Question: What Are the Basics My Husband and I Need to Buy Before Baby Arrives?

This question is one of the most-asked I recieve working with the pregnant population of women as a licensed medical professional.  This is one of the most-asked questions women ask me that isn’t related to health. No one wants to be caught unprepared and have baby arrive, and me missing vital items.

This is our outline from XMOM.net to you, dear reader!

We want you to be amply prepared. I know no one ever breaks it down like this, and the costs remain  a big mystery. So, here we have the leg-work research done for you, so you have an idea of what the outlay will be,  just in terms of items you must buy or acquire used or receive as gifts.

I. Remember A Few Basics Before Baby Arrives

• Remember: You don’t need everything, but having key items ready makes the first weeks a lot smoother.

• Be certain you have important basics, like an infant thermometer. There is no compromising on some items.

• Note on baby showers and registries: This list helps parents request what matters and avoid duplicates.

• Our list is thorough and complete. Here is where you can work from making your own lists.

• Some parents are more minimalists, and prefer not having anything beyond the essentials. Others like having every gadget and baby-related item. Consider what type you and your significant other are, before even undertaking the task of deciding what you need.

II. Sleep Essentials

A. Safe Sleep Space

• Crib or Bassinet

  • Examples: Newton Baby, Halo Bassinest

  • Cost: $150–$350+

• Crib Mattress

  • Examples: Newton, Sealy, Naturepedic (organic)

  • Cost: $80–$300

B. Bedding

• 2–3 Fitted Crib Sheets (cotton or bamboo) — $10–$30 each

• Waterproof Mattress Protector — $15–$40

C. Sleep Aids (Optional but Commonly Loved)

• Swaddles or Sleep Sacks

  • Brands: Love to Dream, Halo — $25–$40

• Sound Machine (helps with naps/soothing)

  • Hatch Rest — $40–$90

III. Feeding Supplies

A. If Breastfeeding

• Breast Pump (often insurance-covered)

  • Spectra S1/S2, Medela Pump In Style — $150–$350 if purchased

• Nursing Bras & Pads — $15–$50 each

• Nipple Cream — $10–$15

• Milk Storage Bags — $8–$20 per pack

B. If Bottle-Feeding (Breast Milk or Formula)

• Bottles (4–8 to start)

  • Dr. Brown’s, Philips Avent, Comotomo — $20–$60 per set

• Bottle Sterilizer or Sterilizing Bags — $8–$80

• Formula (if planning to use)

  • Similac, Enfamil, Bobbie — $30–$45 per container

C. Feeding Accessories

• Burp Cloths (6–10) — $10–$30 per pack

• Bottle Drying Rack — $15–$35

IV. Diapering

A. Diapers

• Newborn + Size 1 Packs

  • Pampers, Huggies, Hello Bello — $25–$45 per large box

B. Wipes

• WaterWipes, Pampers Pure — $10–$20 per bulk pack

C. Changing Supplies

• Changing Pad — $25–$50

• Changing Pad Covers (2) — $10–$20 each

• Diaper Cream — $8–$15

• Diaper Pail

  • Ubbi, Dekor — $70–$90

V. Clothing Basics

(Babies grow fast—don’t overbuy newborn size.)

• Onesies (8–10) — $10–$25 per set

• Sleepers/Footed Pajamas (6–8) — $10–$25 each

• Socks (4–6 pairs) — $5–$12

• Hats (2 soft caps) — $8–$15

• Seasonal Outerwear (depending on climate) — $20–$60

VI. Bath Time

• Baby Bath Tub — $20–$45

• Hooded Towels (2) — $10–$20 each

• Washcloths — $5–$15 per pack

• Baby Wash & Shampoo — $8–$15

• Baby Lotion — $8–$15

VII. Health & Safety

• Infant Thermometer — $10–$30

• Nail Clippers or Electric File — $10–$25

• Nasal Aspirator

  • FridaBaby NoseFrida — $10–$20

• Baby First Aid Kit — $15–$40

VIII. Travel & Getting Around

A. Car Seat (Non-Negotiable)

• Chicco KeyFit, Nuna Pipa, Uppababy Mesa

• Cost: $200–$400+

B. Stroller

• Uppababy Vista/Minu, Mockingbird, Baby Jogger City Mini

• Cost: $250–$1,000+ depending on model

C. Baby Carrier or Wrap

• ErgoBaby, BabyBjörn, Moby — $40–$180

D. Diaper Bag

• Skip Hop, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Dagne Dover — $50–$160

IX. Nursery & Home Setup

• Dresser or Storage System — varies widely ($150–$500)

• Rocking Chair / Glider

  • DaVinci, Pottery Barn Kids — $250–$1,000

• Baby Monitor

  • Options: audio-only, video, Wi-Fi

  • Infant Optics, Nanit, Motorola — $80–$300

• Humidifier — $30–$60

• Night Light — $10–$30

X. Play & Development

• Play Mat or Activity Gym

  • Lovevery, Fisher-Price — $50–$140

• Soft Books / Black & White Toys — $10–$20 each

• Bouncer or Swing (optional but can be a lifesaver)

  • BabyBjörn Bouncer, MamaRoo — $70–$300

XI. “Nice-to-Haves” (Optional but Many Parents Love)

• Portable Changing Pad — $10–$25

• Baby Laundry Detergent — $10–$20

• Baby Closet Dividers — $10–$15

• Backseat Mirror (for rear-facing car seats) — $10–$20

XII. Summary: The Real “Essentials vs. Extras”

• What parents must have before birth vs. what can be bought later or added to a registry.

• Again, what is extra for some new Moms is totally unnecessary for others. Know thyself, dear sister!

XIII. Category Cost Ranges

Sleep Essentials: $330–$920
Feeding Supplies (breastfeeding version): $65–$530
Feeding Supplies (formula-focused): $145–$280
Diapering: $145–$325
Clothing Basics: $80–$200
Bath Time: $50–$120
Health & Safety: $40–$95
Travel & Getting Around: $540–$1,740+
Nursery & Home Setup: $520–$1,890
Play & Development: $70–$500
Nice-to-Haves (optional): $30–$70

XIV. Grand Total Cost Ranges

Essentials-only: $1,800–$3,200
Typical mid-range “buy everything needed”: $3,200–$5,500
Higher-end brands/furniture: $5,500–$8,500+