Must-Have Baby Gear

Babies bring a lot of joy to new parents – and a lot of gear into their homes. With so many products on the market – from bibs to high-tech baby monitors – you may be wondering what you really need to care for your little one.

Here’s a checklist of the most essential items. Keep this list on hand when shopping or filling out your baby shower registry:

For the Hospital or Birthing Center:

__ Newborn-size diapers

__ Weather-appropriate outfit (for traveling home): T-shirt with snaps at the diaper area, warm baby sacque or gown, booties. Note: Your birthing facility may provide a T-shirt, hat and thin blanket, as well.

__ Blanket

__ Infant car seat (required if you’ll be bringing your baby home in a motor vehicle). This can double as a baby carrier for transporting your newborn in various situations at home and on the move.

Layette Set:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following items for your infant’s layette set – with suggestions that you buy clothing that is slightly larger than newborn size, flame-retardant, with snaps at the crotch for diaper changes, and without ties or cords:

__ 3 or 4 pajama sets (with feet)

__ 6 to 8 T-shirts

__ 3 newborn-size gowns (that draw together at the feet)

__ 2 sweaters

__ 2 bonnets or hats

__ 4 pairs of socks or booties

__ 4 to 6 receiving blankets

__ 1 set baby washcloths and towels (including towels with hoods)

__ 3 to 4 dozen newborn-size diapers

__ 3 to 4 T-shirts with snaps at the diaper area