Here’s what to stock up on before baby arrives so you’re fully prepared! Stock up on these non-baby items before your due date so you have everything you need at home before baby’s debut!

mom making list of what to stock up on before baby

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I knew that having a baby meant our lives were going to be a little chaotic those first couple of weeks post birth. I knew it would probably be filled with sleepless nights, learning how to breastfeed, and just generally navigating how to care for this new, tiny little being.

I’m a huge planner so I wanted us to be as prepared as possible. This included researching when to start buying baby stuff and stocking up on postpartum essentials.

One of the things I did while going through my pregnancy checklist was stock up on household items before our baby came.

I didn’t want to have to send Nick out one evening to grab more toilet paper or laundry detergent. I wanted to have everyday essentials on hand, so we could fully focus on taking care of our baby.

So off to Costco we went to get a big cart full of non-baby essentials. Here is what we stocked up on before baby and why.

If you forget any of these items, (or don’t feel like going to the store in the first place) I’ve included the links to get them online. Gotta love Amazon Prime and the fact that you can have something in a pinch overnight!

Household Essentials to Stock Up on Before Baby

  • Toilet paper: Obviously a must have all the time. Just stock up on a big pack so you don’t have to worry about buying more later.
  • Paper towels or napkins: Seems like we always need these for wiping up spills, eating, etc.
  • Laundry detergent: Babies come with a lot of spit up. I did several loads of laundry those first few months.
  • Dishwashing detergent: The pods make it super easy to toss in and start a load.
  • Hand soap: Wash up after all those diaper changes!
  • Sanitizing wipes: I love using these to quickly wipe down the bathroom counters before guests visit.
  • Trash bags: For all the diapers, wipes, paper plates, etc.
  • Dog food: Don’t forget about your first baby!
  • Batteries: Stock up on basics like AA and AAA, but also odd ones like 9V. A ringing smoke detector can make a postpartum mama go nuts!
  • Thank you cards: Catch up on last-minute thank you cards and get ready to send more. We had several people bringing gifts as they met our daughter for the first time.
  • Stamps: To send all those thank you cards in the mail.
  • Ibuprofen: And any other over the counter medicine you might need in a pinch.
  • Hand sanitizer: For all the people who want to come over and hold your newborn baby. Clean hands first please.
  • Aluminum foil: To cover up any leftover meals guests bring over.
  • Freezer bags: To save fruits and veggies.
  • Slow cooker liners: Make cleanup easy for those frozen meals you reheat.
  • Household cleaning supplies: To wipe down any surfaces quickly after meals.

Toiletries

  • Shampoo: That hot shower post hospital stay will feel amazing.
  • Toothpaste:Brushing your teeth may be the one hygiene you keep up for a bit.
  • Body soap:I always like buying soap in bulk so we never run out.
  • Dry shampoo: For when showers don’t come easy.
  • Deodorant: See above!
  • Razors and shave cream: For you and hubby.
  • Chapstick: Can you ever be without this? I can’t!
  • Face wash and moisturizer: I don’t trust my hubby to get the right kind if I have to send him out in a pinch.

Grocery Essentials to Stock Up On Before Baby

Stock up on basic pantry essentials so you have them on hand, as well as some fresh foods to help you power through the first couple of weeks.

  • Coffee: The only thing you really need!
  • Coffee filters: Plus these depending on your coffee maker type.
  • Coffee creamer: Because black coffee is no good.
  • Boxed pasta and jarred marinara: For a quick meal.
  • Easy side dishes: Like rice, beans, and frozen vegetables.
  • Cooking oils: We use olive oil almost daily, even for quick meals.
  • Bread: And any other staples in your kitchen.
  • Peanut butter: Whip up a sandwich in a pinch.
  • Easy frozen meals: In between people bringing you food, it’s nice to have convenient meals ready to go.
  • Lunch meat: You can eat it now that you’re no longer pregnant!
  • Fresh fruit: Make sure you take care of yourself and grab some fresh produce here and there. Nursing moms need their nutrients.
  • Crackers: And other easy snacks you can grab.
  • Cereal and milk: Sometimes it’s all you need to hold you over.
  • Butter: Even easy meals like Mac and Cheese will need a little butter.
  • Wine: Okay don’t go crazy buying several bottles, but you might want a glass here or there and it’s a lot better to have it now then have to run to the store at 3 p.m. with newborn in tow.

Items to Make Life Easier

  • Paper plates: I didn’t want to do many dishes those first few weeks.
  • Tupperware: For all the leftovers when friends and family bring meals.
  • Frozen meals prepped in advance: My husband and I had an afternoon where we made about 15 freezer meals before baby. We ate them in between friends bringing us meals and it was a lifesaver to not have to cook!

Items for Postpartum

Check out my big list of postpartum essentials that can help you feel like yourself again after birth. Here’s a few postpartum necessities from that list to add to your shopping list.

  • Postpartum Belly Band: After pregnancy, your uterus will involute, and your organs will slowly return to position, typically around six weeks post-pregnancy. Being able to wear the Mamaway Postpartum Belly Band right after giving birth will help support your muscles/core and loose skin, aiding your postpartum recovery. 
  • Maxi pads: The hospital will also give you several of these, but having some comfortable ones at home can’t hurt.
  • Loose or high-waisted underwear: Depending on the kind of birth you have.
  • Stool softener: The hospital will likely provide this as well, but it’s good to have on hand.
  • Peri bottle: Makes clean up below way easier postpartum.
  • Numbing spray: Perfect for sensitive and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Padsicles: Make your own with this DIY padsicles or pick some up to help with down-there pain!

Baby

Okay, I know this list is called non-baby items to stock up on before baby, but just in case you don’t already have these items, throw them in your cart while you are out and about.

  • Diapers: Make sure you have some in newborn and size one. Babies grow fast!
  • Diaper wipes: So many diaper changes the first few months.
  • Diaper pail refill bags: Read above!
  • Disposable diaper bags: In case you venture out of the house you’ll want these mini bags to keep the smell contained if you do a diaper change in the car.

Now that you have your list, head to your favorite store, (or fill your online shopping cart) and stock up on these goodies. You’ll be so glad you don’t have to worry about these things once baby is home with you!

Did I miss any ideas on this what to stock up on before baby list? Leave them in the comments and I’ll add to this list!

Amy Motroni

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