Essential Items to Stock Up on Before Baby Arrives

Inside: Get a free printable checklist of all the baby things you need and household items to stock up on before your baby arrives!

Stockpiling for the necessities (especially your baby stockpile) is the most practical and sensible way to help you feel at ease while waiting for your new baby.

Undeniably, you won’t have time to do last-minute shopping when you get your baby home from the hospital because you’ll be concentrating on your newborn child during every waking hour.

“Making the decision to have a child—it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.”

~ Elizabeth Stone

When Should you Start your Baby Stockpile

Some first-time moms prefer to stock up on baby supplies as soon as they know they are pregnant. Some start after the first trimester. Others wait until the nesting stage, which is around the third trimester.

Practicality-wise, I suggest you start stocking up on your baby and non-baby supplies as soon as possible. You can use coupons from coupon books or online to save money, especially on diapers and wipes.

I didn’t start until the third trimester. My sister-in-law organized a baby shower for me two months before my due date.

Amazon offers coupons for baby and child care. Start clipping all these available coupons!

Frequently Asked Questions about Stocking Up Diapers Before Baby

How many newborn diapers do I need?

Others will probably give you a specific answer to this question, but I beg to differ. Babies experience remarkable growth spurts, so skipping the newborn diaper size is better.

Unless, of course, your baby is at the smaller end of the size scale.

How many Size 1 diapers do I need?

Size 1 diapers are for babies weighing 8 to 14 pounds. Almost all babies call for this diaper size until they are three months old.

Based on a 198-count month’s supply of Pampers Swaddlers and an average of 10 diapers a day from birth, you will need 4-5 boxes of diapers. (I know! That’s a lot of diapers for one month alone.)

How many diapers of each size should I stockpile?

We may all agree that babies grow at varying rates. That is why it is hard to predict how many diapers to stock up on for a particular baby.

Thankfully, experts have come up with a recommended number of diapers to stockpile by taking average baby weights and other factors into account.

Shop for diapers here!

Virtual Checklist of Household and Baby Items to Keep in Stock

Above is a list of baby stockpile necessities I recommend you get before your baby arrives. Please go ahead and click on the image to be directed to a PDF file you can print before shopping.

Baby Things to Stock Up on Before Baby Arrives

Here are the essential baby items to stash away in preparation for your little VIP’s arrival:

1. Diapers

I understand that choosing between cloth and disposable diapers can be confusing. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Weigh them carefully before making a choice. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Whatever you decide, I support you.

I recommend this cloth diaper if you plan to go the cloth diaper route.

Do you prefer to do the laundry every day? Then twelve or a dozen of these cloth diapers will do.

Just add another dozen (12 diapers) for every day you don’t plan on washing them.

If you prefer convenience over cost, disposable ones like these are always available. You will need at least 12 disposable diapers daily during your newborn’s first week.

Besides, the brand of disposable diapers depends on your little one’s size and skin sensitivities. Don’t stockpile too much of a specific size until you know which ones will work for your baby.

I, for one, tried different brands of diapers for my babies, and I should say, these diapers right here are by far the best among the rest.

They run a little big, but it is not a deal-breaker for me. My kids were both on the bigger side as newborns.

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Related baby article: Baby Bath Time [Essentials and Step-by-step Guide]

2. Baby Wipes

Unlike diapers, you can stock up on baby wipes as much as you can afford (space-wise or money-wise). In my case, my newborn used up to 40 wipes a day on average.

To be on the safe side, though, buy the unscented ones. They are made for babies with sensitive skin. (Here’s my favorite right here.)

3. Diaper rash cream

My babies and I have used different kinds of cream. I suggest you do the same until you figure out what works for your baby.

We have tried the following diaper rash creams:

• Desitin diaper rash cream
• Boudreaux’s Diaper Paste
• Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
• Forever Living Aloe Propolis Creme

Though I find all of them satisfactory, my little girl screams every time I use Desitin on her. On the other hand, it worked like magic on my little boy.

Boudreaux’s diaper paste has a more pungent scent that irritates my nose, but many of my friends love it!

Forever Living Aloe Propolis is not as fast-healing as the other three. However, I will take it any day as it is most compatible with my little girl’s skin sensitivity.

The house favorite is this cream right here. It is a fragrance-free, multipurpose ointment, so I love it. In addition, it can be used for many of your baby’s skin needs, like chapped cheeks, minor scrapes, scratches, and so much more.

4. Baby Toiletries

• shampoo
• body wash
• lotion
• baby oil

Know your baby’s skin sensitivities before stocking up on too many of these products.

I am a die-hard Aveeno fan, but that is because it works great for my kids. We love this Aveeno calming comfort wash the best!

