As a newly pregnant mom, you’re likely wondering what your baby needs if it has been a few years since you were pregnant or if you’re a first time mom. There are a lot of baby items out there that waste money but there are also those items that you actually do need for your baby. These 10 items new parents really do need should be at the top of your baby shopping list. Without them, you’ll likely have huge issues with your newborn.

10 Items New Parents Really Do Need

Rear facing infant car seat – Before your baby is born, he will need a car seat. You cannot leave the hospital with your newborn without one. You don’t need to spend an entire month’s pay to get a good, quality car seat, but make sure that you’re buying one that has good reviews and great safety features. If you really want to save money, but a convertible car seat that will go from rear-facing to forward facing when you need it to. To save yourself time and trouble later on, install your car seat in the car that baby will be brought home in before you even go into labor.

Crib (or some other place for your baby to sleep) – While bassinets can be a waste of money if you already have a crib, you will need someplace for your baby to sleep. This means buying a crib or if you don’t have room for a crib, a bassinet or play yard will work for a few months.

Feeding accessories –  If you’re breastfeeding, you may be tempted to skip things that you’ll need to feed your baby but don’t give into that temptation. Breastfeeding mama’s will likely need a breast pump and milk storage bags while formula feeding mom’s will need to buy bottles, nipples and so on.

Stroller – No matter how cute the idea of carrying your baby everywhere might seem, your arms will soon get tired. Making sure you have a stroller for him is study enough to last you at least a couple of years and that it folds down easily for storage or transport. You’ll thank me later when you haven’t had to carry him through a large crowd of people and your arms will too.

Swing or bouncy seat – You will need some form of entertainment for your baby, even as a newborn and a swing or bouncy seat is the perfect answer. You don’t need both and buying both is a waste of money, but be sure that you do have one of them.

Diaper stockpile – Babies poop. They poop a lot. You will need diapers and the best way to make sure that you’ve always got what you need while saving money at the same time is to build a diaper stockpile. You won’t want to purchase a ton of diapers in all sizes though since babies are usually only in size newborn, 1’s and 2’s for a few weeks each. Build the bulk of your stockpile for size 3’s and 5’s since those are where babies spend the majority of time.

Clothing – Your infant will need clothing. Onsies, gowns and sleepers are best for newborns. Once they’re a bit older you can move into things like jeans, dresses, shorts and slip over shirts. For newborns, don’t go out and waste money on a ton of new clothing. Instead, pick a handful of new outfits and buy the rest secondhand. Your baby will grow out of them so quickly that you’ll end up wasting money if you buy only new items.

Diaper Pail – Babies poop. (See point #6). Poop is stinky. Unless you want your entire trash can to smell like a dirty diaper, a diaper pail is a great investment. Yes, they can be costly but that cost is totally worth for not having your trash can or kitchen smell like your baby’s bottom.

Infant First Aid Kit – As much as their Momma’s would like to protect them from it, babies get sick. Having an infant first aid kit on hand can help you deal with it. Ideally you will want an infant thermometer, infant pain reliever, teething medicine, colic medicine, nail clippers, a nasal aspirator and other items that follow those lines. You will save yourself a lot of grief just by having one.

A Helping Hand – Finally, the biggest thing that new parents need is a helping hand. Grandma, a neighbor, your best friend or even a nanny are all great choices. Mom’s body will be sore after birth, Dad will be exhausted and a helping hand to assist with cooking, cleaning and yes, even baby duty can make a huge difference.