With the soon to be arrival of your baby, there are so many things that you need to start preparing for.  Walking into a baby store for the first time can be a little overwhelming trying to decipher what you really need vs. all the cute stuff that you may want or even wonder what it is or what it does.

The below checklist is as a guideline to help you think about what you need for the arrival of your new baby.  All stores and registries say you will need all of the below, but ultimately what you need depends on how much space you have, and how much money you want to spend.  Newborns grow so fast and may not take to some of the gadgets and gear you have purchased.  If you can borrow some of the items from friends to test out or use for those few short weeks that your baby is interested in it, I highly recommend it.

Furniture
Bassinet
Crib
Crib mattress
Crib bedding set
Waterproof crib pads
Blankets
Change table
Dresser
Glider or Rocking chair
Highchair

Room Décor
Mobile for the crib
Monitors
Lamp or dimmer
Night light
Wall décor (wall stickers, pictures, etc.)

Layette
Receiving blankets (6 or more)
Lap pads or burp cloths
Swaddling blanket
Undershirts kimono style (6 or more)
Onesies (snap at crotch, 6 or more)
Hats
Socks
Sleep sack
Sleepers
All in one sleepers
Booties/shoes
Baby detergent

Out and About
Stroller
Car seat
Infant carrier
Stroller blanket
Rain cover
Sun cover
Diaper bag
Baby Carrier

Playtime
Plack and Play
Swing
Bouncy chair
Doorway jumper
Gymini/Activity mat
Books
Plush toys
Rattle
Crib toys
Bumbo seat

Diaper Station
Disposable diapers and/or cloth diapers
Waterproof pants (for cloth diapers)
Changing pad
Changing pad covers (1-2)
Baby wipes
Baby cream (diaper rash)
Baby lotion
Diaper pail

Feeding (bottle)
Bibs (6 or more)
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Bottles 8oz (4-6)
Nipples
Bottle brush
Nipple brush
Bottle warmer
Sterilizer kit
Nursing pillow

Feeding (breast)
Breastpump
Nursing pads
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Lily Padz
Bibs (4 or more)
Nursing pillow
Lanolin nipple cream

Bathtime and safety
Bathtub
Bath thermometer
Washcloths (4-8)
Hooded towels (2-4)
Bath toys
Baby shampoo and bubbles
Brush and comb
Nasal aspirator
Thermometer
Nail clippers
Safety scissors
Cabinet locks
Vaporizer