Hi Holly!
I love your blog, and have been trying to figure out what I really need for the baby. There seems to be so much stuff out there, and I can’t decide what I need. Can you give me a list of what you feel is absolutely important? Thanks so much-
Johanna, New York, NY
Hi!
As baby number two approaches its due date, I have been thinking about assembling my nursery and baby care items. This time around, I know what I definitely need and what I didn’t really use last time, and lots of you have written to ask me what I believe we need to have on hand for baby’s arrival. If this is your first baby, I hope this list will help you be more prepared than I was.
When I was leaving the house with my son for his 3 day check-up, as my husband was frantically trying to fix the car seat straps, my mom took one look at me with my tiny handbag slung over my shoulder and said, “where’s your diaper bag?”
The thought hadn’t even occurred to me. Really. I flailed around the house and said, I don’t have one put together! What do I need in it?” So she calmly told me, “diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, your nursing cover a light blanket, and a change of clothes.”
Phew. Thank God my mom was there.
Here is my list of things I believe are necessary to have in place before baby comes home.
I have included the brand of the kind I used, and please remember- I only recommend items that I have used and 100% believe in, and I am not paid by the companies to share my insight. I just hope to make life a little easier for you, and not be overwhelmed with unnecessary baby gear!
Toys:
- Sophie
- Wooden Rings
- Rattles
- Fabric Books- one of our personal favorites, Button Nose

- Board Books- Eric Carle’s Very Little Library

- Classical Baby DVDs– because of these great shows, my son recognizes art at the Metropolitain Museum of Art and the Moma, and could spend hours there. He also loves to hear classical piano pieces and recites poetry! It’s a great compromise for those of us who didn’t think we’d be letting our babies watch TV!
If you’re interested, I also have a list of things I had that I did not need, as well as a list of items I believe are bad for baby for developmental reasons. Please let me know if you’d like that too!
*I washed everything that was going to come into contact with my baby in a natural and non-toxic laundry detergent, such as Seventh Generation. Also, don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets- they are loaded with toxic chemicals.
If you’re a mom and you believe I’ve left something important off the list, please leave a comment so I can check it out with my new baby!
Thanks for your question, I love to help in any way I can. That’s why I’m here!