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What does the baby really need

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Diapers. You can't have too many diapers, as newborns can go through as many as a dozen diapers a day. For easy, convenient access, place a stocked diaper hanger near baby's changing table.
Wipes. Baby wipes are versatile. Use them for baby's bottom, to clean your hands, wipe away spittle, and keep the nursery spic-and-span (and sanitary).
Toiletries. Baby oil, lotion and powder create that identifiable "baby" scent while protecting and moisturizing skin. Keep diaper rash cream, nursery jelly and cotton swabs handy too.
Diaper Bag. Make your style choice — personalized totes, hands-free backpacks, masculine dad bags and more — and keep a well-stocked diaper bag ready to grab-and-go.
Onesies. These tiny T-shirts come in every color and pattern imaginable and snap at the crotch for easy diaper changing while keeping baby's back and belly warm.
Receiving blankets. Use these small square blankets for swaddling, as a clean surface to lay the baby on, and for draping over shoulders to avoid drool and spit-up.
Hooded towels and washcloths. Stock up on super-soft baby washcloths for cleaning baby's tiny parts. Wrap her bare body in a hooded towel for extra coziness and to avoid a chill.
Sheets. Whether you opt for a crib, bassinet, cradle or basket, prepare it with a fresh, clean sheet for baby. Have several washed — you'll change sheets frequently.
Gentle laundry detergent. Dirty duds that will pile up quickly. With a gentle, fragrance- and allergen-free detergent, you can do one daily load of baby-clothes-only laundry.
Furniture. In addition to the crib, have a changing table and dresser to keep supplies handy and house itty-bitty clothes, blankets, sheets and other must-haves.
Baby monitor. You can't spend every waking moment with baby so, while she sleeps, rely on a baby monitor for peace of mind and enjoy a change of scenery.
Rocking chair. You'll appreciate a comfortable chair for middle-of-the-night feedings. And when baby's awake, rock away while you read, sing or relax and bond.
Baby bathtub. Models are available to set in your bathtub or kitchen sink and keep baby at an upright angle so you can use both hands to rub-a-dub-dub.
Slings. Mothers have long used slings to transport and discreetly breastfeed their babies. Slings also offer the freedom to be mobile while keeping baby close.
Stroller or baby carriage. Unless the weather is extremely hot or bitterly cold, it's healthy to take baby for daily outings. Talk to her about the sights and sounds and enjoy the opportunity to drop some baby weight.
Car seat. Make sure baby is securely fastened in an age-appropriate baby car seat. If you have questions or concerns about how the seat works, visit your local State Police barracks for hands-on assistance.