Okay, let’s be real, prepping for a new baby can feel like you’re navigating a minefield of adorable (and EXPENSIVE) tiny socks and gadgets that promise to solve problems you didn’t even know existed. But take it from parents who have been there: you actually need WAY less than you think.

Forget the fancy frills and focus on the essentials. You’ll need to feed, bathe, shelter, and clothe this new baby. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of cute baby clothes and high-tech gadgets, but trust me, your little one won’t remember (or care!) if they had the latest and greatest baby swing or a designer diaper bag.

Here’s the down-low on what you REALLY need for your little bundle:

The Non-Negotiables:

• Feeding Essentials: Whether you’re team breast milk or formula, you’ll need a reliable way to store and transport that liquid gold for your new baby. A good set of bottles and storage containers is key. If you’re breastfeeding, consider investing in a comfortable nursing pillow and a breast pump if you plan to be away from your baby for any length of time.
• Diaper Bag: Don’t overthink this one! A simple bag with a big compartment for diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes is all you need. A separate pocket for a bottle, a few small toys, and an extra binky is a bonus. Look for a bag with comfortable straps and easy-to-access pockets.
• Clothes: Newsflash: babies don’t need a fashion show. Stock up on packs of basic onesies. Trust me, your little one will be the cutest baby on the block even without the designer labels. Plus, simple onesies are easy to pack and grab when you’re in a rush (which, let’s face it, is pretty much always!). Choose soft, comfortable fabrics like cotton, and opt for sizes that are a bit larger to allow for growth spurts.
• Spit Rags: Forget those fancy burp cloths. Cheap, square cloth diapers from Amazon are the real MVPs. They’re absorbent, multi-purpose, and can tackle even the most epic spit-up situations. You can also use them for everything from wiping up spills to cleaning sticky hands and faces.
• Crib: Don’t fall for the pressure of buying a brand-new, Instagram-worthy crib. Check out Facebook Marketplace or Goodwill for gently used options. Seriously, your baby won’t care if their crib doesn’t cost a fortune. Take the money you save and invest it in their future instead! Just make sure the crib meets current safety standards.
• Bath Time Basics: A baby bathtub, some gentle baby wash, and a hooded towel are all you need for bath time. Skip the fancy bath toys and gadgets – a simple washcloth can provide plenty of entertainment for your little one.

The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List: your new baby doesn’t care about fads!

• Wipe Warmer: Unless you live in the Arctic, your baby will survive without a warm wipe.
• Fancy Bottle Cleaning Gadgets: A bottle brush and some hot soapy water do the job just fine.
• Binky Sanitizer: A good old-fashioned wash in hot water is all you need.

This is not a complete list, but a basic idea. I promise all these marketing tactics that set out to solve some problem for you that you haven’t even faced yet are not worth it. Having a baby is an amazing thing—it is fun, scary, and confusing—but I promise, when it comes to stuff, there are very few things you NEED. Buy the basics and fill in what you need later.

Here are ten survival tips that you should probably know, but don’t worry, you got this!

The Most Important Thing You Can’t Buy:

Remember, the most valuable things you can give your new baby are your love, time, and attention. No gadget or gizmo can replace that. So cuddle up, read stories, sing songs, and cherish these precious early moments.

Keep it simple, mamas and papas! Focus on the essentials, and don’t get sucked into the marketing hype. You’ve got this!