Newborn Essentials to Purchase Before Arrival

This is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy, because I like to do research and I like to shop. Research, shop, research, shop and repeat. If any moms-to-be are reading this, I hope they'll find some inspiration or advice. I was satisfied with most of the items for my first baby except some baby bottle brands, which I now know to avoid. I do plan on breastfeeding for the first few months, but it's helpful to be prepared. After diligent research, I've settled with the following to-buy list. Some are must-haves and others are nice-to-haves. All are useful for baby's first few months. I intentionally left out the stroller and crib thanks to big brother Jet. This is a list of items that I want to purchase before the baby arrives just to be well-prepared. And I have all the time right now to figure this out. Keeping the total under 1000 as best as I can.

The Must-Haves

1. Stokke® PIPA™ by Nuna® Infant Car Seat with Base in Black Melange $349.99

So important! Because the hospital does not allow you to bring home your newborn without one. This car seat is on the pricier end but it's fully loaded with every single feature that I want from an infant car seat. Plus, it attaches to my Stokke Xplory without additional adapters. This means convenience. Even the color matches (even though it's the only color currently available from buybuybaby). I think the car seat will be the most expensive purchase on this list. Only downside to this seat is that it's only suitable for babies up to 32 inches.

2. Philips Avent Baby Bottle Gift Set - Clear 

After much experimentation with various bottle brands, this one is my favorite. I never experienced leaking and the measurements never faded. Cleaning is also easy. I had these issues with other brands. I picked this set because it accommodates with later months.

3. Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer $19.49

I don't have to worry about the fitment since it's the same brand as the bottle. With Jet, I warmed the milk in a bowl of hot water or just tossed the leftover. It was very inconvenient and a waste.

4. Philips Avent Single Electric Pump $115

I was short in milk supply with my first, so I tried to pump as much as possible to stimulate the area, yet it didn't help much. I guess pumping doesn't help to produce more milk, but is useful if you have a lot (?). Regardless, I want to keep this handy in case.

5.  Honest Company Baby Laundry Detergent - 100 fl oz $12.99

I have a thing for Honest's cleaning products and will be purchasing all of the cleaning essentials from this company: dryer cloths, shampoo + body wash, baby dish soap, stain remover, and all-purpose cleaner.

6. Pampers Swaddlers $25.53

I always purchase diapers from local department stores like Target and Walmart, and Pampers is my favorite diaper brand and is the only brand that I use for Jet. Their unscented baby wipes are also great! I'm also considering cloth diapers this time because I'm budget-conscious. If that's too much hassle, I'll just settle with disposables-- just throw em when you're done.

7. Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Sling n Seat Bath Tub $39.99

8. Newborn Clothes

The Nice-to-Haves

1. Super-fine Merino Wool Christening Shawl

Just look at it! It's beautiful... and wool is a great fabric. It's the perfect blanket to bring the baby home in and for her newborn shoot.

2. Infantino® Cuddle Up™ Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier $39.99

Contemplating if I need to get this prior to arrival. I most likely won't be carrying my newborn in a baby carrier because I won't be taking her out for long periods of time and I feel like carriers are made for this purpose. If I do take her out, I'll just use the car seat or stroller or hold her. On the other hand, I definitely plan on taking her out for walks, and having her in a baby carrier creates a stronger bond. At least I'm certain that I won't be getting a wrap carrier because those are a hassle for me.

3. Tiny Love™ Under the Sea Tummy Time Play Mat

4. Nursery bedding
I've settled with pink, gold, and white for the nursery. For the crib, I'll be using Jet's... it's in the color that I want and is in excellent condition. I'm keeping the nursery simple because the baby will be sharing our master bedroom since our guest room has a queen size bed and we don't plan on moving it. I'll focus more on the needs than taking perfect instagram nurseries.

Something as simple as this oughta do. All I really need to get is the bedding set and a few wall decor.

5. Nursery Toys
These appear pretty much everywhere so I'll buy them as I shop for the other essentials.

I think I'm done with this list... took me a few days because I'm still quite the procrastinator. I feel like I'm missing some things though.