5. Breastmilk storage bags (if you plan to pump)

No matter how much you despise the thought, you can’t avoid being away from your newborn baby, even for a little while.

A newborn baby nurses every 2–3 hours. If you are away from her during that period, you will have full breasts due to breastmilk production, and it is advisable to pump it out to avoid engorgement.

For that, you will need lots of breastmilk storage bags.

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6. Formula (if you don’t plan to breastfeed)

Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you plan to use baby formula. When I was pregnant with my babies, I got freebies of the ready-to-feed ones from my obstetrician, and I used them all to supplement when I thought I didn’t have enough milk.

Thank God my kids were not allergic to it!

7. Baby Bottles

I firmly believe in the maxim, “Fed is best.” So long as you’re baby is adequately fed, I will never judge whether you breastfeed, mixed-feed, or formula-feed.

That said, don’t forget to prepare some baby-feeding bottles.

I should say that 6–8 of the 4-oz bottles will suffice for the first three months.

I recommend the following baby bottles:

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8. Baby Safety and Grooming Kit

• Nail clippers
• Blunt scissors
• Baby hair brush or comb
• Cotton balls
• Gum brush
• Thermometer
• Medicine dispenser
• Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator
• Saline nasal drops (drug-free)
• Baby gas spray and drops (natural and alcohol-free)
• Infant Acetaminophen (consult your doctor before giving to babies under three months old)

Make an outstanding baby care basket to handle predicted or unexpected situations with your little one. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Non-Baby Items To Stock Up On Before Baby

9. Maxi pads

Postpartum bleeding is the heaviest up to 10 days after childbirth. Use a reliable maxi pad that will take care of it.

This maxi pad right here was a lifesaver for me. It is designed for nighttime protection, so you can rest assured that you won’t have leaks and stains.

10. Nipple cream and pads

Breastfeeding? I tell you, you will experience sore nipples, and you will be leaking every day.

Prepare yourself for those days. Purchase nipple cream and nursing pads in advance.

11. Pain relievers

Be sure to talk to your obstetrician about pain management. They will prescribe the painkiller that will work best for you.

Whether you have a high pain tolerance or not, it is a good idea to keep a sufficient supply of analgesics on hand for emergencies. It will be highly beneficial to postpartum recovery.

Pro Tip: You won’t know which products will provide the most relief unless you experience postpartum life yourself. Because of that, this organic postpartum care kit deserves applause. It has everything you need for the postpartum period, so you won’t be scrambling while dealing with soreness and a newborn.

Essential Household Items to Stockpile Before Baby

The last thing you want to do is run out of the necessary household products and have to head to the grocery store with a newborn in tow. Below is a list of necessities for the home:

12. Food storage containers or bags

Food will be one of the most common things you receive when you get home.

Be prepared to accept lots of food from family and friends. Store leftovers the right way with these glass food storage containers.

You might also want to stash the right amount of food storage bags like these. You won’t regret it!

13. Boxed and Canned Food

The quickest and easiest meals to prepare come in boxes and cans.

You wake up at 5 in the morning to breastfeed your baby when you suddenly feel hungry. That cereal can save you! Consider having some for a quick breakfast. Or, make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Are you dead tired from those sleepless nights and don’t have the energy to prepare a meal for the rest of the family? Healthy boxed and canned food is available to purchase everywhere now!

Consider shopping online and buying your everyday food from Amazon. Sign up for Amazon Prime here and enjoy free delivery within two days! You can cancel at any time if it doesn’t work for you.

14. Freezer Meals

Invest a little time and effort to prepare a delicious meal you can freeze for a few weeks.

The best meals are always homemade. So freeze meatballs and cook up the easiest spaghetti to go with them. Read up on good recipes that are safe to freeze and make yourself.

Frozen meals in a bag are available if you don’t have much passion for cooking. PF Chang’s frozen meals in a bag are my absolute favorite!

15. Snacks and Drinks

Stash lots of snacks to munch on—like granola bars, a trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, cookies, crackers, and anything else healthy to aid lactation.

Think healthy snacks! (*winks)

16. Paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils

You won’t have enough time to do the dishes with your newborn in the first weeks, so consider stocking up on disposable plates and utensils.

17. Shampoo and Conditioner (Dry and Wet)

It would be hypocrisy to tell you I religiously took showers when my kids were tiny.

Still, I would recommend that you at least try. Take that much-needed shower using your favorite brand of shampoo and conditioner.

If, in any case, it is inevitable, use a dry shampoo to help eradicate the greasiness from the hair and feel a little refreshed despite exhaustion.

Make self-care a habit. As Lalah Delia once said, “Self-care is how you take your power back.”

