Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

Setting up a safe sleep space is one of the first decisions you will make together. This chapter covers bassinets, cribs, mattresses, and sleep sacks, helping you understand what AAP safe sleep guidelines actually require versus what is just clever marketing. You will learn the difference between bassinet vs crib options, what to look for in a firm mattress, and why most of those adorable nursery accessories should stay out of the sleep space.

Key topics: Safe sleep setup, baby sleep environment, bassinet vs crib, sleep sacks, and baby monitors

Feeding Essentials for Every Approach

Whether you are planning to breastfeed, bottle feed, or keep your options open, this chapter helps you prepare without overbuying. We cover breastfeeding preparation including pumps and nursing supplies, bottle feeding essentials like which bottle features actually matter, and the combination feeding setup that gives you flexibility. You will know what to have ready before baby arrives and what can wait until you see how feeding goes.

Key topics: Bottles, breast pumps, nursing supplies, and your feeding station setup.

Simple Diapering and Bath Setup

Diaper changes happen constantly in the early weeks, so your changing station setup genuinely matters. This chapter covers diapering essentials including how many diapers a newborn actually uses, baby bath essentials for those first gentle baths, and the skincare basics that keep things simple. You will learn whether you need a dedicated changing table, how to set up efficient changing areas around your home, and which hygiene products most families find they actually use.

Key topics: Changing station, diapers, wipes, baby bath, and skincare for your little one.

A Practical Newborn Wardrobe

Baby clothing is where it is easiest to overbuy. This chapter helps you build a minimalist baby wardrobe that actually works. We cover newborn clothing essentials including bodysuits and sleepsuits, seasonal considerations for your baby's birth month, and fabric safety certifications worth knowing about. You will understand sizing (hint: skip newborn size for most items), learn how many baby clothes you actually need, and avoid the common mistake of buying adorable outfits that often never get worn.

Key topics: Bodysuits, sleepsuits, seasonal layering, and getting sizing right.

Getting Out with Your Newborn

Your car seat is the one product you genuinely need before baby arrives. This chapter helps you understand car seat safety for newborns, including the difference between infant seats and convertible options. We also cover strollers (and whether you need one right away), baby carriers that support healthy hip positioning, and how your lifestyle shapes which gear makes sense. You will learn what a travel system actually is, whether you need both a stroller and carrier, and what you can safely skip.

Key topics: Car seats, strollers, baby carriers, and travel systems that might come in handy.

Simple Setup for Newborn Development

Newborns have surprisingly little awake time in those early weeks, and they do not need much. This chapter covers the minimal products that support the fourth trimester, including play mats for tummy time, bouncers for supervised rest, and age-appropriate toys. You will understand what newborns can actually see and engage with, why overstimulation is a real concern, and how to create calm spaces for those brief awake windows. Most families need far less than the baby industry suggests.

Key topics: Play mats, bouncers, newborn development, and what’s useful to know for tummy time.