It’s no secret babies require a lot of stuff. At least, it sure seems that way. The reality is that you can get by with a lot less than you think.
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival and gather everything they’ll need during their first months of life, you might start to wonder what’s necessary and what you can do without. The items such a tiny person requires can pile up surprisingly fast!
I remember being so overly prepared for my first baby that I didn’t use 25% of the stuff I had ordered or asked for on my baby registry. With my second, I was much more intentional, and I’m sharing those essentials here on this list.
Here’s a quick peek:
- Diapers, wipes, and rash cream
- Infant car seat (not expired)
- Clothing
- Swaddle blankets
- Baby monitor
- Stroller
- Breast pump and storage bags
- Bottles and formula
- Bath time essentials
- Crib and bedding
- Baby thermometer
- Diaper bag
…and more!
From the products you certainly don’t want to go without to miscellaneous items that aren’t entirely needed but still come in super handy, we’re covering it all.
Finding the perfect balance of newborn items that work for your family might take some trial and error, but we’re here to help you narrow your list down with this comprehensive guide.
Newborn essentials checklist
1. Diapers, wipes, and rash cream
Diapering essentials are a given, buthey’rere important to include nonetheless!
Be prepared with gentle wipes, hypoallergenic diaper rash cream, and various diaper sizes, starting with newborn size (since little ones grow unbelievably fast); you’ll be switching to the next size up before you know it!
You can also opt for cloth diapers, which will fit your baby and last for a long time.
2. Infant car seat
A highly rated infant car seat is something you want to invest in.
Opting for one that easily detaches from the base in the car and can be inserted into a stroller makes outings so much more convenient, especially during the newborn stage.
Correctly install the car seat rear-facing, and you can even go through the National CPS Certification Program to have it inspected to make sure perfectly safe and installed for your baby.
I’ve also learned you can call your local fire departments to see if anyone working there is certified to check the correct installation of car seats. You’d be surprised to learn that some are!
3. Clothing
You’ll want to have a variety of short- and long-sleeve breathable onesies for your newborn, as these make getting them dressed and diaper changes as easy.
Onesies with zipper closures (instead of snap) are also ideal, especially since outfit changes are frequent during the newborn stage. Trust me, you’ll thank those quick and easy zippers in the middle of the night.
Also, be sure to stock up on pants, socks, hats, and mittens to keep their hands warm and prevent scratches on their delicate skin.
4. Swaddle blankets
Most babies are soothed and relaxed when they’re swaddled snuggly; you’ll want to have several of these on hand.
Whether you choose soft cotton blankets (which can get tricky!) or swaddles with Velcro to make securing them a breeze, these cozy wraps help promote better sleep and reduce the startle reflex (which typically lasts the first few months of their life).
Remember that some newborns prefer to sleep with arms out and others with arms in. With my first, he wouldn’t sleep unless he was tightly swaddled, and my second? She only wanted her arms out.
All this to say, do what works best – and is safe – for you and your baby.
5. Baby monitor
Baby monitors give new parents irreplaceable peace of mind and allow them to watch and watch their little ones. Models with video capabilities are standard nowadays, and many have features like temperature and vital monitoring.
Some baby monitors require WiFi to operate, and others rely on radio frequency or even Bluetooth. Keep this in mind while shopping around to find the monitor that best fits your family.
We opted for Infant Optics because of its easy setup and the ability to add two cameras (one for each kid) to the monitor screen.
6. Stroller
A reliable stroller makes a difference, especially if you plan to be out and about a lot. Look for one that is compatible with your car seat, is lightweight, and easy to fold.
Some strollers accommodate car seats for your convenience while your baby is still small enough, and when they’re big enough to sit up in the stroller, you can insert the regular seat attachment onto the frame.
7. Breast pump and storage bags
Iyou’rere planning to breastfeed but want to do bottle feedings, a breast pump is an invaluable investment for nursing mothers. Many pumps can be covered through insurance, depending on where you live, as well.
Related: How to Know if Your Breast Pump is Covered by Insurance
Choose a model that suits your needs for occasional use or more frequent pumping. Be sure to have plenty of breastmilk storage bags handy, too, so you can easily store what you’ve pumped in the fridge or freezer.
