Essential Items to Stock Up on Before Baby Arrives

Inside: Grab your free printable baby stockpile list packed with baby basics, postpartum care items, and household must-haves to help you prep now and make the first weeks (or even months) with your newborn feel a little easier.

🍼 Quick Answer: Preparing for a baby really boils down to three main things: baby essentials, postpartum care, and keeping the house running. Start with those basics, then add what fits your budget, feeding plans, and personal needs!

Nesting mode is officially in high gear, Mama! Let’s be real: once your little one arrives, navigating a grocery store on two hours of sleep to buy laundry detergent or maxi pads is the last thing you’ll want to do.

Stocking up on the necessities ahead of time is one of the kindest gifts you can give your future self.

But building your baby stockpile doesn’t mean turning your guest room into a mini-warehouse or filling every closet in your home to the brim. It’s simply about getting the everyday basics in place now so you can take a deep breath, avoid last-minute errands, and spend those first precious weeks resting, recovering, and soaking up all those sweet newborn snuggles.

Key Takeaways

• Cover the 3 core areas: Baby essentials, postpartum care, and household basics.
• No warehouse required: Stock everyday necessities first. You can always buy extras later.
• Make it fit your life: Build your stockpile around your budget, space, feeding plans, and recovery needs.
• Save your future sanity: Avoid emergency store runs on zero sleep during those first weeks home.
• Grab the freebie: Download the printable baby stockpile list to track what you have and shop with ease.

🎁 Just here for the printable? Grab your free baby stockpile list right here! But if you have a minute, stick around. The breakdown below can save you so much time and sanity once your baby gets here.

“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.

✔️ Create an Amazon Baby Registry! There are millions of baby products to choose from, and you can also enjoy a welcome gift if you make one with them. Find out more about these perks.

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.

✔️ Planning to breastfeed? A good breastfeeding class can help you feel more prepared before your baby arrives, especially if you like having clear, practical guidance before you’re in the thick of it. This step-by-step program includes 13 simple videos led by Stacey, a certified lactation educator. It covers helpful basics like breastfeeding positions, latch, milk supply, and what to expect in those early days. It’s a helpful resource to consider if breastfeeding is part of your plan.🍼

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 your baby is adequately fed, I’ll 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:

✔️ Do you want to provide breastmilk for your baby but are unsure if you can fully commit to breastfeeding? Look no further! Introducing the first-ever online course designed specifically for exclusive pumpers or those aspiring to become one. This easy-to-follow content allows you to learn at your own pace, all in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Join thousands of moms now and take the first step towards successfully providing breastmilk for your little one! 🍼💪

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’s 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’s 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. Get nipple cream and nursing pads in advance.

11. Pain relievers

Definitely touch base with your provider ahead of time about postpartum pain relief so you know what’s safe for you.

Whether you usually try to tough it out or not, keeping provider-approved pain relievers in your medicine cabinet can be a game-changer while your body heals! Trust me, you won’t want to be hunting down whatever your provider recommended when you’re sore, exhausted, and running on fumes.

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 try freezing meatballs and cooking 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

Tackling a sink full of dishes is the absolute last thing you’ll want to do while recovering and running on zero sleep! Give yourself a total pass during those first few weeks and stock up on paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils.

Skipping dish duty gives you extra time to rest, recover, and soak up baby snuggles.

17. Shampoo and Conditioner (Dry and Wet)

I’d be lying if I said I took a full shower every single day when my kids were tiny. Postpartum life gets wildly chaotic!

But whenever you can sneak away for ten minutes, taking a hot shower with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner is an instant mood reset.

For those extra-busy mornings when a full shower just isn’t happening, keep a reliable dry shampoo in your vanity for a fast, 30-second refresh.

Prioritizing even tiny moments of self-care makes a world of difference. 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

When you’re exhausted, squeezing the last tiny bit of toothpaste out of a tube is an annoyance you can do without. Stock up on a few extra tubes so your bathroom is fully prepped for those sleepy morning and night routines.

20. Hand soap and sanitizer

With visitors stopping by to cuddle the baby and diaper changes on repeat, you’ll be washing your hands constantly.

