This shopping list can be very valuable as you prepare for your baby. Be sure to keep in mind what season it will be when your baby is born, and buy cooler things for summer and warmer things for winter. You can take a look at the shopping list below. Happy shopping!

• 3-7 undershirts
• 3-8 nightgowns with drawstring bottoms
• If using cloth diapers, 3-4 waterproof pants, diaper covers or diaper wraps
• 2-3 pairs booties or socks
• 3-6 stretchy pajamas with feet for fall or winter
• 2-3 stretchy pajamas for spring or summer
• 2-3 blanket sleepers for late fall or winter
• 3-6 rompers (one-piece, short sleeved, snap at the crotch outfits) for a summer baby
• 1-3 hats (Hint: for cooler or windy weather be sure the hats cover your baby's ears. For sunny weather be sure they have a brim for protection)

• 3-4 receiving blankets
• 3-4 fitted sheets each for crib and bassinet
• 3-6 waterproof pads for protection
• 2 washable blankets
• 2-3 each soft terry cloth washcloths and towels with hoods
• 12 square cloth diapers for burp cloths
• Diapers - whether you chose cloth or disposable diapers, your baby will use 60-70 diapers per week for the first several weeks. The "newborn" size will probably be outgrown by the time your baby is 1 month old. Keep this in mind when buying.

Helpful hint: Keep in mind that babies have very sensitive skin. Use a mild, unscented soap, or one that is made especially for babies. Avoid baby oils and items with added scent or alcohol, which can be irritating.

• Bath Thermometer (to test temperature of baby’s bath water)
• Baby soap - can be used as shampoo also. Ointment for diaper rash - ask your provider which is best
• Baby scissors or clippers, baby emery board
• Baby brush and comb
• Diaper wipes for diaper changes
• Helpful hint: you can make your own diaper wipes by mixing a very small amount of baby soap, baby oil and 1 1/2 cups water. Pour over paper towels with cardboard removed and towels cut in half. Place in airtight container
• 8 diaper pins if using cloth diapers

• Liquid aspirin substitute such as Baby Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol
• Rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning the umbilical cord
• Thermometer - preferably digital

• If breast feeding exclusively: 1 bottle with nipple for water or an emergency supplementary feeding
• If formula feeding: 4 bottles, 4 ounce size and 10-12 bottles 8-ounce size, with nipple units (NOTE: For parents who choose to formula feed exclusively, the cost of formula will be approximately $1000 the first year.)
• Formula - some babies react better to one brand than to others. Purchasing multiple cans of one kind could be wasteful if your baby does not fare well with this particular type. It may be wise to stock up once you establish what your baby digests the best. Powder type formula is cheaper and easier to use since it does not need to be made in advance but only when your baby becomes hungry.
• Pacifier - if you decide to use one. Look for sturdy one-piece construction with ventilation holes for safety.
• Cloth Diapers — these make great burp cloths!

• made with lead-free paint
• that won't tip
• with smooth edges and rounded corners
• with appropriate safety restraints at the crotch and waist

• with sharp points
• with loose parts
• with exposed hinges or springs
• with strings or ribbons

Follow directions and frequently check for loose parts and signs of wear. Here are several of the furnishings that you will probably need:

Look for a crib with a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) label that tells you that standards have been met, no splinters in wood, space between bars is no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, rail height of 22 inches when the mattress is at its highest level and the rail is at its lowest level, plastic covering on top of the rail is unbroken. Avoid posts or knobs that protrude and crossbars.

You'll want to find a firm crib mattress with pocketed-coil innersprings, that fits snugly into your crib with no more than 2 adult finger widths between crib and mattress.

Bumper pads should fit snugly around entire crib with at least 6 sets of ties or snaps to attach to crib rails.

A changing space, or changing table, may be combined with a chest of drawers for storing your baby's clothes. Make sure the height is at a comfortable level for you. Be sure it has a safety strap and washable padding. Having storage space within reach for changing supplies is helpful.

A diaper pail is needed if you will be washing your own diapers, or even if you'd like a handy place to put your used disposable diapers. Be sure the pail is easy to wash and has a tight fitting lid that your baby can't pry open. Babies have been poisoned by the deodorant cake or drowned in a few inches of water in a diaper pail.

Helpful hint: You can use your kitchen sink for baths until your baby outgrows it. This may be easier to use since it's at a comfortable height and may save you a backache. Be sure to place a washcloth in the bottom so that your baby doesn't slip. Cleaning your sink before and after the bath is essential to avoid spreading germs. When your baby is a few months old, you'll probably need to switch to using a baby tub, but you can hold off on buying it for a while.

Some strollers can double as a cradle or bassinet. Look for the certification seal - Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a broad non-tip base, large wheels, good brakes, restraining straps, easy foldability, lightweight, sun and rain shields, hinges that won't let in wandering fingers, and a comfortable handle height.