Buying essential baby items and supplies

The amount of gear you need to purchase before a baby arrives can seem exhaustive and confusing. A shopping list is definitely a must, as it can help you keep track of the baby supplies you've already purchased and the stuff you still need. From big purchases like nursery furniture and bottle-feeding equipment to smaller items like diapers and burp cloths, you can find everything you need for your new baby at Every Day Low Prices at Walmart. Here are some essentials to stock up on.

Nursery furniture and bedding

Crib and mattress: You might opt to purchase a crib right away, or you might want to use a bassinet to bring your newborn closer to your bed instead. No matter what you choose, look for a comfortable sleeping solution for your little one sleep is extremely important at this stage. Convertible cribs are an economical solution because you can easily convert them into toddler beds and use them for a couple of years after your little one starts growing up.

Bedding: Opt for a waterproof crib mattress pad whenever possible to make your job easier with cleaning. Your baby will need a several fitted crib sheets and some soft blankets. In the first months, babies don't actually need any pillows, but having several sheet sets on hand makes it easier to keep things fresh and limit how often you have to do laundry.

High chair and changing unit: A freestanding high chair or a portable one that attaches to a regular chair is ideal for the time when your baby becomes ready for solid food. A changing unit can also make your life so much easier by providing lots of handy storage while looking great in the nursery.

Safety gear for baby-proofing

As soon as your baby starts crawling and rolling, you need to guard them from numerous household dangers by childproofing your home. Children are curious about the world around them but aren't aware of things that might pose safety hazards, so it's up to you to make sure there aren't any around the house. Some of the essential pieces of safety equipment that you can use to protect your baby from common hazards include safety gates for the top and bottom of the stairs, outlet covers for all the exposed outlets in the house, toilet seat locks, and cupboard and drawer latches.

Baby monitors

These handy gadgets come with a transmitter and one or more receivers to allow you to keep an eye on your baby without having to be in the same room with them. You can opt for a model with or without video capabilities. It's always a good idea to purchase a baby monitor with a sound-activated light on the receiver unit so you don't miss your little one crying when you're vacuuming or cooking. Our selection of digital audio or video monitors has something suitable for every house and budget.

Baby soothers and toys

Your baby will enjoy soothing and entertainment from the first weeks of life through several years. At Walmart, we have a large selection of baby toys and entertainment items that'll help your little one interact with their environment.

Pacifiers: Pacifiers are baby essentials that are designed to both comfort and entertain your little one. Even though not all babies like pacifiers, they're a handy item to have on you when leaving the house.

Toys: Babies don't need a lot of toys, but they often become attached to a few favorites. Our selection of soft toys, musical toys and rattles means that you can easily find something for your little one to love that's also engaging.

Bouncy seats: Bouncy seats are highly entertaining for babies because they bounce up and down when your child moves or kicks. They're a safe place to put the baby down for soothing, too, because most babies love the motion.

Bathing essentials for babies

Bath time is an important part of the day for babies, so it's a good idea to have the essentials for this area even before you bring your little one home. Opt for a baby tub that's sturdy and well-made. Also, look for baby towels that are soft and large enough to wrap up your baby. Look for no-tears formulas when it comes to soap and shampoo to protect your child's eyes during the bath. Wash cloths are another essential that you may find useful to keep the baby from sliding around in the tub when you place them in.