Baby gear: need it, wait, or skip
A short list of what you need on day one, what can wait until your baby is bigger, and what most families find they never needed. Each item notes whether it's fine secondhand.
Need it from day one
- Rear-facing car seatOnly with a known full history and before its expiration date
- Crib, bassinet or play yardOK if it meets current standards (no drop-sides) and nothing is missing
- Firm, snug-fitting crib mattressBuy new
- Fitted sheets (2 to 3)Fine secondhand
- Diapers and wipesStart with one pack of newborn size
- Clothes in newborn and 0 to 3 monthsGreat secondhand
- Feeding basics for your planPump parts and bottle nipples: buy new
- Baby thermometer and nail clippersBuy new
Can wait a few months
- Stroller or baby carrierGreat secondhand if it works properly
- Baby bathtubFine secondhand; a sink works too
- High chairFine secondhand; check straps and recalls
- Baby gates and outlet coversFine secondhand if all parts are there
- Convertible car seatSame rules as the infant seat
- Bouncer or play matFine secondhand; check recalls
Most families skip
- Wipe warmerNot needed
- Bottle sterilizer machineA pot of boiling water or a dishwasher does the job
- Baby food makerA fork or blender works
- Crib bumpers, pillows and sleep positionersNot safe for sleep; keep the crib bare
- Newborn shoesNot needed before walking
Two safety rules worth repeating
- Only use a secondhand car seat if you know its full history, it has never been in a moderate or severe crash, and it hasn't expired.
- Keep the sleep space bare: a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet, with no bumpers, pillows or positioners.
Check recalls at CPSC.gov and, for car seats, NHTSA.gov. For questions about your baby's safety, ask your pediatrician.