This is our roundup of suggestions for what to buy.
| BEFORE BABY ARRIVES | PRODUCT | OUR RECOMMENDATION | BEST FEATURES | |
| Buy now | Car seat | A “convertible” seat that faces rearward during the first year and forward until 40 pounds; or a less adaptable rear-facing, infant-only seat. | Simple 5-point harness system-one strap for each shoulder, one for each side of the waist, and one between the legs. | |
| Buy now | Crib | A mid-priced, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)-certified model with a quality wood finish to match your home décor. | Smooth, splinter-free wood with wellattached bars and one easy-to-lower dropside. | |
| Buy now | Crib mattress | A mid-to upper-priced foam or innerspring. | Think firm. Thick upholstery (ticking) and double-stitched edging. | |
| Buy now | Sheets and mattress covers | From 3 to 4 fitted bottom sheets, and at least 2 mattress covers for the crib, and 2 to protect your mattress. | Elastic on all sides to hold to the mattress without coming loose. | |
| Buy now | Blankets | 4 or more lightweights, and 2 thicker polyester-weave blankets (for winter). | Avoid puffy quilts. All-cotton blankets are good choices for summer; polyester fleece is good for winter. | |
| Buy now | Diapers and clothing | (See list on Clothing and Bedding to Have on Hand–WARNING! Don’t Overheat Your Baby! .) | ||
| Buy now | Diaper wipes | At least one box to start. | Any brand. A wipe warmer is optional but makes for more baby comfort. | |
| Buy now | Bottles and nipples | Four 4-ounce-sized bottles for storing breastmilk or formula, and at least a 3-pack of spare silicone nipples (use slow flow for babies younger than 6 months). | Clear plastic or glass bottles with easy-to-read measurement lines. | |
| Buy now | Bottle brush | At least one. | A thick end for bottles and a small tip for nipples. | |
| Wait | Front carrier | At least one. | Washable, simple to put on, sturdy buckles, snaps, and straps. | |
| Wait | Rocker and footstool | Optional. | Good for feeding and soothing baby. Choose a comfortable model with moisture resistant upholstery. | |
| Wait | Support pillow | One. | A firm doughnut shape for supporting baby during feeding. | |
| Wait | Automatic baby swing | Optional. Note that some babies like them, and others don’t! | Wind-up or battery operated for soothing a cranky baby. | |
| Wait | Nursery monitor | Optional. Only useful if you plan to be out of earshot of the baby often (and remember, babies are loud). | To listen for baby sounds. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Breast pump (electric) | One. | An efficient electric model for storing extra breastmilk. Double-breasted models are the most efficient. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Stroller | One. | Look for a model that’s sturdy, not too heavy, easy to fold, and has a reclining seat and ample storage bin. | |
| Postpone until you need it | High chair | One. | Look for JPMA certification, one-hand tray release, sturdy belt, easy-to-clean upholstery, adjustable height, and one that folds for storage. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Crib mobile | Optional. Some (but not all) babies seem to enjoy them. | Wind-up or battery operated. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Baby toys | (See Baby Toy Ideas, starting on Play gyms .) | Bright colors, sized for tiny fists. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Stationary exerciser | Optional. | Safer than a walker, it has a suspended, rotating seat in the center surrounded by a circular tray with fastened-down toys for the baby to manipulate. | |
| Postpone until you need it | Safety gate | As many as needed when baby begins to crawl; at least 1 for top and 1 for bottom of each staircase. | Easy to open and shut. Mounted to the wall with hardware to keep it from dislodging when the baby pushes on it. |