Starting your own family is an incredibly exciting, yet stressful experience. Although you will be excited to meet the new member of your family, chances are you’re going to be worrying about whether or not you’re as prepared as you can be.

One of the best ways to prepare, of course, is to ensure you have absolutely everything on your list of essentials. From a baby changing back to a bouncy walker, you need to ensure you have everything you need. With that in mind, here are 14 essentials you need to buy before your baby arrives:

A Moses Basket Or Crib

When it comes to starting your own family, you need to ensure you have a Moses basket or crib ready for your little one’s arrival. Depending on where you want your little one to sleep, buying a suitable bed for them is important. Check out a guide to buying a crib for your newborn baby for great tips.

For those that want their child to be a little closer to them whilst they sleep, you might want to consider a co-sleeping cot. A co-sleeping cot creates a safe sleeping space for your baby, while still keeping them close to you. Although not for everyone, they’re a great way to stay close to your little one.

As well as purchasing a crib, you also need to think about the best mattress for your little one. With various different sizes and consistencies available, doing your research is important. For more information when it comes to the standard crib mattress size, you can visit this site here.

A Baby Bath Or An Insert For Your Tub

Another important thing to add to your list is a baby bath or a special bathing insert for your tub. You should be bathing your newborn baby at least three times a week, so having a dedicated space to do this is essential. Whether they have their own tub or you use an insert, their safety should be your main priority.

A Baby Changing Bag For When You’re Out And About

Taking your baby on their first outing can be an incredibly exciting experience, which might mean you forget to prepare yourself as best you can. One of the best ways to be prepared, of course, is to ensure you always have your baby changing bag with you at all times. Although this bag is usually called a ‘changing bag’ it usually carries a lot more than changing equipment. From new diapers and a change of clothes to spare bottles and toys, you can never be too prepared when taking your baby out for the day. For a guide to packing your baby changing bag, you can visit this site here.

A Bouncy Chair And A Walker

Although you won’t need these right away, having a bouncy chair and walker is a great way to aid your little one’s development. Designed for infants aged from 4 months to 16 months, bouncers and walkers are a great way to encourage them to use their legs. They will help them build strength and get them used to the motion they need to imitate in order to walk. If your child can already walk, they should not be using a walker.

Lots Of Stimulating Toys

One of the most important things you can buy when it comes to your new arrival’s development is a box of stimulating toys. Even from an early age, having toys that encourage sensory development is essential.

When you’re purchasing toys for your little one, you need to be sure you’re checking the age range on them. Some toys may not be suitable for children of a young age and if you buy something that is unsafe, it could cause them harm if they don’t use it properly.

A Breast Pump Or Plenty Of Formula

Depending on whether or not you’re going to be breastfeeding your child, you need to ensure you’re stocked up when it comes to feeding essentials. From breast pumps to formula, having these before your baby arrives is important. If you’re unsure of whether or not you should feed your baby breast milk or formula, you can visit this helpful guide here. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference.

A Changing Mat And Changing Essentials

Another essential when it comes to shopping for your new arrival is a changing mat and changing essentials. In most cases, having a changing table with lots of storage space is the best way to ensure you have room for everything you need. From clean diapers to talc, you may be surprised how much you need to change your babies diaper properly.

Lots And Lots Of Baby Wipes And Muslin Cloths

One of the most important essentials when it comes to raising a baby is a large stock of baby wipes. Whether you’re moping up baby food or changing your baby’s diaper, you’re going to need baby wipes consistently throughout the day.

If you don’t want to use baby wipes each and every time your baby makes a mess, you might want to consider carrying a selection of muslin cloths with you. Not only are they much better for the environment but they’re also great for clearing up practically anything.

A Car Seat And Buggy

If you have a car, you’re going to need a car seat in order to take your baby from one place to another. Luckily, you will find most buggies come with a detachable car seat.

Baby Clothes In Various Sizes

Another important thing to stock up on before you bring your new arrival home is a collection of baby clothes in various sizes. Although you don’t know how big your little one is going to be before they arrive, you need to ensure you’re buying the essentials as soon as you can. Whether this means stocking up on vests or buying various different sleepsuits, you need to ensure your baby is going to have plenty of clothes to wear.

If you’re concerned about their size, you might want to try buying affordable clothes in a variety of different sizes. Chances are, they’ll grow into them eventually.

A Baby First Aid Kit And Required Medication

Another thing that should be considered essential is a baby first aid kit and any required medication they may need. Your little one’s health should be your main priority so having a first aid kit to hand at all times is important. If it helps, you might want to consider having one for your changing bag too.

A Handy Baby Monitor

If you’re going to be sleeping in a separate room from your little one, you need to ensure you have a baby monitor to check up on them at all times. After all, you never know what might happen whilst they’re asleep.

Bottles And A Sterilizer

Another important thing to consider when it comes to buying the essentials is whether or not you have enough baby bottles. As you’re going to feeding your new arrival throughout the day, you need to ensure you have enough bottles to use and enough bottles to sterilize.

Baby Bibs

Finally, you need to be sure you have enough baby bibs to last you a lifetime! You’re always going to need to protect your baby’s clothes so you can never have enough bibs handy.

Are you expecting a new arrival soon? What do you need to ensure you have before they arrive? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

Disclosure: Mommy Makes Time receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising