What you’ll need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn:

Clothing

• 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
• 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
• Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
• Laundry detergent for infants
• 4 outfits for dressing up (optional)

Blankets

• 3 large cotton blankets
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths)

Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths
• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers (here are some essential safety tips on storing breastmilk)
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
• Breast pads (disposable or washable)
• Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• • Lots of bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples
  • 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
  • Bottle and nipple brush
  • Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
  • Thermal bottle carrier

Diapering:

If you are using re-usable cloth diapers:

• • • Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers
    • 8 waterproof covers
    • 1 diaper pail
    • Changing pad
    • Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
    • Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
    • Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:

• • • Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
    • 1 diaper pail
    • Changing pad
    • Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
    • Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

Bathtime

• • • 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
    • 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
    • Baby soap or cleanser
    • Baby soft-bristled hair brush
    • 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

• • • Approved crib and crib mattress
    • 3 waterproof mattress covers
    • 4 fitted cribsheets
    • 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
    • Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

• • • Firm mattress (not a waterbed)
    • 4 fitted cribsheets
    • 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
    • Light comforter (keep away from baby’s head)
    • Sleep sack

Other necessities

• • • Approved infant safety seat for car
    • Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
    • Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
    • 8 Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
    • Baby thermometer
    • Eye dropper or medicine spoon
    • Medication in case of fever

Nice-to-have items

• • • Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
    • Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
    • Playpen
    • Sling or baby carrier
    • Diaper bag
    • 1 or 2 change pads
    • Plastic hangers for closet
    • Sun shade for car windows
    • 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
    • Rattles and other baby toys
    • Mobiles
    • Night light

Read more:
Five things your baby doesn’t need in the first year
7 ways to save money on diapers
11 best baby registries