Baby Prep: What you REALLY Need

Whether you’re filling out your baby registry or just scrolling social media and feeling overwhelmed with all the different baby items that are available, you’re likely wondering what you REALLY need for baby. While TikTok might tell you that all the gadgets and gizmos are necessary, this guide will help you break it down into needs versus wants. It's easiest to start by thinking of baby care in categories of what you'll be doing most with your newborn: feeding, sleeping, diapering, and clothing. Identifying your must-haves in these three categories helps narrow down what's most important as you prioritize your baby budget and registry wish list.

• Nursing Bras - From support to easy access, you’re going to want at least a few high-quality nursing bras.
• Nipple Balm - Skip the lanolin and choose a coconut or olive oil based option.  
• Burp Cloths - You’ll need at least 10-12. Burp cloths can be used for so much more than spit-up!
• Primary Breast Pump - The Motif Luna is a top-performing primary pump that offers a powerful motor (up to 280 mmHg) and a wide range of flange sizes.
• Resupply Kit - Getting your insurance-eligible resupply kit is easy with The Care Connection! Simply call us or stop by the store. We’ll collect your insurance information, verify your coverage, and put together your kit on the spot. You can take it home with you or we’ll ship it directly to your door - free of charge.
• Pumping Bra - A must-have if you’ll be using a primary pump with traditional flanges. A pumping bra gives you the freedom of hands-free pumping.
• Milk Storage Bags - You’ll need high quality breastmilk storage bags for storing your liquid gold safely. Did you know your insurance may cover breastmilk storage bags? The Care Connection can help! Call us, stop by the store, or place an order online at insurance.careconnectiononline.com.  We’ll verify your coverage and get your bags ready for you.  Take them home the same day or have them shipped to you for free.  Even better, once you’re in our system, we’ll send you a text every 30 days asking if you’d like more bags - and we’ll ship them straight to your door at no cost to you.
• Breastfeeding Friendly Bottles - Even if you plan to primarily directly breastfeed, it’s a great idea to at least introduce the bottle to your baby, just in case you would ever need to be separated. Breastfeeding-friendly bottles have slow-flow nipples with a gentle slope from base to tip (like a traffic cone).
• Centralized Feeding Item Storage - A rolling pumping cart is an excellent way to keep frequently needed items at arm’s reach.
• Cooler + Cold Packs - If you’ll be transporting your breastmilk, you’ll need a high-quality cooler bag with long-lasting cold packs to help keep it at a safe temperature.
• Nursing Pads - Nursing pads are great for keeping leaks in check and for protecting your clothing from nipple balms, butters, and creams.

• Gentle Night Light - Nothing is worse than harsh, overhead lighting for middle of the night feedings or diaper changes. A gentle night light can make it easier to get the job done without overstimulating the baby.
• Wearable or Portable Breast Pump - For the ultimate in convenience and portability while pumping, you’ll need a wearable or portable breast pump. The Motif Aura Glow and Motif Roam are two hard-working, hands-free pump options that are discreet and effective. The Care Connection makes getting your insurance-covered breast pump simple!  You have three ways to get started: stop by our store, give us a call, or place an order online at insurance.careconnectiononline.com.  When you come into the store, we’ll verify your insurance coverage, walk you through which pumps are covered in full and which are considered upgrades (which may involve an out-of-pocket cost), and give you a hands-on pump demo, so you leave feeling confident about how to use, clean, and care for your pump.  However you choose to connect with us, we’ll make sure you get the right pump for you.
• Bottle Washer/Sterilizer - With pumping, bottle feeding, pacifiers, and more, there are always infant feeding items to be washed. Many families find that investing in a bottle washer/sterilizer makes life easier, but these units are expensive. A less expensive option for sterilizing are Motif’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags.
• Bottle Drying Rack - A clean dish towel works fine, but a bottle drying rack often takes up less space and allows for more airflow.
• Bottle Warmer - Breastmilk and formula can be served warm, room temperature, or cold, but most babies prefer their meals to be warmed to about 98 - 100 degrees F.
• Milk Catcher - If you leak, a milk catcher can be a great way to collect and store a bit of extra milk.
• Manual Breast Pump - A manual pump makes an excellent backup for times when you just can’t pull out your regular pump.

