Essential Household Items to Stock Up On Before Baby Arrives

With a baby on the way, it’s time to get your household ready for the big adventure ahead. It’s so important to know the essential household items to stock up on before baby arrives to ensure you’re well-prepared for the early days of parenthood. I’ve been through this myself, and guess what, I totally forgot to do this. I had everything I needed for postpartum recovery, I had all the newborn essentials, diaper bag essentials and breastfeeding essentials. However, I did not restock the household essentials and it was stressful.

There was no Instacart when I had my son, my partner was unfortunately traveling a lot for work when my son was born and my family lived 30 minutes away. So, I couldn’t get my hands on things I needed that fast. Trust me, having these essentials stocked up will make life a lot easier when your little one arrives.

Preparing for a new arrival involves more than just picking out cute onesies and nursery décor—it’s about setting up a functional and nurturing environment. From kitchen staples like disposable plates and utensils to personal care items and cleaning supplies, each item plays a crucial role in easing the transition into parenthood. By stocking up on these essentials now, you can focus on bonding with your newborn and adjusting to your new routine without the stress. Let’s break down the must-haves that will help you navigate those first few weeks.

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Kitchen Essentials

Disposable paper plates, forks, and spoons: These are a lifesaver when you’re too tired to tackle a sink full of dishes after caring for a newborn. Having disposable utensils and plates means less cleanup time and more time to rest or bond with your baby. Here is the biodegradable set I love.
Dish soap and dish sponges: While disposable items are convenient, there are still dishes that need washing. Having plenty of dish soap and sponges ensures you can keep up with cleaning without running out. And, you’re going to want to switch to a baby safe dish soap so you can safely wash your baby’s bottles and toys. I recommend this bottle and dish soap.
Freezer meals: Preparing freezer meals ahead of time saves you from cooking when you’re too exhausted. These meals can be quickly reheated, providing nourishment without the hassle of cooking from scratch. I love meal prepping, maybe you prepper freezer meals a few days before your delivery date and store them in freezer friendly containers.
Bottled water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Keep bottled water easily accessible throughout your home to ensure you can grab a drink whenever you need it. I always buy Kirkland bottled waters, haven’t heard anything bad about his brand.
Coffee and tea: For many new parents, caffeine becomes a necessity to cope with sleep deprivation. Stock up on your favorite coffee and tea to help you stay alert and awake during those late-night feedings. But, remember caffeine intake should be reduced if you’re breastfeeding.
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap: These are essential for storing leftovers and meal prepping. They help keep food fresh and make cleanup easier, which is a huge relief when you’re already juggling baby care.
Paper Towels: Perfect for quick clean-ups and spills in the kitchen, paper towels are indispensable when dealing with messes while caring for your newborn. (I like these ones!)
Trash Bags: With a newborn, you’ll find yourself disposing of diapers and other baby-related trash frequently. Stocking up on trash bags ensures you have enough for regular use. I like these trash bags.

Groceries

Here’s a list of basic groceries to stock up on before baby arrives, ensuring you have everything you need in the fridge or pantry:

Pasta and Rice: These staples provide a quick and filling base for many meals.
Canned Goods: Including beans, tomatoes, and soups for easy and nutritious meal additions.
Snacks: Such as granola bars, crackers, and nuts for quick energy boosts during busy days.
Frozen Vegetables: Convenient and nutritious, these are great for quick meal preparation.
Fresh Produce: Such as fruits and vegetables that can be easily eaten or cooked.
Dairy Products: Including milk, cheese, and yogurt for calcium and protein needs.
Bread and Tortillas: Quick and versatile options for sandwiches or wraps.

