Crib

Crib. Make sure it meets safety standards by checking for approval by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM)

Crib mattress. To ensure the proper fit, purchase the mattress with the crib: You should only be able to slide one finger between the mattress and the rails

Crib skirt

Crib bumper. This should be removed when your baby is able to get into a crawling position since she could use it as a step

Bedding

5 fitted sheets

3 or 4 cotton receiving blankets

Cotton quilt or full-size blanket

Practical Solutions

Changing table with protective pad, and shelves for storing baby items. Or, a changing dresser with changing pad on top and drawer for storing baby items

Diaper pail with deodorizer or the Diaper Genie Twistaway Disposal System & refills

Small clothes hamper

5 to 10 small clothes hangers

Wastebasket

Window treatments. Once baby is mobile you'll want to make sure any drapery or blind cords are out of their reach because the string poses a strangulation hazard

Extras

Musical mobile

Small picture frames and photo albums

CD or tape player

Infant monitor

Toy chest or basket

Rocking chair or glider with a footrest

Nursing pillow

Wall shelves or hooks for decorative items and stuffed animals