Household Essentials to Stock Up On When Preparing for a New Baby
Preparing for a new baby is such a whirlwind, isn’t it? Between washing tiny onesies, nesting every corner of the house, and packing the hospital bag—you’re doing a lot. And while the nursery might be ready and your freezer is full of meals, there’s one area that’s easy to overlook: everyday household essentials.
I didn’t realize how important this was until I was postpartum, holding a crying newborn and realizing we were down to our last roll of toilet paper. Let’s just say… not ideal.
So, I’ve put together a list of things to stock up on before baby arrives—because when you’re sleep-deprived, healing, and adjusting to your new rhythm, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of soap or snacks for your toddler.
Let’s make sure your home is stocked, peaceful, and ready for this sweet new chapter. Check out the bottom for a free printable checklist!
Hygiene Supplies
These are the things you don’t want to run out of at any time—let alone when you’re fresh postpartum and barely keeping your eyes open. Make sure you’re stocked up on:
Toilet paper (trust me, just get the big pack)
Kleenex
Hand soap for every sink
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Lotion (hello, dry hands from all that hand washing)
I liked having an “overflow basket” tucked away in the closet with these items so I didn’t have to send my husband on a wild goose chase every time we ran low.
Cleaning & Disinfecting Supplies
Let’s be real, things get messy fast with a new baby (and maybe a toddler or two running around). Keeping the house semi-sanitized with the least effort possible is key. I always kept extras of:
Disinfecting wipes
All-purpose cleaner
Paper towels
Toilet bowl cleaner
Dish scrubbers or sponges
Even just wiping down a counter can help you feel like you’ve got it together on those wild days.
Medicines & First-Aid
Postpartum hormones + lack of sleep + toddler germs = you’ll want to be ready for anything.
Tylenol or ibuprofen (for both you and your partner)
Prescription medications
Tummy relief meds
Cold medicine
Prenatal vitamins (Your doctor can give you a good guide for how long to continue these, for me it was well over a year postpartum)
This is also a good time to double-check that everything isn’t expired—and make a little bin for “grab quickly at 2 a.m.” meds.
Personal Care Must-Haves
All your favorite beauty/personal care items. These everyday essentials are easy to forget but so nice to have on hand:
Face wash, deodorant, and toothpaste
Shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo (if you use it)
Contact solution or extra contacts if you wear them
Hair ties, chapstick, and a good body lotion
Postpartum supplies- check out my post 18 Items To Build Your Newborn Cart for a list of my go-to postpartum supplies.
When you’re in the fog of newborn life, these little things make you feel a bit more like yourself. There is nothing like that first shower and getting ready after having a baby.
For Older Kiddos
If you’ve got other little ones at home, prepping for their needs too is a huge sanity-saver. It helps them feel cared for during the big transition and helps you avoid meltdowns over missing snacks (we’ve been there). Each time I had a snack, which if you’ve breastfeed you know is constantly, my eldest son needed a snack also.
Pull-ups or diapers
Children’s medicine (Tylenol, teething gel, etc.)
Easy snacks (think fruit bars, crackers, yogurt pouches)
Small surprises like new coloring books or a new toy bin for independent play- I put together a cutting bin for our 3-year-old son. A pack of multi-colored felt and kid-safe scissors. He loved it!
Baby Hygiene & Medical Supplies
You may already have these things, but I know I needed reminders for a couple of items too. The small and less exciting (but often the most important things) slip through the cracks:
Diapers and wipes
Diaper rash cream
Baby shampoo and lotion
Thermometer, baby nail clippers, saline drops
Infant Tylenol or gas drops (just in case)
Formula if you plan to use it—or even just to have some as a backup
Life happens so if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding then that plan changes, yours and baby’s doctor will usually have samples of formula for you to try before purchasing any.
Pet Supplies
Let’s not forget your furry family members! Making sure they’re stocked and settled helps the whole household feel a little calmer.
Dog or cat food
Treats and any medications
Extra litter or poop bags
Trust me, your pets will notice the change when baby arrives—so having their world stay consistent can be really helpful.
Everyday Household Items
Think through the things you use almost daily—because it’s shocking how quickly they run out once you’re home all day with a newborn.
Batteries (especially for white noise machines and baby gear)
Trash bags- including any special type you need for a diaper pail
Laundry detergent + stain spray (blowouts, y’all. So many blowouts.)
Dish soap and dishwasher tabs- decide if you’d like to use any specific soap for washing baby-related supplies (i.e. bottles, pumping parts, toys, etc.)
Paper plates and plastic utensils (perfect for those first few weeks when dishes feel impossible)
Pantry Staples & Snacks
Feeding yourself often becomes an afterthought—so let’s make sure your future self is set up for easy meals and snacks:
Pasta, rice, and oats
Canned beans and soups
Seasonings and sauces (BBQ sauce, soy sauce, etc.)
Granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, and trail mix
Also: don’t underestimate the joy of a midnight granola bar (or piece of chocolate) during a nursing session. It’s the little things.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for baby is a labor of love—and having your home stocked with the everyday stuff is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a soft, supported landing for you and your family during those tender first weeks.
So take this list, tackle it little by little, and know that you’re doing such a good job already. The messes, the cuddles, the chaos—it’s all part of the beauty.
You’ve got this, mama. And your home is ready to wrap you in peace and comfort.