So you’re about to have a baby, and you have no idea what to buy or register for. What’s useful? What’s extraneous? What brand is best? Are you missing anything? Below is a handy checklist of products that I think every parent-to-be should have. You can click on each category to read more about my experience with the products. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are nice to have but not completely necessary. I also list items that are completely unnecessary, in my opinion. (Click here for a printable version of the list.)

I’ve used every single one of the items that I recommend (my baby is almost nine months now), and my opinions on them are purely personal—no one is paying me to review them. The majority of the linked products come from Babies ‘R’ Us, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon, and Target. I’ve chosen the links based on where I personally bought these products. I have no affiliation with these stores. Unless otherwise noted, all these products are highly rated by other consumers (typically earning at least four out of five stars). I did my research before buying these things, and the purpose of this guide is to save you the trouble of having to do the same.

Of course, what works for me may not necessarily work for you, and you should conduct further research on your own to see what fits your needs best. This is just a general guide, meant to start you off as you venture into the vast and confusing world of baby products. Good luck!

Dressing Up (Layette)
Side-Snap Onesies
Pants
Body Suits *
Outerwear *
Mittens, Booties, and Hats
Socks That Resemble Shoes *
Receiving Blankets
Sleep Sack
Not Recommended: Shoes

Feeding
Bottles
Burp Cloths
Cleaning Brush
Drying Rack
Dishwasher Basket *
Formula
Breast Pump *
Nipple Cream
Nursing Pads
Nursing Pillow
Breast Milk Storage
Bibs
High Chair
Spoons
Baby Food Maker *
Not Recommended: Bottle Sterilizer, Bottle Warmer

Diapering
Diapers
Wipes
Baby Powder
Diaper Waste Basket *
Changing Pad and Covers
Not Recommended: Wipes Warmer

Bathing
Bathtub
Shampoo and Body Wash
Hooded Towel and Washcloth
Bath Toys
Not Recommended: Faucet Cover, Bath Thermometer

Staying Healthy and Groomed
Thermometer
Aspirator and Saline
Nail Clippers
Baby Lotion
Baby Face Moisturizer
Humidifier *
Diaper Rash Cream
Sun Block
Baby Medicine *

Traveling
Stroller
Car Seat
Car Seat Head Support
Car Toys *
Car Mirror *
Pack ‘n’ Play
Baby Carrier
Travel High Chair *
Diaper Bag
Travel Wipes Case

Entertaining
Swing or Bouncer
Baby Gym
Jumper
Baby Armchair
Books
Toys
Baby Videos *

Furnishing and Decorating
Crib
Crib Mattress
Crib Pad
Crib Bedding and Mobile
Dresser / Changing Table
Glider
Not Recommended: Bassinet, Changing Table

Remembering
Memory Box *
Memory Book *
Photo Album *

Miscellaneous
Baby Monitor *
Pacifiers *
Birth Announcements *
Not Recommended: Infant Movement Monitor, Baby-Proofing Things, Potty Equipment, Baby Laundry Detergent