If you’re like most people expecting a new addition to their family, you’re probably overwhelmed with the things you need to think about to prepare for the exciting arrival of your little one (or two, or three). What are the most important things to buy before baby gets here? What are things that can easily be missed, but can be extremely valuable? What needs to be done to baby-proof the house? Here are the top tips for what you should do to maximize your baby’s comfort and safety from birth to the months to come.

The top 5 must-have items before baby is born

1. Car seat and base: Fit2 2-year rear-facing infant car seat and base are excellent choices. They last until toddlerhood: the car seat comes with a removable newborn insert, and the base easily converts from infant to toddler position. It’s also FAA-approved -- great for traveling parents.

2. Bassinet, crib, co-sleeper: Whether your child sleeps in your room or in a separate room, having a sleeping arrangement is a must. The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sweeper works well if you want the baby to sleep with you, but not in the same bed. For a more portable arrangement, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard is excellent for traveling and practicality: it’s a crib, play yard, convertible bassinet and changing table all-in-one.

3. A few newborn onesies: Buying them in packs saves you money and also ensures you have a few spares during that inevitable spit-up moment. Make sure you bring a pair to the hospital that clearly separates your baby’s legs for comfortable seating in the car seat. 

4. Breast pump and bottles: Most insurance companies are required to give you a free breast pump, so make sure to ask. The Medela Pump in Style double electric breast pump is one of the more popular ones and typically comes with two storage bottles.

5. Newborn diapers: The recommendation is to buy a few different brands because your baby could prefer one over the other. It’s very common to go through at least 10 diaper changes a day for newborns, which can get very expensive. Have a diaper raffle at your baby shower to cut on those initial costs.

Plus a few game changers that could ease your transition into parenthood

1. Baby formula machine: Call it the Keurig for baby formula. The Baby Brezza Formula Pro automatically mixes your desired amount and heats the water to the optimal temperature in just a few seconds. A life-saver for sleep-deprived and busy parents.

2. Boppy pillow lounger: This lounger mimics the feeling of you embracing your baby in your arms, so it’s very comfortable for your little one. You can interact with your baby hands-free and it comes with easy-to-clean fabric. There’s a reason it’s 5 stars and close to 2,000 reviews on Amazon.

Bonus tip: Often, your hospital is happy to hook you up with freebies, so don’t forget to ask. Items like swaddle blankets, breast pump materials, extra formula, newborn diapers and diaper wipes are common giveaways. ​​

​Top 5 tips for upgrading your house to maximize safety and comfort

1. Get your house cleaned: As a new parent, you’ll be adjusting to a lot of new things in your life which can be stressful. Coming home to a pristine home will give you one less thing to worry about.

2. Install a baby monitor: Important for whenever you and baby are in separate rooms. The Infant Optics video baby monitor easily lets you see and hear your little one -- with features like a swivel and zoom camera, and a noise meter.

3. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Nest Protect is a sleek version that kills two birds with one stone, and gives you early warning signals.

4. Post important, useful numbers next to phones or on refrigerator: Create a sheet of numbers like your local poison control center, ER, pediatrician, grandparents, or other close relatives and neighbors.

5. Secure or stow away hazardous items: Make sure household goods like cleaning products, paint, and electrical goods are stowed away. Cosmetics and other toiletries like aftershave, perfume, and lotion should also be unreachable for babies. ​