10 Must-Have Items To Buy Before Baby Arrives To Avoid Stress

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Buy A Firm Crib Mattress With Two Fitted Sheets Ready

Let’s start with sleep, because if the baby doesn’t sleep well, nobody sleeps well, and we both know how that spiral goes.

A firm crib mattress with extra fitted sheets feels boring at first, but at 2 AM when you need a quick swap, you’ll feel like a genius.

Before the baby gets here, lock this in:

• Choose Firm Support: Pick a tight, firm mattress to keep baby safe and comfortable.
• Grab Two Fitted Sheets: Keep one on the crib and one clean in the drawer for fast changes.
• Skip Extra Padding: Avoid pillows and bumpers to keep the sleep space simple and safe.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Measure your crib mattress today, order a firm one that fits snugly, and wash two fitted sheets before putting them on.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Newton Baby Crib Mattress for breathable, firm support.

2. Grab A Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat And Install Early

Picture this, babe, you’re ready to leave the hospital, and suddenly you’re wrestling with straps in the parking lot.

Install it early and practice once or twice, because calm confidence beats panic every time.

Handle it like this:

• Install Weeks Early: Secure the base at least three weeks before your due date.
• Check Tightness: Make sure it moves less than one inch side to side.
• Practice Buckling: Strap in a stuffed animal to learn the motion smoothly.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Install the seat this weekend, tighten it firmly, and practice buckling three times until it feels easy.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Chicco KeyFit infant car seat for simple click-in installation.

3. Stock Newborn And Size One Diapers Before Delivery

Babies go through diapers like they’re trying to set a record, girl.

If you don’t want a midnight pharmacy run in pajamas, build a small stash now.

Keep it simple:

• Buy Two Sizes: Keep newborn and size one ready to adjust quickly.
• Store In One Spot: Stack diapers in a visible corner of the nursery.
• Avoid Overbuying: Start with small packs to match baby’s growth.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Add two small diaper packs to your next grocery trip and place them in a clear bin by the changing table.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Pampers Swaddlers newborn starter pack for soft early days.

4. Keep A Large Pack Of Unscented Baby Wipes

Fragrance-free wipes feel boring, but baby skin will thank you.

Sensitive skin plus strong scents equals drama, and we are avoiding drama, right?

Set it up now:

• Choose Unscented: Pick gentle wipes to reduce irritation risks.
• Store In Multiple Rooms: Keep one pack upstairs and one downstairs.
• Seal Tightly: Close the lid firmly to keep wipes moist.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Buy one large unscented pack today and divide it into smaller containers around your home.

How I Made It Easy: Consider WaterWipes for simple, fragrance-free cleaning.

5. Purchase Zip-Up Sleepers For Easy Night Changes

Snaps at 3 AM feel like a puzzle you didn’t sign up for, babe.

Zip-up sleepers let you change diapers without fully waking baby, which is pure magic.

Grab a few of these:

• Choose Double Zippers: Pick sleepers that unzip from top or bottom.
• Buy Neutral Colors: Rotate outfits without overthinking laundry.
• Wash Before Use: Clean everything once to soften fabric.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Order three zip-up sleepers today, wash them in baby detergent, and fold them in the top nursery drawer.

How I Made It Easy: Consider Carter’s double-zip sleepers for quick nighttime changes.

6. Set Up A Portable Diaper Caddy For Each Floor

Walking upstairs every diaper change sounds fine now, but postpartum legs say otherwise.

A small caddy saves steps and saves your sanity, IMO.

Make it work like this:

• Use A Small Basket: Fill it with diapers, wipes, and cream only.
• Add Foldable Pad: Keep a slim changing mat inside.
• Place Near Sofa: Set it where you spend most of your day.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Fill one basket with five diaper basics and place it in your main living area tonight.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Skip Hop diaper caddy with divided sections.

7. Have Burp Cloths And Bibs Washed And Folded

Spit-up happens fast, and it shows zero mercy to cute outfits.

Stack clean burp cloths everywhere and you’ll feel oddly prepared, bestie.

Keep it practical:

• Wash In One Load: Clean all cloths before baby arrives.
• Store In Baskets: Place small stacks near feeding spots.
• Rotate Daily: Keep extras handy during growth spurts.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Wash all burp cloths this week and place small folded stacks near your couch and bedside.

How I Made It Easy: Consider Muslin burp cloth sets for extra absorbency.

8. Pick Up A Simple Baby Bathtub For Sink Baths

You don’t need a spa setup, just something stable and safe.

A basic baby tub makes bath time less slippery and way less stressful.

Choose smart:

• Find Non-Slip Base: Pick a tub that grips the sink securely.
• Keep Lightweight: Choose one you can lift easily.
• Store Nearby: Place it under the bathroom sink.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Buy a simple infant tub this week and test it once in your sink before baby arrives.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Fisher-Price infant-to-toddler tub for easy sink baths.

9. Keep A Digital Thermometer In The Nursery Drawer

Ever tried guessing if baby feels warm at midnight?

Skip the guessing game and keep a digital thermometer within reach.

Be prepared:

• Choose Quick Read: Pick one with fast results.
• Store In Drawer: Keep it in the top nursery drawer.
• Check Batteries: Test it before baby arrives.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Place a working thermometer in your nursery drawer tonight and test it once to confirm it works.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Braun digital thermometer for quick readings.

10. Prepare A Postpartum Care Kit For Mom Recovery

Okay babe, this one is about you, because recovery deserves attention too.

You’ll feel stronger and calmer when everything sits within reach during those first days.

Set it up like this:

• Gather Comfort Items: Place pads, peri bottle, and soothing spray together.
• Add Snacks And Water: Keep easy protein bars nearby.
• Store Beside Bed: Put everything in one basket next to you.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Fill a medium basket tonight with recovery basics and place it beside your bed before labor starts.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a Frida Mom postpartum recovery kit for ready-made essentials.

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