Actually - not much. This baby checklist will help you choose the basic baby items, often called a layette, that a baby needs to have in the first precious weeks of life.
Clothing and Layette:
* 5-10 Onesies® or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry
* 5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns
* 1 cold weather sleeper if necessary
* 5-7 pairs of baby socks
* 1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate
Diapers and Bath Items:
* 2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.
* 1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes
* Waterproof pad for diaper changes
* 3-5 baby washcloths
* 1-2 hooded towels
* 1 bottle of gentle baby wash
* Baby nail clippers
* Digital thermometer
Bedding and Feeding
* 3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle,or bassinet
* 5-7 lightweight blankets
* 1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate
* 10 burp cloths
* 5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding
* Breastfeeding pillow, if desired
That's it! While there are many baby products on the market that make a parent's life easier, most are wants, not needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the shelf, remember, your baby will be just as happy with the basic items that he or she really needs.
By Heather Corley, About.com