8. Bottles and formula
If you’re not breastfeeding or plan to supplement with formula, have plenty of formula cans stocked up so you can avoid extra trips to the store or online orders.
Generally, a newborn will typically go through eight cans of formula a month (but this can vary depending on if you’re feeding exclusively formula and the canister size).
Also, whether you’re breastfeeding or not, have at least six bottles sterilized and ready to go at home. Bottles that are designed to reduce air intake are a good option (like these).
Personal story: I knew that breastfeeding my first was always something I wanted to try and do, but I didn’t realize how unstable my milk supply would be at times (we struggled with latch issues, etc.).
I was so thankful to have an emergency can of formula on hand and picked out from the get-go while I also received support from a lactation specialist.
9. Bath time essentials
Keep bath time with your newborn simple with a portable baby tub to keep them secure, baby-safe soap that can be used on their hair and body, soft washcloths, a cup to rinse them with, and soft baby towels with a hood to ensure they’re warm and dry.
- Portable baby tub
- Baby-safe soap
- Soft washcloths
- A cup to rise
- Soft baby towels with a hood
10. Crib and bedding
Depending on your sleep plan, you may not need a full crib right off the bat with your newborn, but it’s still a good idea to have one built and ready to go.
Choose a sturdy crib, a firm mattress that’s rated for babies, and a few soft, breathable fitted sheets to switch them out as needed.
If you’re following safe sleep recommendations, baby should always sleep on their back, alone, on a flat surface, with nothing else nearby.
11. Baby thermometer
Be prepared for any potential illnesses by having a reliable baby thermometer.
A forehead thermometer or non-contact or ear thermometer is ideal for accurate and stress-free temperature readings.
12. Diaper bag
For those days wheyou’rere out and about, a spacious diaper bag is a must-have for newborns! Any bag with enough space and compartments works, but ones designed to be diaper bags are often ideal.
These bags typically have an insulated pocket for bottles and a portable mat for convenient diaper changes. Stay prepared with plenty of diapers, wipes, diaper creams, and changes of clothes (for mom and baby) for emergencies.
Additional helpful (and optional) items
The items listed below aren’t 100% necessary, but they are certainly nice to have on hand when the situation requires them. If you’re looking to live a more minimalist baby life, these items should be the first go-to from your registry.
And no, you probably don’t need that wipe warmer.
13. Baby bouncer or swing
While not necessary, a baby bouncer or swing is a safe way to soothe and keep your little one temporarily entertained, allowing you to have a few moments to eat, wash bottles, or simply relax.
14. Nursing pillow
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, a nursing/feeding pillow is a helpful item to have that provides support, keeping you and your baby comfortable during feeding sessions.
15. Changing table
A dedicated changing table with bells and whistles isn’t a must-have, as many parents find it convenient to use changing pads on dressers, other sturdy surfaces, or simply on the ground with a portable mat.
However, a dedicated changing table with compartments for diapering essentials can be a handy addition to the home.
16. Travel crib
If you plan on traveling with your baby, a travel crib could be a worthwhile investment. Look for one that’s safe for newborn sleep, easy to collapse and carry, and set-up is semi-easy.
Remember that some stroller bassinets are safe-sleep-approved (like the stroller system we have) and can be used in place of a travel crib until your baby reaches a certain weight/length.
Always consult your stroller manual for more details on this feature, though.
17. Bottle sterilizer
It’s important to sterilize bottles and pacifiers, especially initially, which you can typically do by boiling them for a few minutes.
A much more convenient way to sterilize these items is with an electric sterilizer that can fit many at once or a sterilizer compartment that can quickly go in the microwave.
Staying prepared with newborn essentials
Every baby and family is truly so unique regarding item preferences and requirements. Really take some time to think about your lifestyle and needs before diving into buying baby items.
This guide of must-haves for newborns can help you get prepared with the absolute basics so you don’t get overwhelmed with conflicting information or pressured to buy items you’re not sure you need.
Amidst the excess of baby products and gadgets, the most vital must-haves are the ones that keep your baby safe, fed, dry, clean, and warm.
Embrace the unexpected moments that make parenthood oh-so-special because when it comes down to it, the love and bond you share with your baby is really what it’s all about.
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