Gearing Up for Baby

You are already doing so much to have a healthy pregnancy. Getting ready for a new baby does not have to cost a fortune.

  •  Ask family or friends if they have clothes they would be willing to give or lend to you.
  •  Garage sales and thrift stores are great places to find like-new clothes & other baby essentials.
  •  Be sure to wash clothes and supplies so they are clean for your baby.
  •  Try to gather these items throughout your pregnancy instead of all at once to help with cost.


For Sleeping

Practice safe sleeping by placing infants on their backs. Baby should sleep in their own safe space with no other people. Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers or any other soft items out of baby’s sleeping space. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

  • Bassinet or cradle.
  • Crib and mattress.
  • Tight-fitting crib sheets.
  • Small light receiving blankets.
  • Waterproof pads.

For Bathing

  • Baby bathtub.
  • Baby shampoo.
  • Liquid baby soap.
  • Baby washcloths.
  • Hooded bath towels.
  • Baby lotion.


For Breastfeeding

  • Breast pump.

Call your health plan for help getting one! If you share a breast pump, use new bottles and tubing.

  • Lanolin cream to soothe sore nipples.
  • Nursing pads to wear in your bra.

For Eating

  • Bibs.
  • Bottles and nipples for breast milk or formula.
  • Bottle and nipple brushes.
  • Burp cloths.


To Wear

  • Booties or socks.
  • Hats.
  • Onesies.
  • Weather appropriate clothing.
  • Stretch suits with feet.
  • Sleepwear, one-piece pajamas or nightgown.

For Laundry

  • Fragrance-free soap.

This is much less likely to bother your baby’s skin.


For Changing

  • Diapers.
  • Diaper pail.
  • Baby wipes.
  • Diaper rash cream.
  • Changing pad and table.
  • Diaper bag and travel changing pad.

For Healthcare

  • Cool mist humidifier to ease your baby’s breathing when the air is dry.
  • Medicine dropper to measure medicine.
  • Nasal suction bulb.
  • Thermometer.


For Travel

  • Diaper bag.
  • Blankets to cover your baby while you are outside.
  • Front pack or backpack to carry your baby in for the first 6 months.
  • Stroller.
  • Approved infant car seat.
    • You will not be allowed to take your baby home without it!
    • Call your health plan if you need help getting one. Visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at NHTSA.gov and search “car seats and booster seats” to find where you can get your car seat installed properly. If your baby is less than 5 pounds when they go home, they may need a special car seat. Your local hospital may also be able to help you.

Other Useful Supplies

  • Playpen.
  • Rocking chair.
  • Safe toys.
  • Safe baby swing; avoid the kind that hangs from a doorway.
  • Pacifiers (if you decide to use them).
  • Baby nail file.
  • Baby mittens.
  • Bottle sterilizer.