Keep extra hand soap refills in the cupboard and set out sanitizer pumps in high-traffic spots so quick cleanups are effortless for both you and your guests.

21. Toilet Paper

It might sound like an obvious staple, but running out of toilet paper when you’re recovering postpartum is a total nightmare.

Stock up on a soft, high-quality brand so your bathroom is well-supplied for recovery and for all those friends and family stopping by to meet the baby.

This ultra-plush toilet paper is our family’s hands-down favorite—it’s super soft and extra durable. We’ve been relying on it for years!

22. Paper Towels

Life with a newborn is messy. So these paper towels will come in handy. Use them after disinfecting your changing table or kitchen sink to wipe surfaces completely dry.

23. Facial Tissues

Keep a few boxes of tissues on hand as a backup when burp cloths are all in the wash. They’re also perfect for wiping away quick spills or the occasional baby snot.

24. Laundry detergents

Opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free laundry detergents. A newborn’s skin is super sensitive, so avoiding harsh chemicals, dyes, and strong perfumes is key to preventing skin irritation.

If you’re wondering where to start, these two are great options:

• Tide Free and Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

25. Dish soap

Between baby bottles, pump parts, and everyday dishes, you’ll be spending plenty of time at the sink.

Look for a gentle, cruelty-free formula that effectively cuts through milk residue without leaving behind harsh chemicals or strong fragrances like this dish soap.

26. Disinfectant wipes

Diaper blowout mishaps and milk spills are bound to happen! Having multi-surface disinfectant wipes on hand makes it easy to sanitize changing pads, countertops, and floors without missing a beat.

27. Trash bags

Newborns create a surprising amount of trash—especially once those daily diaper changes start piling up! Keeping extra trash bags means one less thing to worry about during late-night cleanups.

28. Other natural cleaning supplies

If you prefer eco-friendly or non-toxic cleanups around baby gear, keep these versatile staples in your pantry for quick DIY cleaning remedies:

• White vinegar (great for descaling bottle warmers and deodorizing)
• Baking soda (perfect for neutralizing stubborn odors)
• Lemons or lemon juice (natural stain and residue lifter)
• Unscented Castile soap (gentle and baby-safe multi-purpose cleaner)

29. Batteries

Essential devices like touchless thermometers, electric nasal aspirators, and portable noise machines run strictly on battery power. Stashing a few multi-packs of standard sizes ensures you’re never left scrambling when a low-battery light starts flashing.

30. Coupons

Now hear me out—don’t call me crazy just yet!

Calling coupons a ‘necessity’ might sound extra, but newborn expenses will blow through a budget faster than a diaper blowout. Those late-night diaper runs and endless detergent restocks add up FAST, and every single dollar you save now is money right back in your pocket.

Take a few minutes to clip digital store deals (like Target Circle or Amazon offers), browse cash-back apps, or snag Sunday paper coupon inserts.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about asking family and friends to save their Sunday paper circulars before they toss them in the recycling bin—it’s free savings for you!

💡Recommended Reads for Expecting Moms:

• 13 Items Not to Put on Your Baby Registry [No Regrets]
• Sweet Bedtime Stories for Babies [15 of our Favorites]

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.

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.

A Little Prep Now, a Little More Peace Later: Building Your Baby Stockpile

As moms, we will do anything humanly possible to prepare for our baby’s arrival. But let’s admit it—we’re only human, and pregnancy brain is real!

That’s why it helps so much to get a head start on both baby necessities and household essentials whenever you can. This baby stockpile list is here to help you feel a little more prepared before your newborn comes home.

A lot of people will say that a newborn only needs so much. I say—stock up on what gives you peace of mind! If you end up with extras, you can always save them for a future baby, pass them along to a friend, or make another local mama’s day by donating what you can.

So start your baby stockpile whenever you’re ready, Mama! Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a time of immense joy, love, and adjustment. 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 focuses on everyday essentials and doesn’t include baby registry must-haves like an infant car seat or baby carrier. I have a separate printable baby registry checklist you can check out if you’re still working on the bigger gear.

Talk to you soon,

Do you have other things on your baby stockpile list?

Did I miss any of your pre-baby must-haves? Drop your top non-negotiables in the comments below—your tip might be a total lifesaver for an expecting mama who’s prepping right now!