What to Buy Before Baby Arrives — A New Westminster Parent's Checklist

The amount of advice aimed at expecting parents is overwhelming. Every blog, every app, every relative has a different opinion on what you absolutely must have before baby arrives. A lot of it is well-intentioned noise.

At Baby Nook we talk to new and expecting parents every single day. Here is what we actually recommend — the honest version, from the people who stock the things.

The Real Essentials (Buy These Before Baby Arrives)

Sleep

At least three swaddle blankets, two or three crib sheets, and a sleep sac in the right TOG weight for the season. Babies spend most of their early life sleeping and you will go through these faster than you expect. Having backups ready means you are not doing laundry at 2am after a blowout.

Large Organic Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blanket

$29.00 CAD

Certified organic cotton muslin — breathable, stretchy, and incredibly soft. Gets better with every wash. Available in multiple prints. Buy at least two or three.

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Clothing

A few newborn pieces, but mostly 0 to 3 month and 3 to 6 month sizes. Newborn clothing lasts 4 to 8 weeks at most. Do not overload on tiny sizes — buy a few and fill the rest of the registry with bigger sizes.

Bamboo Zipups Sleeper

$39.00 CAD

The two-way zip makes night changes so much less disruptive. Silky bamboo fabric is gentle on newborn skin. Parents who own these buy multiple. One of our most recommended pre-arrival purchases.

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Feeding and Bibs

At least six bibs before baby arrives. You will use them from day one and you will always wish you had more. Muslin bandana bibs are our most popular — absorbent, washable, and genuinely cute.

Bath Essentials

Two or three hooded towels and six washcloths. Bath time is a daily event and they go through washcloths quickly.

What You Can Wait On

Most toys. Newborns do not play with toys. A few simple sensory items for tummy time are enough for the first three months. Save the toy budget for 4 to 6 months onwards.

Shoes. Babies do not walk. Tiny shoes are adorable but completely unnecessary until they are pulling themselves up to stand, usually around 9 to 12 months.

Baby food equipment. You will not need this for at least four to six months. Add it to the registry and let someone else buy it later.