• Safe Infant Sleep Space- While contact naps will likely be your baby’s preferred way to sleep, you’ll also need a safe place to put them down for naps and overnight sleep. A crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper is a must.
• Receiving Blankets - A lightweight receiving blanket doubles as an excellent swaddle, but you might want to practice your wrapping skills on a doll or teddy bear before baby arrives.
• Baby Monitor - If your baby will be napping in a separate room while you’re in another part of your home, you’ll want a monitor to help hear those cries as soon as possible. It doesn’t have to be a fancy video monitor with wifi capabilities; a simple audio monitor will work just fine, too.

• Sound Machine - White noise can mask so many noises that might otherwise disturb the baby’s sleep. This might be especially helpful if you have other children around or if the baby will be sleeping in a noisy environment.
• Swaddles/Sleep Sacks - Easier to use than receiving blankets, sleep sacks, and swaddles can be a lifesaver after a middle-of-the-night diaper change and nursing session.
• Blackout Curtains - Some babies are sensitive to light from the late-setting sun in summer or early sunrises throughout the year. Keep in mind that many sleep experts recommend reserving complete darkness for overnight sleep only.

Newborn baby diaper counts can easily get into the teens on some days. For breastfed infants, we expect 6-8 wet diapers per day after day five of life. A breastfed baby should also have at least  3-4 dirty diapers per day after day three of life.  Since diapering is a task you’re going to spend a lot of time mastering, let’s break down what you need and some items you might want to have on hand.

• Diapers - At an average of 8 diapers per day, you’re going to want to stock up. However, keep in mind that newborns grow rapidly, so your baby might not be in the newborn size for more than a couple of weeks. If you’re going with cloth diapers, it’s recommended to have enough for 16-20 diaper changes so you’re not doing laundry constantly.

• Wipes - Whether disposable or reusable, you’re going to need lots of wipes. You’ll likely find yourself using them for crusty noses and sticky faces as well!

• Safe Changing Space - This can be a mat, blanket, or towel on a bed or couch. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you will likely want some sort of barrier to protect against soiling and stains.

• Odor Locking Diaper Pail - Don’t underestimate the stink of newborn diapers, especially if they haven’t been taken out in 24 hours or more!

• Changing Table - While not a must-have, many parents like having a dedicated space for diapering.

• Wipeable Changing Pad - A wipeable pad means less laundry. There are many comfy foam options currently available, but a simple tri-fold mat will do as well.

With frequent feedings, spit-up, and blowout diapers, multiple daily clothing changes are also a regular part of the newborn phase. When it comes to this season of life, keep things simple. Cozy fabrics, easy zippers, and comfy outfits should reign supreme in a newborn’s wardrobe. Save the more complicated clothing items for later, and focus on practicality while your bundle of love is still tiny. When deciding how many of each item to purchase, consider your laundry routine. Newborns can easily go through three or more outfits in one day.

• Sleepers - Opt for zippers (especially two-way zippers) or magnetic closures rather than snaps. Alternatively, gowns are an incredibly convenient option for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. 8-10 sleepers are needed as daily staples
• Side-Snap (kimono style) Bodysuits - These are ideal for the first week or two before baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off because they won’t rub against the fragile area. Bonus, they don’t have to be pulled over baby’s head. 5-7 should be plenty to have on hand.
• Onesies - Standard onesies are useful for layering under sleepers or other outfits. They also make a complete outfit in hot weather. Options with an envelope style neck can be pulled down rather than needing to drag a blowout, soiled onesie over the baby’s head. 5-7 is the minimum number of onesies needed during the newborn stage.
• Socks - While many onesies have built-in feet, some don’t. Additionally, the onesie + socks combo is an adorable and practical outfit option on Summer days. 5-7 pairs of socks should be adequate for the newborn stage.
• Soft Hats - Hats are great for extra warmth during cooler weather, in air conditioned rooms, and on outside walks. 2-3 hats will be plenty.
• Blankets - From lightweight cotton, muslin, to warm fleece, the type of blankets you decide on will depend on your local climate. You’ll need 3-5 blankets.
• Gentle Laundry Detergent - Fragrance-free options are the safest bet.

• Coordinating Onesie + Pants Outfits -Choose soft, cozy fabrics and designs that are easy to get on and off of the baby.
• Mesh Laundry Bag - Helpful for keeping tiny baby items from getting lost or mixed up with adult items in the washer and dryer.
• Closet Dividers - These handy dividers help you stay organized when it comes to sizes and seasons.
• Carseat Cover - Helpful for cool weather, but not a must-have in all climates.

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.