Babies grow quickly, and their needs change with each stage. Here’s a breakdown of essential baby gear by age group to help parents prepare for the first year.
Newborn (0-3 Months)
At this stage, babies sleep a lot and require basic necessities for feeding, comfort, and safety.
Sleeping & Comfort
Bassinet or bedside crib
Swaddle blankets & sleep sacks
White noise machine
Baby monitor
Feeding
Newborn bottles & nipples (if bottle-feeding)
Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
Nursing pillow
Burp cloths
Bottle sterilizer & warmer
Formula dispenser
Diapering
Newborn diapers
Wipes & diaper cream
Changing table or pad
Diaper pail
Travel & On-the-Go
Infant car seat (rear-facing)
Stroller (newborn-compatible)
Baby carrier or wrap
Diaper bag
Clothing & Essentials
Onesies & sleepers (zip-up for convenience)
Mittens & hats
Socks & booties
Infant (3-6 Months)
Babies become more alert and start interacting with their environment.
Sleeping & Comfort
Crib & firm mattress (if transitioning from bassinet)
Baby sleep sack
Play & Development
Play gym or activity mat
Newborn (0-3 Months)
At this stage, babies sleep a lot and require basic necessities for feeding, comfort, and safety.
Sleeping & Comfort
Bassinet or bedside crib
Swaddle blankets & sleep sacks
White noise machine
Baby monitor
Feeding
Newborn bottles & nipples (if bottle-feeding)
Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
Nursing pillow
Burp cloths
Bottle sterilizer & warmer
Formula dispenser
Diapering
Newborn diapers
Wipes & diaper cream
Changing table or pad
Diaper pail
Travel & On-the-Go
Infant car seat (rear-facing)
Stroller (newborn-compatible)
Baby carrier or wrap
Diaper bag
Clothing & Essentials
Onesies & sleepers (zip-up for convenience)
Mittens & hats
Socks & booties
Infant (3-6 Months)
Babies become more alert and start interacting with their environment.
Sleeping & Comfort
Crib & firm mattress (if transitioning from bassinet)
Baby sleep sack
Play & Development
Play gym or activity mat
Baby bouncer or swing
Soft rattles & plush toys
Teething toys
Travel & On-the-Go
Stroller with reclining seat
Lightweight baby carrier
Baby (6-9 Months)
Babies start sitting up, crawling, and eating solids.
Feeding
High Chair
Sippy cups & snack containers
Baby food maker (optional)
Bibs (things can get messy!)
Play & Development
Jumper or exersaucer
Stacking cups & sensory toys
Books & soft blocks
Safety Gear
Baby-proofing kit (outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner protectors)
Baby gates (for stairs & doorways)
Travel & On-the-Go
Convertible car seat (if outgrowing infant seat)
Travel stroller
Baby (9-12 Months)
By this stage, babies may start standing, cruising, or even taking first steps.
Feeding
Plates & utensils
More sippy or straw cups
Step stool (for washing hands)
Play & Development
Push walker (to encourage walking)
Ride-on toy
Musical & interactive toys
Safety Gear
Cabinet locks & door stoppers
Non-slip bath mat
Travel & On-the-Go
Backpack-style diaper bag
Lightweight travel crib (for trips)
While it’s tempting to buy everything at once, renting items—especially short-term ones like bassinets, play gyms, or travel gear—can help save money and space. Prioritize essentials based on your baby's growth and needs at each stage!
Soft rattles & plush toys
Teething toys
Travel & On-the-Go
Stroller with reclining seat
Lightweight baby carrier
Baby (6-9 Months)
Babies start sitting up, crawling, and eating solids.
Feeding
High Chair
Sippy cups & snack containers
Baby food maker (optional)
Bibs (things can get messy!)
Play & Development
Jumper or exersaucer
Stacking cups & sensory toys
Books & soft blocks
Safety Gear
Baby-proofing kit (outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner protectors)
Baby gates (for stairs & doorways)
Travel & On-the-Go
Convertible car seat (if outgrowing infant seat)
Travel stroller
Baby (9-12 Months)
By this stage, babies may start standing, cruising, or even taking first steps.
Feeding
Plates & utensils
More sippy or straw cups
Step stool (for washing hands)
Play & Development
Push walker (to encourage walking)
Ride-on toy
Musical & interactive toys
Safety Gear
Cabinet locks & door stoppers
Non-slip bath mat
Travel & On-the-Go
Backpack-style diaper bag
Lightweight travel crib (for trips)
While it’s tempting to buy everything at once, renting items—especially short-term ones like bassinets, play gyms, or travel gear—can help save money and space. Prioritize essentials based on your baby's growth and needs at each stage!
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Why Renting Baby Gear is Better Than Buying New