"Basics" - Baby Checklist
for the first year...

Baby Gear

Furniture

Car Seats: (Rear facing Infant-only seat or Infant & Toddler Convertible seat.)  See our tips on choosing a car seat.
Stroller: You will need one with a full recline until your baby can support his or her head.  See our tips on choosing a stroller.
Highchair: See our tips on choosing a highchair.
Gyms or Play arches

Crib: See our tips on choosing a crib.
Crib Mattress: See our tips on choosing a crib mattress.
Playpen / (Play yard): See our tips on choosing a Play pen.
Changing table: See our tips on choosing a Changing table.
Dresser
Rocker & Ottoman

Clothing

Diapering

One-piece outfits (onesies)
One-piece pajamas
You generally want soft, easy to change outfits since you will probably be changing your baby several times a day.  It's also better to buy cloths a little larger since babies outgrow newborn sizes so quickly.
Sock and booties
Fleece outfits / sweater or jacket: for winter
Mittens
Bonnet or cap: for summer
Shoes
 

Diapers: Whichever you choose to use, keep plenty on hand since you'll be changing them often.  See our article "Cloth diapers vs. Disposable diapers"
Wipes
Washcloth's
Diaper ointment / powder (pure cornstarch type powder)
Sealable trash can (Diaper pail for soiled diapers)

Feeding

Bathing

Bibs
Bottles & nipples: If you plan on only breastfeeding it's still a good idea to keep bottles and nipples on hand.
Plastic Spill mats for around highchair.
Plastic bowls
Plastic sip cups
Rubber tipped baby spoons
 

Baby Tub
Tub seat (when baby outgrows baby tub)
Slip resistant bath tub mats
Tub spout cover
Washcloths
Soaps & Lotions
Hooded towels

Sleeping

Safety

Waterproof crib / mattress liner
Fitted Sheets for crib, bassinet or playard.
Bumpers for crib sides
Receiving blankets

Baby Monitor
Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room.
Rectal thermometer
First Aid kit
Safety Gates
Outlet covers
Toilet seat latches
Stove & Oven guards
Cabinet & drawer latches
Bumpers (for sharp cornered objects)
 

For Mom

Miscellaneous

Nursing bras
Breast pads
Breast shields
Cream for nipples
Panty liners / pads (only needed for first few weeks or so after birth)
Most items only needed while breastfeeding
Flowers & gifts from dad

Small lamp or nightlight for baby's room
Classical or Lullaby music
Reference books on safety issues, parenting, etc.
Books that you can read to your baby
Baby nail clippers
Nasal aspirator
Car seat & Stroller toys
Crib Toys
Dreft laundry soap (Doctors & parents alike recommend this very mild laundry detergent for washing your baby's clothes)