It’s easy to want every new baby item you see, particularly when you’re pregnant. You envision your baby playing with the latest electronic whistles-and-lights ball while you pop in the current Baby Einstein DVD.

Everything marketed for babies is so cute and clever, it’s nearly impossible to resist. But the truth is, there are only a handful of baby items you can’t be without when your baby makes his or her entrance into the world.

We’ve pared these items down to 10 absolute essentials. Any other items can easily be bought as needed after baby is born. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed and overcrowded with things you don’t need or can’t afford.

1.  Blankets

No sooner is a baby born than he or she is swaddled snugly in a blanket. Blankets offer a safe, secure cocoon of warmth and comfort that mimics the familiar womb environment. Buy at least four blankets, including lightweight cotton receiving blankets and thicker, warm fleece blankets. The versatility of blankets is wonderful. They provide a clean place to lay a baby down for a diaper change, then double as nursing shawls for instant breastfeeding privacy.

2. Diapers

Inevitably, the first thing a baby is “dressed” in is a diaper. But the first one won’t last long. From now until potty-training mastery, you’ll need a constant supply of clean diapers. A newborn will need at least eight a day, likely more. You may want to weigh the pros and cons of cloth versus disposable diapers. Wipes will also be a necessity, although cotton balls and plain water are recommended for cleaning a newborn for the first few weeks, as well as any time diaper rash occurs (the soap in wipes irritates a rash).

3. Clothes

Necessary newborn clothing varies somewhat by your climate. If you live in a cold area, you’ll need more warm clothes that can be layered on, such as sweaters and pants. Otherwise, a basic newborn wardrobe should include several onesies (basically a shirt that extends to snap together at the crotch), a couple of footed sleepers or blanket sleepers, and several nightgowns with elastic at the bottom—just move the gown up for easy night-time diaper changes—no buttons to fumble with. Also make sure to have socks or booties to keep little feet warm, as well as cotton hats to keep those relatively bald newborn heads cozy (most heat is lost through the head); you’ll likely be using these no matter the time of year.

4. Food

You may not need to buy formula, but food is such an essential, it must be mentioned. If you choose breastfeeding, you’d be wise to get a breast pump and bottles for times when you want or need (breast fullness is real!) to pump. Freezing milk for future use will come in handy if you ever need to leave baby with a relative or sitter. If you’re not going to breastfeed, you definitely need formula and at least four bottles.

5. Car Seat

You can’t go anywhere with baby without one—including home from the hospital. Even if you plan to have your baby at home, you need a car seat installed before labor in case of an emergency trip to the hospital. Research and read reviews to find a highly rated seat. Finally, make sure the seat is properly installed, since it’s easy to mess this up.

6. Crib

Unless you plan to let your newborn sleep in your arms only (and you may be tempted to at first, until the aching muscles and weariness set in), you’ll need a safe, comfy place to lay baby down. This could be a crib, bassinet, cradle, or co-sleeper. Always check out reviews and ratings so you can make an informed decision. If you choose a crib, make sure it’s new enough to meet safety requirements and that the spaces between the slats aren’t too wide (simple test: you should not be able to pass a soda can through the slats). You can get your money’s worth from a crib that can later be transformed into a toddler bed.

Bassinets and cradles are convenient in that they’re smaller and more easily moved from room to room. However, a newborn will outgrow these much sooner than a crib and will then need to be transitioned to a crib. Same goes for a co-sleeper, which can be put in or attached to your own bed—a baby will only fit in it for so long. However, co-sleepers are very nice for a tired new mother in the early weeks or months so she doesn’t have to constantly get out of bed for baby.

Whatever newborn bed you choose, keep in mind that a mattress, waterproof pad, and fitted sheets will also be needed. Comforters and loose blankets or sheets are not advised, as these increase the risk of strangulation and smothering.

7. Nasal Aspirator

Yes, you do need one of those funny-looking squeezable rubber bulbs with the long stems. For such a simple device, it works wonders! When your newborn is sputtering from mucous in the throat and/or nose, you’ll be relieved you have a way to help.

How to use a nasal aspirator: It’s fairly simple, unless baby struggles so much that you can’t get the end inserted into his or her mouth or nostril, in which case, enlist someone’s help to hold baby while you insert. Squeeze the bulb BEFORE inserting the stem into the nostril or mouth. Once inside, let off squeezing and let the bulb fill with air and mucous. Repeat as needed.

To clean a nasal aspirator: Use a bowl or sink of clean, warm water. Immerse the stem end and squeeze and release repeatedly, changing the water as needed.

8. Washcloths

Chances are you won’t be dipping your baby in a large bathtub any time soon. Little washcloths are indispensable for quick wipe-downs with warm water and dips in the baby-sized tub. Have a nice stack of about ten on hand.

9. Towels

Indulge in several cute baby towels—you’ll be needing them! A soft terry towel serves as a quick wrap to keep a naked newborn warm before and while being washed, as well as dry and cozy afterward.

10. Bibs

Last but not least, a cute set of newborn-sized baby bibs is highly recommended. (Larger bibs simply overtake newborns.) Keep a few clean bibs handy throughout the house and in the diaper bag; this will make it easy to keep your baby clean while saving those adorable clothes from stains. Remember, it’s easier to change a little bib than an entire outfit!

Finally, the most important thing your newborn needs can’t be bought or categorized: your unconditional love. If he or she has that, then warmth, shelter, food, and happiness will follow naturally.

Written by Therese Heckenkamp