What items are absolute necessities for a newborn?

DEFIANTLY STOCK UP ON DIAPERS.

You will defiantly go through them. I went through 200 the first week my son was born.

And you'll need quite a few different onesies and outfits. They go through those too. I can't tell you how many times my son peed on himself or stuck his sock in a poopy diaper!

What I'd buy if I ws you,

lots of diapers (newborn through ones especially)

onesies

SOCKS!

And if you could manage it, a swing is a LIFESAVER.

I would check on freecycle (or craigslist) or on a mother's group - I received several hand me downs and gently used items (lots of clothes, blankets etc.) from my birth/mothers support group. Unless you are the type that doesn't like used stuff. If you just want to buy new stuff I would suggest looking at discount stores like Ross dress for less or similar stores. Also if you do stock up on diapers - be careful, as sizing changes. We had initially bought a whole 4-pack of one size diapers and my son quickly out grew it and 2 packages were left unused. You should have a few packages ready for the newborn and then see how it goes and order up from there, if that makes any sense.

All in all it really depends on your parenting style. Are you the type of person who wants a fresh outfit for your baby every time you go out? Do you even bother with having to change outfits for your baby if the outfit she/he is wearing is not even soiled but that he has been wearing it for a day now? If you use bibs, it will help save some outfits too (starting around 3 months maybe? with all the drooling :) )

Congratulations!

You don't need as much as people say. We got so much as gifts and haven't used a lot. I don't like onesies at all, possibly because it's winter. I never use them. I prefer the sleepers with long sleeves and feet. If you are having a summer baby, it may be different. What I have found necessary:

diapers.

formula and 6-9 dr brown bottles (if you don't breastfeed)

pack and play or cosleeper or bassinett

10 sleepers/outfits (I wash clothes weekly and it's pretty rare I use more than one outfit a day. I didn't start having him wear pajamas until 2 months. For a newborn it all looks the same and they don't stink so changing his clothes daily was fine)

1-2 nice/cute outfits for going out or pictures

pacifier

3-4 blankets. I don't like receiving blankets because they are so small so i chose larger ones

1-2 burp cloths, though my baby doesn't spit up, it's good for drool later if you don't need it for burping.

moby wrap

now that my baby is a little older, he has a few toys and a baby activity mat he likes and a couple books. but those aren't necessary for a newborn.

carseat

A crib and changing pad or table are nice to have.

A stroller is nice to have, though my baby doesn't like his carseat so i don't use it tons.

Someone gave us a bouncer and swing and my baby hates them so try to test those before buying.

Here is a list that we used when we had our daughter.....

8-12 onesies

3-4 hats

8 receiving blankets

3-5 sleepers

3-5 shirt and bottoms sets

3-5 pairs of socks

1 warm winter suit

2-3 sweaters

fingernail clippers

wipes

baby tylenol

Desitin

i would buy diapers in bulk

8-12burp cloths

bottles

pasi's (?)

Breastpump if breastfeeding

wash cloth

baby bath tub

Baby soap and shampoo

lotion

i think thats all the neccesseties!

Good luck!

If you're short on cash, dont buy baby bath towels, you can use the towels that you use.

Diaper pails arent a necessitie, I always throw my daughters diapers in the kitchen trash can.

Depending on how often laundry is done, buy enough PJ's and onesies for in between washes. Same goes for blankets. Baby thermometer, and baby tylenol are good to have on hand.

Buy enough diapers for the first few weeks, they go through them fast.

You dont need TOO much in the beginning, all they need is you!

are you planning on breastfeeding? the Lily Padz reusable nipple pads work really well for me.

Its great to stock up on diapers only if they are on sale. I never pay full price for diapers, but do use the name brands (huggies and pampers-depending on whats on sale) because we have hated all the store brand ones we tried. And don't get too many newborn diapers (or clothes) ahead of time. My son wore the newborn ones when we were in the hospital and then used size 1. Size one starts at 8 lbs so chances are good you can use them soon.

onsies and sleepers

receiving blankets

you might want at least one soft baby blanket. They are great for cuddling with the baby, and using them on the floor for babe to lay on.

Bouncy chair - one that vibrates. These are great, my son loves his, it's great when they get a little fussy or just to set them down in for you to get things done.

wipes are great for stocking up on especially on sale because you will need them for a couple years and they don't go bad. Huggies wipes are our favorite.

baby bath tub, baby towels, washclothes, soap/shampoo and lotion.

thermometer

baby tylenol or tempa - you should always have this in your house in case the baby gets a fever.

gripe water is great for tummy cramps, hiccups, colic

pacifiers

the newborn stage goes by so quick. It won't be long before you'll want some rattles/teethers , need bigger sleepers and want some cute outfits.

If you already have a car seat...all you really need is some onsies/sleepers, a few blankets, diapers, wipes, and your boobies:)

Things that I have found useful : milicon gas drops, lavender baby wash and lotion, my boppy pillow for nursing, baby monitor, and breast pump. Also, gripe water is awesome for colic relief!

You will find that not everything deemed a necessity will work for you, and somethings will do better...it totally differs for every mother and child. Good luck!

everybody has different opinions on this topic......so here's mine

a pair of boobs

a few good nursing bras for you

quality cloth breast pads...i like hemp

quality cloth diapers...i like hemp

cloth wipes

wrap or sling or other quality baby carrier.......NOT a bjorn or infantino...this one is a BIGGIE for me, it replaces contraptions, crib, stoller and makes your life as a mother super easy

car seat

a few basic clothing items

a couple of blankets

nail clippers, bulb suction er, thermometer

one contraption is helpful (swing or bouncer seat...pick one) and the crib is not even necessary.

I may be missing something....but really, it doesn't take much to make your life easy and happy with a newborn

Ask for diapers and ask them to be given as a gift. Blankets are useful too so ask for blankets.

I'd get a thermometer.