18. Bath Soap

It would help if you had some bath soap stocked as well. Keep a handful of your favorite brand on hand and never worry about running out.

19. Toothpaste

Buy a few packs of toothpaste to stash away as well. Brushing your teeth is another form of self-care, and you know that!

20. Hand soap and sanitizer

Bugs are everywhere. And with that, to keep your hands clean at all times, antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizer are a must.

Yes, your newborn baby sometimes needs to be exposed to little germs so he can build immunity to them. However, don’t fall for that excuse every time.

Babies need a clean environment no matter what, though.

21. Toilet Paper

Almost everyone finds cleaning their behinds with soap and water tedious, so stock up on good-quality toilet paper.

This ultra-plush toilet paper has the best overall performance. Our family has been using this for years now.

22. Paper Towels

Life with a newborn is messy. So these paper towels will come in handy. After disinfecting your changing tables or kitchen sink, wipe them with paper towels to dry.

23. Tissue paper

Keep a few boxes of tissue paper as a backup should you run out of burp cloths.

You can also use these on occasional baby snots.

24. Laundry detergents

Think fresh yet gentle laundry detergents. Your baby is so delicate you don’t want to expose him to harsh chemicals.

25. Dish soap

There are a lot of dishwashing liquids you can choose from, but I suggest you get something that is not harsh and cruelty-free, like this dish soap.

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26. Disinfectant wipes

Accidental pee, poo, and spit-ups on the floor are inevitable. Be ready at all times!

27. Trash bags

Taking care of a newborn can insanely accumulate a fair amount of trash. Do diapers ring a bell? Ha!

28. Other natural cleaning supplies

• white vinegar
• baking soda
• lemon
• castile soap

29. Batteries

You will never know when that battery-operated baby monitor or noise machine acts up. That being said, keep those batteries in reserve.

30. Coupons

Now stay with me here! You’re probably thinking I am a weirdo for suggesting coupons are necessities.

However, hear me: Your household and baby items CAN ADD UP!

Every little thing can help, even if it means scouring for coupons.

If you are lucky, you might live in an area that publishes complimentary local newspapers with freestanding inserts! Save those inserts, as most of them are coupons you can use.

If not, Sunday newspaper subscriptions are available. The dollar stores also sell newspapers for cheap.

Paying for your newspaper not tickling your fancy? Try asking your family and friends for help with your baby stockpile by telling them to save their newspaper coupon inserts. Most people don’t want them anyway.

Better yet, visit coupon sites and find numerous printable coupons for free!

Related article: 13 Items Not to Put on Your Baby Registry [No Regrets]

Options to Consider when Stockpiling for Baby and Non-baby Essentials

There will always be apprehensions, of course!

First, you might be worried about not buying enough necessities. Second, you might be anxious about stocking up on too much of the wrong thing. Finally, you probably live in a smaller house.

Although this may be true for some of us, there isn’t anything to be apprehensive about, as numerous delivery services offer free shipping.

Consider the ease of such services with Amazon, Target, or maybe Boxed. You can never go wrong with them. They offer the best deals!

Stock up with Amazon

Save up to 15% off through Amazon’s Subscribe and Save Shop.

Related article about babies: Sweet Bedtime Stories for Babies [15 of our Favorites]

Stock up with Target

Another option is to check out Target Circle. Target Circle is a loyalty program where you can earn rewards when shopping in-store or online.

You also get free shipping when you order $35 or more.

Plus, if you shop using your Target RedCard, you can automatically save 5%. You can also enjoy a lot of perks and extras with the RedCard.

Conclusion on Household Items and Baby Supplies Stockpile

As moms, we will do anything humanly possible to prepare for our baby’s arrival. However, as we are only human, we tend to forget.

It is equally vital to stock up on household essentials and baby necessities whenever possible.

This list of non-baby and baby essentials to stock up on will help you get a head start.

A lot of people will say that a newborn will only need so much. I say—get everything you need! By any means, your next baby can always enjoy the hand-me-downs. If that’s not part of the plan, you can make other moms extremely grateful by donating the extras!

So start your baby stockpile as early as now, Mama! Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a time of immense joy and love. Focus on caring for your little one. Every moment is precious and worth cherishing.

There may be little time for shopping at the last minute, but the memories you make with your child will last a lifetime.

You got this!

Oh! By the way, this list doesn’t include your baby registry must-haves like the infant car seat and the baby carrier. I also have a practical list of baby registry essentials you can check out.

Talk to you soon,

Do you have other things on your Baby Stockpile list?

Did I miss something? What are the most important things you suggest a new parent buy before birth? I was hoping you could write it down in the comments and let me know. We might help a new mom expecting her first baby soon.

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