Our First-Year Baby Checklist: The Basics, the Extras, and What We Skipped

We bought a lot of baby stuff before our son arrived. Some of it got used constantly, some helped for a short time, and some barely got touched.

This is our first-year list, with the things we used separated from the things that got little use, stayed unused, or went back. The categories help organize it; they do not mean everything is essential.

A quick heads-up: this post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You do not need everything here ready before the baby arrives. This covers a whole year, and some things only made sense once we knew what our routine looked like.

What We Used

Feeding

• Bottles
• Bottle Washer, Sterilizer & Dryer
• Muslin Cloths — cloth set and another cloth set; we used muslin for burping, cleanup, and bath-time washcloths
• Bibs
• Bottle Brush
• Formula (if part of your feeding plan) — compare prices at any membership stores you already use
• Bottle Warmer
• Pacifiers

Diapering

• Diapers
• Baby Wipes
• Diaper Cream
• Disposable Changing Mats
• Diaper Caddy
• Diaper Pail / Diaper Genie
• Portable Changing Pad

Sleep

• SNOO Bassinet — ours was available through work benefits; we used it for about five months, then moved to a crib
• Crib
• Traditional Wrap Swaddles
• Portable White Noise Machine — we had two portable machines, one for home and one for travel and daycare
• Baby Monitor
• Fitted Sheets
• Blackout Curtains

Bath Time

• Baby Bathtub
• Hooded Towels / Regular Towels
• Baby Wash & Shampoo
• Baby Lotion
• Soft Baby Brush / Comb

Health & Grooming

• Digital Thermometer
• Baby Nail Clippers
• Nasal Aspirator
• Saline Spray
• Baby Toothbrush (when teeth appear)

Travel

• Stroller & Infant Car Seat Set
• Diaper Bag
• Car Seat Mirror

Around the House

• Play Gym with Tummy Time Mat
• Bouncer
• High Contrast Cards
• Baby Books
• Humidifier — used in winter
• Nursing Pillow
• Toy Storage Bins — a couple for organizing toys at home

Clothing

• Onesies — used a lot
• Socks
• Mittens
• Hats

Laundry & Cleaning

• Baby Laundry Detergent
• Laundry Basket

Limited or Little Use

• Night Light
• Baby Carrier — we bought three or four, but did not use them much
• Stroller Fan
• Soft Toys
• Zip-Up Sleepers — used a couple of times
• Extra Clothes Around Three to Six Months — some were outgrown before they were worn

What We Skipped or Did Not Use

• Rain Cover — bought, but never used
• Mesh Laundry Bag — we put everything together in our son’s laundry basket
• Stain Remover — never purchased
• Bottle Drying Rack — our bottle washer handled drying
• Baby Camera Mount
• Larger Changing Pad for Home — we used our portable pad instead
• Baby Shoes Before Walking — skipped on a friend’s advice

What We Returned

• Wipe Warmer — bought, then returned because we did not find it useful

I wrote more about our experience with a few of these products in The Baby Stuff We Actually Used—and What Barely Got Touched.