You technically have nine months to prepare for your baby’s arrival. But subtract all the time spent feeling sick, panic-Googling at 2 a.m., and accidentally falling asleep on the couch in the middle of the day, and you’re left with approximately seven hours to research, buy, wash, organize, assemble, and prepare for an entirely new human.

The good news is, you really just need a few solid basics that will get you through the first four-to-six weeks. Because while you can research every product for months, there are some things you won’t know until your baby is here; like which of the 14 nearly identical pacifiers they’ll accept or which wipe formula their skin gets along with best.

Here’s what you actually need to have on hand for day one, what can wait, and how to prepare without filling every closet in your house with targeted baby products from Instagram.

Your “Just The Essentials” Checklist

Diapering

• Newborn diapers
• Size 1 diapers
• Size 2 diapers (just a few of these will do)
• Baby wipes (get a couple different kinds to see which you/your baby like best)
• Travel-size wipes
• Changing pad / changing station
• Portable changing mat (or puppy pee pads, seriously)
• Diaper pail
• Diaper bag (any old bag you already have laying around will do, too)

Bath + skincare

• Baby wash*
• Baby moisturizer*
• Diaper cream or balm*
• Baby bathtub
• Soft washcloths
• Hooded towels

*Starting with smaller sizes can be helpful here. You’ll have a chance to see which products become staples in your routine before stocking up on full-size versions.

Feeding

• Bottles (start with just a couple in case you need to switch)
• Burp cloths
• Bottle brush
• Breastfeeding or pumping supplies (if applicable)
• Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
• Formula (even if you’re breastfeeding, just in case)

Sleep

• Bassinet and/or crib
• Firm crib mattress
• Fitted sheets
• Swaddles (start with 1-2 in case you need to switch)
• Baby monitor
• White noise machine
• Pacifiers (at least 2 different types, babies can be finicky with these)

Clothing + toys

• Sleepers (this is what your baby will wear 99% of their first few months)
• A few seasonally appropriate layers (onesies, leggings, a snowsuit if needed)
• Socks
• Books
• Play mat (preferably one that comes with a mirror)
• A few rattles or stroller clip-on toys
• Teethers (these can wait until your baby is about 3-4 months if needed)

Baby gear, etc.

• Infant car seat
• Stroller
• Baby carrier
• Bouncer
• Infant thermometer
• Nail file or baby nail clippers

Where To Start

You don’t need to have everything figured out before the baby arrives. Stock the basics above, and leave yourself some room to learn what works (believe us, your little one will tell you).

That’s why we created The Newborn Starter Kit: a thoughtfully curated assortment of our bestselling products, with different sizes and formulas to help you figure out what works best for your baby before committing to a whole routine.

Inside, you’ll find full-size packs of The Diaper in Sizes Newborn and 1, plus trial packs of Sizes 2 and 3 so you have a head start as your baby grows. There’s also The Wipe in both standard and travel sizes, The Soft Wipe, and minis of our three skincare essentials: First Wash, Soft Cream, and Bun Balm.

Once you find the products you love, then you can stock up. Until then, consider most of your diapering and skincare essentials officially checked off.