With a new baby comes the need for new clothes, furniture, tools and accessories. It is overwhelming to walk into a baby store and see all of the things you could buy for your little one. The first thing you should do, as you prep for your newborn, is to gather the essential items that you’ll need. Here is a list of the most important items you should buy for your baby first.

Changing Station

You will be changing your bub’s diaper multiple times a day, so it’s crucial you have a solid system. Invest in a changing table that can house all of your diapers, wipes, towels and lotions. Find a changing pad for the table that is liquid resistant, easy to clean and puncture resistant. You should also have a portable changing pad that you can use when you and your baby are out of the house. Parent Guide, an online resource for parents, explains how you can find the best changing pad options for you and your baby. Other important changing items are size and age appropriate diapers, as well as a diaper genie that will help you dispose of the diapers and contain the odors.

Feeding

Feeding is another frequent activity that you’ll engage in throughout the day. Provide comfort for you and your baby with a nursing pillow, which will support their head, relieve your baby’s reflux and making feeding more convenient. You should also have a breast pump that will support your lactation and help you stock up on breast milk. Burp clothes and bottles for infants are other necessary items to support a seamless feeding routine.

Bathing

For the first few months, you can wash your baby in your sink with a bath support. Parents Magazine recommends you purchase an infant bath support that has a contoured design or internal sling that will prevent your baby from slipping. Find soaps and shampoos for your baby that are free of dyes or perfumes, as they are more likely to irritate your baby’s skin. Gimme the Good Stuff explains which baby wash chemicals you should avoid and provides a list of safe, natural soap and shampoo brands.

Nursery

You will spend countless hours in your baby’s nursery, so it ought to be a place that brings you calm. Create a nursery that is comfortable, well-curated and functional. Choose furniture that will support your baby’s sleeping habits and your own comfort. A glider with an ottoman lets you comfortably sit down and hold your baby while rocking them gently into a slumber. For the moments when you aren’t in the nursery, during naptime, you should have a camera monitor installed in the room. This camera will provide you with the means to visually monitor your bub and make sure they’re safe.

Baby Entertainment

When your child cries, it’s one of the most heartbreaking sounds you’ve ever heard. Find little toys and accessories that will soothe your little one, when there is no clear reason for their upset. Pacifiers, interactive toys and books will keep your bub in a place of peace, as they will be occupied with something that brings them pleasure. Have a number of pacifiers on hand, as these will often go missing and you will definitely need one at all times.

With the right items, you and your newborn will live in harmony. This is a special time for you to enjoy and these necessities will help make the first months a positive, memorable experience.