Getting ready for baby to come can seem overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a list of the most-needed items to welcome a new baby into your life and home. Many of these items can be found at low or no cost through local Pregnancy Resource Centers, nonprofit organizations, churches and Facebook groups in or near your community.

We’ve got three lists below to help as you prepare: Newborn through 6 months, 6 months through 1 year, and a hospital “go” bag.

Items for babies age newborn through 6 months

Equipment & Safety:
• Rear facing car seat – make sure that it is not expired
• Blanket to cover car seat to protect against hot or cold weather
• Bassinet or crib
• Fitted crib sheets
• Waterproof mattress protector
• Nursery nightlight
• Baby bathtub
• Diaper bag or backpack
• Baby carrier or wrap
• Stroller

Nutrition:
• Bottles and nipples if bottle feeding
• Formula if bottle feeding
• Breast pump and storage bottles/bags if breast feeding
• Nursing bras and tops if breast feeding
• Bottle brush to clean inside bottles

Clothing:
• Pajamas: footie, sleepers and/or sleeping sacks
• Onesies
• Comfy leggings, shirts and one-piece outfits
• Bibs and burp cloths
• Socks
• Seasonal clothing: sweater, jacket, winter snowsuit, mittens, soft baby hat, wide-brimmed hat or bonnet, etc.

Care & Other:
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Baby body wash
• Baby shampoo
• Baby lotion
• Bath cup
• Baby towels and wash cloths
• Pacifiers
• Thermometer
• Baby nail clippers
• Books and age-appropriate toys

Additional items for babies 6 months through 1 year

Equipment & Safety:
• Highchair
• Baby gate(s)
• Outlet plug covers
• Cupboard locks

Nutrition:
• Baby cereal
• Baby food – make sure to feed your baby a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
• Utensils
• Bowls and plates
• Sippy cup/training cup

Clothing:
• Variety of sizes of clothing and diapers as your baby grows

Care & Other:
• Teething ring
• Baby toothbrush
• Baby pain reliever
• Books and age-appropriate toys

Now that we have covered the list of necessary items for baby, we can focus on you. At least 4 weeks before your due date, pack your hospital “go” bag. Feel free to add additional items to this list that will make your labor, delivery and after birth more comfortable.

Hospital “Go” Bag

• Your birth plan
• Comfy PJs and/or robe
• Fuzzy socks and/or slip-on shoes
• Underwear – preferably dark colors
• Nursing bra or tank top
• Toiletries
     o Body wash
     o Deodorant
     o Toothbrush & toothpaste
     o Shampoo & conditioner
     o Hairbrush & hair products
     o Hair ties
     o Face & body wipes
     o Extra contacts or glasses
• Extra-long phone charging cord
• Reusable water bottle
• Notepad/notebook and ink pen to take notes on feeding, schedule, care and more
• Wallet or purse with ID
• Other personal items that would assist in helping you recover and feel more comfortable

Now that you know what items are needed for baby, take a bit of time to research to see what Pregnancy Resource Centers, nonprofit organizations, and churches are in or near your community. Facebook for sale and other groups are also a great way to find items that are low or no cost. We’d recommend you join the groups and make posts in them about what you are looking for! You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised at how supportive your local organizations and groups can be.

If you are unable to find nearby organizations or Facebook groups, or have any questions, you can reach out to the Many Hearts Unplanned Pregnancy Support team!