Bathroom Essentials

Toilet paper and tissues: You’ll be using these more than ever, so it’s wise to stock up. Running out of toilet paper is never fun, especially when you have a baby to care for. Charmin Ultra Soft never disappoints.
Soap, shampoo, and toiletries: Make sure you have enough for yourself and any guests who might come to visit. Having these stocked means you won’t need to worry about running to the store for essentials.
Hand sanitizer: With a new baby, cleanliness is paramount. Hand sanitizer provides quick and convenient hand hygiene, especially useful for visitors or when you can’t get to a sink.
Medications and vitamins: Ensure you have your prescriptions filled and any vitamins you regularly take. This includes postpartum supplements recommended by your healthcare provider.
Stool softeners: Postpartum constipation is common, and stool softeners can make bowel movements more comfortable. Having them on hand prevents unnecessary discomfort.
Feminine hygiene products: Stock up on what you’ll need for postpartum care. This includes pads or other products recommended by your healthcare provider.
Baby wipes: These are versatile beyond diaper changes. They’re handy for quick clean-ups, wiping down surfaces, or even freshening up when you’re on the go. I love water wipes, they’re just perfect, no fragrances or other nasty chemicals.

Personal Care and Hygiene

Toothpaste and toothbrushes: Oral hygiene is essential, especially when you may not have time for a lengthy self-care routine. Keep your dental health in check with regular brushing. I don’t know about you, but i switched over to flouride-free toothpaste a while ago and I’m loving it. I recommend you make the switch too.
Deodorant: With the hormonal changes and busy days, staying fresh is important for your comfort and confidence. A reliable natural deodorant keeps you feeling your best.
Hair care products: Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products help you maintain your hair health and appearance, even on hectic days.
Skin care essentials: Moisturizers, cleansers, and other skincare products are essential for maintaining healthy skin, which can be affected by hormonal changes postpartum. I strongly recommend skincare products from veenourish.com, their products have helped my skin so much and they’re free from toxic ingredients.
Nursing pads and breast pads: If you’re breastfeeding, these pads help absorb leaks and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Lip balm: Dry lips are common, especially with frequent feeding or lack of hydration. Keep lip balm handy to soothe and moisturize. I’m currently loving this Laneige lip balm.
Grooming supplies: Tweezers, nail clippers, and other grooming items ensure you can take care of personal grooming needs conveniently at home. Get a grooming kit like this one, just to make sure you have everything.

Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

Laundry detergent and fabric softener: Babies go through a lot of clothes, and you’ll likely have more laundry than ever. Stock up on detergent and softener to keep clothes clean and soft. I love this laundry detergent it has zero dyes and fragrances, perfect for your little one’s sensitive skin.
Sponges and scrub brushes: For cleaning bottles, pump parts, and other baby items, having clean sponges and bottle brushes on hand is essential.
Dishwasher detergent: If you have a dishwasher, make sure you have enough detergent pods to keep up with the dishes that do need washing.
Sanitizing Wipes: Keeping your home clean and germ-free is crucial when you have a newborn. Sanitizing wipes, such as Clorox cleaning wipes used to be my go to. However, I now use this brand because they are made without the toxic ingredients and they are handy for quick clean-ups of surfaces and baby items too.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Light bulbs: Replace any that are burnt out now to avoid having to change them later when you might not have the time or energy.
Batteries: From baby gear to remotes, having spare batteries is a must.
Emergency kit: Basic first aid supplies and medications should be readily available. You never know when you might need them, so it’s better to be prepared.
Tool kit: A basic set of tools like a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape comes in handy for small household repairs or adjustments.
Pet supplies: Don’t forget about your furry family members. Stock up on their food, treats, and any medications they may need.

In Summary

Preparing your home with essential household items before your baby arrives is a smart way to reduce stress and ensure you have everything you need during those hectic first weeks. From kitchen staples and cleaning supplies to personal care items and groceries, having these essentials stocked up will make adjusting to life with a newborn much smoother. Remember, every family’s needs may vary, so customize your stockpile based on your preferences and lifestyle. By planning ahead and having these essentials on hand, you can focus more on bonding with your baby and less on last-minute trips to the store. Get ready to welcome your little one with a well-prepared home!