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Sometimes I get the chance to talk to my friends or acquaintances that are pregnant for the first time, and I have noticed it is quite common for most of them not to know the essentials they need to get prepared for the arrival of their baby. Especially as there are a lot of well-meaning advice from people who tell them they need a whole lot of stuff, they will probably never get to use. To help our pregnant readers and soon-to-be pregnant readers, we have compiled a checklist of essential items for the first three months (by the time baby is three months, you will know what you need or don’t need) spread over different categories
Essential Checklist for Babies

Hospital
Let us start with the hospital list and move on from there. Please note that the hospital list may differ depending on the hospital used, but here is a generic list of things you might need

4 bodysuits
2 sleepsuits
Receiving blanket or shawls
Hats, socks and mittens
Baby bath set (towel, soap, sponge, powder, lotion, etc.)
Methylated spirit and cotton wool
Diaper

Bathing/Changing

Infant tub and scoop bowl
4 washcloths
Four soft hooded towels
Baby soap
Baby shampoo
Baby lotion/cream
Baby hairbrush/comb
One box of newborn size diapers (don’t buy too many before baby is born as children grow quickly)
Diaper bag and changing pad
Hand sanitizer
Baby barrier cream (shea butter is probably the best)
Disposable wipes

Clothes

12 bodysuits (short and long sleeve)
6 sleepsuits
2-4 pairs of outing clothes (you don’t need too much outing clothes since baby might not go out much in the first three months)
Five newborn hats
Eight pairs of socks/booties
Four pairs of hand mittens

You could buy more or less of these clothes depending on your washing schedule.
Sleeping

Co-Sleeping

Two waterproof pads (to place under baby)
Blankets

Crib sleeping

Crib and crib mattress
Two waterproof mattress covers
Four crib sheets
2 blankets

Blankets

Three large cotton blankets
Six receiving blankets
2 shawls

Feeding

Breastfeeding

12 bibs
Muslin squares
Breast Pump (Manual/Electric)
Milk storage containers

Formula feeding

12 bibs
Muslin squares
8-12 bottles with teats
Cup and spoon
Bottle and nipple brush
Formula of choice
Thermal flask and bottle carrier
Sterilizing set

 Health/Safety

Baby thermometer
Baby nail cutter or scissors
Mucus Extractor

Mum

Nursing bra
Breast pads
Nipple ointment (or you could just use shea butter)
Sanitary pads
Disposable pants

Others
Some of these are not essential, but you could buy them if they are still within your budget

Wrapper and Oja or Baby carrier
Baby net bed
Baby wardrobe or anything you can keep your baby’s items in

Infant car seat (if you have a car, you need this) and car sun shade
Baby hanger
Baby monitor