You always hear what you should buy or have when the baby comes home. Well I'll tell you from experience.

First off, have the crib together and waiting so that way it's already done. Buy the car seat, whether it's a convertible or a carrier, and make sure it's in properly before the birth.

As for clothes. While you guys are in the hospital, the clothes they give you to wear are fine for there. When getting clothes, you really only need about 10 onsies (they are easy and you can put them with either shorts or pants), some bottoms. Probably 4-5 pairs of pajamas. They sleep a lot for the first few weeks and they just may live in pajamas, it's not the end of the world because they won't/shouldn't be leaving the house anyway.

When you do buy clothes or have a shower, have the guests buy clothes that are bigger than you need. Babies grow fast and you think they will wear the clothes for a long time, wrong. At the newborn stage you are lucky if you can get a month out of the clothes (at least I didn't get that much). With the baby shower too, also put on your registry the different kinds of diapers (all in the newborn size, but in small packages) so you can see what fits your baby best.

Try to have some formula on hand just in case you have a little problem with breast feeding if you choose to do so. As for bottles, I would buy probably 9 total and you will need to buy Stage 1 nipples because most times they come with Stage 2. Have a bottle brush to clean them with and it's up to you if you want a bottle drying rack.

If you plan on breast feeding, I would consider either renting a pump or buying your own. Either way, you should buy a couple extra breast shields so that way since you'll be so tired you can just rinse them and still have an set to use. Also spend the money on good nursing bras, and don't forget the nursing pads. I prefer the disposable kind.

Wash the newborn clothes beforehand so you're not worrying about it after you're home. Use either All Free (which is cheaper than Dreft), Dreft, or any non-fragrant soap.

You don't need a bath tub for them right away since you just give them sponge baths until their umbilical cord falls off (around two weeks). Have a few sets of towels and washcloths. And you should buy burp cloths. Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, they will spit up.

So to recap:

• 4-5 pairs of pajamas.
• Maybe 10 onsies.
• Bottoms to go with the onsies.
• 2-3 sets of towels.
• 4-5 wash cloths.
• 10 pairs of socks.
• 3 blankets to swaddle the baby.
• 3 crib sheets.
• Diapers.
• Around 9 bottles w/ Stage 1 nipples.
• Car seat w/ or w/out stroller your choice.
• Formula (or wait till you give birth and get some free).
• Bottle brush.
• Good nursing bras.
• Nursing pads.
• Lots of burp cloths.
• Crib put together.
• Changing table (your choice).
• Baby wipes.
• A good nursing chair!!!
• Night light.
• Breast pump if nursing.

I think that's about it. Things you shouldn't waste your money:

• Wipe warmer.
• Bottle warmer.

That could be it but I don't remember right now. You should have some sensory toys for them and I also think you should either get an infant rocker seat or a bouncy seat. See how your baby is before buying a swing, both my kids hated the swing.

Enjoy having the new baby home and if I forgot some important things, email me so I can update this. Thanks!!