Spoiler
Idk what your sleeping arrangement plan is but I would recommend skipping the bassinet and going straight to a crib. If baby will be in your room at all it’s nice to sidecar the crib up to your bed with the front off. That way baby won’t learn to only like the cuddled feeling to sleep like ours does and baby is easily accessible for feedings.
Another thing in addition that I wish I had thought of is that there was really not so much rush to finish the nursery and put all her stuff in there because my daughter will be in our room until age 1 and all her clothes, changing stuff, bath stuff, etc has migrated into our bedroom anyway. We have barely even used the pack n play since she out grew the bassinet part. So, I would wait on one of those until you absolutely need it. Many think it’s a necessity but not always true.
Grow with baby gear and multi use items are best. Convertible carseat may be your best bet there because you can get 4 in 1s that can accommodate a baby from 8 to 65 lbs. only drawback to not having an infant carseat is the ability to take baby out of the car without removing him or her from it. It was nice to do that when our daughter was still too little to control her head and body but now that she rolls and holds her head we just take her in and out of the seat a lot more. If you do get an infant carseat it is handy to have a compatible stroller that the seat just clicks into. Also, if you have more than one vehicle, a base in each is so much easier than trying to figure out the seatbelt or moving the base around.
Clothes: remember the size baby will be in for each season and understand the sizing. All brands seem to fit a bit differently so I tend to stick mainly to Carters whether it’s the main line or sublines like the ones from Target/Walmart. This is for a few reasons: so. Darn. Cute. Also, they wash up well from food to blow outs and hold up. I have a pretty good understanding what will fit in what season. I find many other brands run small. Also, the sizing systems are sometimes confusing: 6-9 and 9m are basically the same thing. There may a little discrepancy between brands as mentioned but those are pretty much the same weight/heights. With this, when the size is only listed as a single number (9m) rather than a range (6-9), the single number is UP TO the listed number, not starting at. Believe me, people kept telling me different things and now I have a tone of Halloween clothes (favorite holiday) in 6-9m that will be too small by the time Halloween comes around. Super annoying. If you get clothes you don’t like or look hard to get baby in and out of, or honestly who wants to put a newborn in a different dress every day (mine lived in sleep n play outfits), just return them! Don’t worry about hurting feelings or if you have too many of one size, exchange for a different size. We have a ton of clothes that were “one time only” outfits because they were hard to get on/off, I didn’t really like them, or baby outgrew them before had a chance to wear them. Also, babies that haven’t learned to walk yet don’t need shoes!
Don’t go overboard with cute bedding, even crib sheets lol. Buying some washable pads for in the crib or on the changing pad is super handy for leaks, blowouts, or those changing mishaps. A handful of plain washcloths that can be used for diaper changes is handy in case baby is too sensitive to wipes or gets a bad rash because wipes usually exacerbate that. Honestly, if you’re comfortable taking baby in the tub with you for bathing or can use a sink, do that and skip the baby tub. They outgrow it quickly and can be back breaking unless you use it on a counter or table.
Diapers: having a stockpile of multiple sizes can be handy if you have the money/space. However, sometimes you have to test out a few brands before finding what works best for you and baby. Some fit some babies better, some babies can be sensitive, etc.
First aid/toiletries: Tylenol, 2 thermometers (rectal and for under arm), vitamin d drops (breastfed), humidifier, vaseline (use for taking rectal temps), bulb suction, saline, finger nail clipper, diaper rash cream, etc. and multiples of stuff you use up in multiple locations-bathroom, changing area, diaper bag, etc so you aren’t chasing stuff down around the house. Also, you will misplace something and will want a back up. Most of things you will want on hand before you actually need it because emergency trips to the store suck. This includes wipes and diapers.
Dreft stain spray-works well
Mobile Diaper caddy and portable changing pad-won’t always be changing diapers at your station
Diaper cream spatula-may seem ridiculous but I love mine
Disposable diaper pads are handy in the diaper bag
Haakaa(?) pump-attaches to your opposite breast during feeding to catch the milk that leaks out
Hands free pumping bra for pumping breast milk
Electric double breast pump-Medela seems most popular but there are a few different ones. Medela does make these neat microwaveable sterilizing bags for pump parts, bottles, etc that are handy and spray to clean with if you cannot wash parts right away.
Backpack or large diaper bag with extras/essentials-clothes, Tylenol, etc anything you think you may need. This will likely become your purse because juggling purse, baby, diaper bag gets old quickly. I no longer use a purse. I started with a “diaper bag” but it was just too small so I used my old college backpack because it held way more.
Many items can wait until baby is old enough to use too-high chair, some slings/carriers, toys, activity centers, etc. A swing has been essential for our daughter especially when cranky or I just need a minute. Muslin blankets work for many things including burp rags. Also, there never is a burp rag near when you really need it.
Bottles/pacifiers: if you need them (breast doesn’t work out, daycare) you may need to try a few before finding one baby likes. Don’t buy a bunch or a system until you know. I have a TON we have never used. Those with an anti-colic “systems” seem best-Dr. Brown’s Tommee Tippee anti-colic (not regular). Also, those more breast like may work better. Same goes for pacifiers. You may not even need them. Our daughter hates them and has used one maybe 3 times and she’s 8 months old. And I have so many :facepalm:
Spoiler
I do want to say with breastfeeding that it may not work for everyone but it does take a lot of patience and it can be hard at first. You also have to be kind to yourself. I was a postpartum nurse for 2 years and now work in an OBGYN clinic. Some struggle, some excel. Whichever you are able to do, fed is best. Both you and baby will be learning. Babies come with the suck reflex but don’t intuitively know proper latch and so on. Utilize a lactation counselor if available. If at first you feel like you’re not making much remember colostrum is first and baby”s tummy is small at first. Also, it actually takes about 3-5 days for milk to come in. Many women forget this stuff and become extremely frustrated which just makes it worse.