snap in front t-shirts
Quilt that comes with the bedding

Couple of must haves that I didn't see on your list
Humidifier
changing pad
3 to 4 changing pad covers
Saline nose spray
Tummy time mat with toys that hang over (I forget what it is called) 
Toys for the infant car seat
Clock for the nursery (so you can keep track of feeding and how long the baby nursed for)
CD player and cd of lullabies
Recliner for the nursery 

Also you might need a reg digital thermometer. I don't think you can use the ear one on newborns.  I could be wrong, but you might want to double check.  

hope this was helpful.