At last, it’s time to start gathering your newborn baby essentials, but you’re not sure what your baby needs. Finally, here is your ultimate guide to newborn baby essentials, leaving you well-stocked and fully prepared for your newborn baby.
Having a baby is incredibly exciting, and knowing what they need as a newborn is a learning curve! Preparing for my first baby, I had a lot to learn about all the baby gear and newborn baby essentials I needed before my baby came home. It was a complete headache and took a lot of time, starting from scratch. Save the stress fest, Mama. I’ve collected all the amazing must-have newborn baby essentials your baby could need, right at your fingertips.
As you travel the world of baby preparation, this newborn baby essentials list will guide you along the trail, through everything from binkies, baby rockers, strollers, breast pumps, and more.
When I started gathering the essentials for my newborn baby, I had list upon list everywhere it seemed. With all the information in one list and direct links to the products I used and loved for my baby, you can rest easy and feel more confident that you are well-stocked on all the essentials before welcoming your new baby home.
This post is all about the newborn baby essentials every first-time parent should have.
Newborn Baby Essentials
As I prepared to have my first baby, I searched far and wide for a newborn baby shopping list with pictures and recommended products they liked the most, or products I needed from the start. For me, the Graco Car Seat and Stroller were my favorites because they are extremely durable, and the car seat clicks right into the stroller, easy peasy! The Pack’ N Play and diaper bag were also among my favorites.
Click on the items below to see the exact items I used and loved when travelling with my son!
I loved getting things together for the nursery, but figuring out what baby things to buy before birth was its own labor of love (pun intended). I needed to get it done as easily and quickly as possible, and this newborn essentials list will help you do the same! The diffuser and baby book were my favs and made my life so much easier as I cared for my son. My rocking nursing chair at the time was an amazing find at a second-hand store, so I didn’t have to buy one; however, the one listed below is what I would have picked.
Check out the items below to see what I used!
- Dresser(1)
- Small 3-Drawer Organizer(1-2)
- Rocking Nursing Chair(1)
- Storage Organization (like vacuum bags, bookshelf & toy organizer)
- Hamper(2)
- Photo Frames
- Baby Book(1)
- Baby Calendar(1)
- Diffuser(1) with Plant Therapy Essential oils (Lavender, Peppermint & more)
Let’s be real, when the baby is sleeping well, everyone sleeps well, so check out these must-have baby items when preparing for a newborn baby, and set you and your household up for a restful night’s sleep. I fell in love with the crib and found it very durable and practical (lots of room underneath for more storage, too). The mattress, protectors, and fitted sheets were also some of my favorites, and helped me keep things clean and comfortable for my son, not to mention easy to change when you layer them together.
Click on the items below to see the exact item I used and loved!
- Crib(1)
- Mattress(1) & Mattress protectors(4)
- Cotton Fitted Sheets(4) like Woodland Animals & Bears & Wolves
- Crib Mobile(1)
- Receiving Blankets(1, 7pk) & Blankets(4) like Safari Animals, Farm Animals, Bees, & Dinosaurs
- Sound machine(2) like a travel option & bedroom option
- Baby Monitor(1)
- Bassinet(1)
The average newborn baby will produce anywhere from 8 to 12 diapers a day — that’s a lot of diapers! I learned very quickly that when it comes to diapering essentials, organization is key. When considering when to buy baby stuff, be sure you are organizing these newborn baby essentials well in advance of your baby’s arrival. The diaper cart I recommend is a game-changer and space saver. The Diaper Genie, changing pad, and covers are my ultimate go-to items.
Remember to click on the items below to see the exact products I used and loved!
[Related Post: 15 Amazing First-Time Mom Essentials For An Easier Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery]
There is so much that goes into breastfeeding, learning, and patience for one, and lastly, nutrition for Mama, as you have milk to produce. Breastfeeding my newborn was really stressful, and these baby must-haves will make your breastfeeding journey easier and more comfortable. I absolutely loved the nursing pillow, breast pump, Haakaa, and the pumping bras (a definite must).
Remember, the items listed below are ones I used and loved!
- Nursing Pillow(1)
- Breast Pump(1) (You can get your pump covered through your health insurance)
- Milk Storage Bags(1, 200 ct)
- Bottle Cooler Bag(1)
- Nipple Cream(2)
The time has come, and you’re asking yourself what clothes to buy for a newborn! I have been there too, and once read, “the more clothes you have, the more laundry you will do.” Babies already make a ton of diapers, and having a simple and basic wardrobe for your baby will keep your laundry life simplified. I love the Carter’s, Gerber, and Oshkosh B’Gosh brands for my son’s clothing; they are high-quality, practical, and durable. Tip: Zippers are better than snaps, especially for sleepers and footies, when you are half asleep. The sleep sacks, onsies, footies, sunglasses, and the Robeez Shoes are just a few of my favorites.
Check out my favorites by clicking on the links below!
- Hangerss(1, 60pk) (optional)
- Onesies(8) (Shortsleeve, Longsleeve) & Footies(8)
- Pants(6), & Dresses(4) for dressing up (I didn’t have a girl, but this dress is so cute)
- Socks(12)
- Mittens(1, 12pk)
- Sunglasses(1)
- Sun Hat(1), Ball Cap(1) & Headbands(1, 12pk) So cute for a girl!
- Hoodies(4) & Winterwear Buntings(2)
- Slippers(2) & Robeez Shoes(2) (Girls & Boys)
- Swimsuits(2) (Girls & Boys) & Swim Diapers
- Swaddles(4) & Sleep Sacks(4)
- All Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent
Playtime can be an amazing bonding opportunity and a lot of fun for both baby and Mama! With plenty of toys and room to practice lifting their head and crawling, your baby will grow strong and confident in no time. Mama-life is hectic, and the baby rocker was a huge blessing in my newborn baby needs checklist, along with the activity gym, board books, and the walker.
Don’t forget to click on the links below to check out the exact items I used and loved!
- Activity Gym(1) & Tummy Time Water Mat(1)
- Baby Rocker(1)
- Lots of Books (Board Books like: Peter Rabbit & Otter Book) Regular Books (like: Dr. Seuss, Beginner’s Bible & Bedtime Stories)
- Bumbo Chair(1) & Outdoor Chair (1)
- Plush Toys (Snuggle Toy & Stuffed Animal)
- Toys (Clip and Go Rattle, Crinkle Book, LaMaze Rattle & Maraca Rattles)
- Walker(1), Push-Along(1) & Strider Bike with Base(1)
Around 6 months of age, your baby will be ready to start eating purees. Starting them on pureed foods can be a lot of fun. This complete list of newborn baby essentials covers your baby through to 6 months and beyond. You will not need many of the items in this section until the 6 month mark, but I strongly encourage you to stock the items now and have them ready before your baby is born. My favorite feeding essentials include the drying rack, baby bullet, highchair, and burp cloths.
Take a look at the items below to see what I used and loved for feeding my son!
- Similac Sensitive Formula (if you decide/need to use formula)
- Formula Canisters(1, 2pk)
- Dr. Brown’s Wide Neck Bottles: Newborn Feeding Set(1)
- Dr. Brown’s Wide Neck Nipples (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 & Level 4)
- Lots of Bibs
- Burp Clothes(12)
- Highchair(1)
- Dr. Brown’s Drying Rack & Bottle Brush(1)
- Baby NutriBullet(1)
- Ice Cube Trays(6)
- Baby Food Cookbook (like Nurished Beginnings or Big Book of Organic Baby Food)
- Plates, Bowls(1, 4pk) & Utensils (Spoons & Forks/Spoons Combo)
- Sippy Cups: Small 5oz(2) & Large 10 oz(1)
[Related Post: 27 Vital Pregnancy Checklist Items For Every Expecting Mom]
Now that you are expecting, you’re asking yourself, “What do I really need for my baby?” This list is here to help you answer that question and provide you with an organized game plan for your baby. Bathtime is great bonding time and is a process in itself. The newborn tub was easy to use and clean after bathtime, and made things cozy for my son. I also really enjoyed using the Safety Q tips, hooded towels, and castile soap to limit toxins.
Click on the links below to see the exact item I used and loved for bathing my son!
- Castile Soap(1)
- Safety Q Tips(1, 185 ct)
- Toy Net(1) & Bath Toys (Ocean Squirts, Cups & Ducks)
- Wash Cloths(24)
Caring for a sick baby who can’t tell you what’s wrong is stressful, but the items below are items I used constantly for my son, and they made my life so much easier when he got sick. This baby shopping list for first time moms will help simplify those moments when your baby does get sick. My go-to items were the Safety First Deluxe Kit, binkie lanyards, rectal thermometer, nasal aspirator, and pacifier syringe (which helped me give my son medicine with less mess and stress).
Remember, the links below go to the exact item I used and loved!
Well, there you have it, Mama! Now you’ll have all your baby essentials on hand and ready before bringing your beautiful baby home!
This post was all about the newborn baby essentials every first-time parent should have.
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