NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY ESSENTIALS: ALL YOU REALLY NEED

Are you a new mom? or do you have a new mom in your life?  In this post, discover the things actually needed for your newborn so you can keep your baby’s list of essentials to a minimum as well as your stress!

When I was pregnant, friends offered a heap of advice on all the baby gear I absolutely had to have which made me buy a lot of things that I didn’t use or need.  I have beautiful baby blankets that never even got used and cute little outfits and little shoes that were never worn.

Let’s be honest, we all overspend on our babies. It’s hard not to, especially as a new mom when that crazy nesting urges kick in. I can’t tell you how many unnecessary items I had for my son.

I got to understand soon enough that in the first few months there was absolutely little or nowhere to wear those outfits to.

Besides babies need comfortable outfits that make diaper changes easy and socks to keep their feet warm.

You can download a free printable version of this list below.

It is easy to skim through the printable or print it out to refer to it later.

of course, no one ever sets out to be that excessive, but it is very easy to end up with a lot.

As a new mom, not knowing what one really needs to buy coupled with the numerous choices of cute baby items out there. *I know, I know too many cute baby items* it becomes very easy to get carried away. It doesn’t have to be that way.

I hope this post helps you by creating a list of things you actually need for your newborn! While I can’t save you from overspending, I’ve done my best to narrow down the items I think are absolutely essential.

This list is also great to go by while creating a baby registry (I recommend Target and Amazon Baby Registry), or for those looking to get a very useful gift for a new parent!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Now that I have had a baby, I know exactly what was helpful to have.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY ESSENTIALS 

Every subheading and link in this post will send you to that exact product.

I’ve done the heavy lifting for you, so you don’t have to search all day for what you want.

Now, let’s shop for some baby products!

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

CAR SEAT

An infant car seat is the number one newborn essential that you need to have in order to bring your new baby home.

If you are having a home birth you still need one to be able to leave home for any reason. In fact, most hospitals will not let you leave the hospital without an infant car seat.

A car seat is also an excellent gift for a new mom because it will certainly be put to good use.

SOFT CARRIER

There are so many different types of ways to wear your baby and some are more comfortable for certain people.

Your baby will love being close to you and as they age, they’ll love the front seat view of all the action in front of them.

When you can’t put your newborn down but want to move around with your hands-free, soft carriers are lifesavers.

I can tell you that for sure a soft carrier will make your life easier as a new mom, there is absolutely no doubt about that.

There are different kinds from sling to wrap to a front-to-back convertible.

Soft wraps hold your baby against your body and in my opinion, is best for newborns. My favorite brand for soft wraps is Moby.

For the front- to – back convertible carrier, the Ergobaby carrier is a fantastic option. It is lightweight and can be used in different carry positions. check it out here.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO DIAPERING ESSENTIALS

DIAPER BAG

You need some kind of bag to keep diapers, wipes, change of clothes, etc when you leave the house.

The best diaper bags have waterproof/microfiber surfaces, offer plenty of pockets for storage, can be slung, and come in designs that all caregivers will want to be seen using.

A good backpack also makes a functional and cheap diaper bag. While you can use any bag you like, my favorite is the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack!

It has loads of space inside, and the front folds down into a changing pad. This is very convenient. Check it out here.

DIAPERS

You can feel comfortable buying diapers in bulk, just be sure to get the newborn sizes for those first few weeks. I used these diapers and I recommend them. … these are the diapers.

Stockpile if you can! Look for sales and deals.  Target usually has some deals on baby essentials where you get a $25 dollars gift card if you spend $100.

Related:10 essential things to do before your baby arrives 

WIPES

I feel like wipes go hand in hand with diapers. I like the Huggies sensitive wipes, and I also think these non-toxic wipes are amazing. There are a lot of choices for wipes out there, you could also explore to find out what suits your budget and baby’s skin.

DIAPER CREAM

Diaper cream will save your baby’s butt. Your baby will likely end up with a diaper rash at one point or another so it’s always a great idea to have a diaper cream on hand.

There are many creams on the market, including ones with all-natural ingredients.

I don’t like to recommend baby powder of any sort, because the risks just don’t outweigh the benefits in my opinion.

I do highly recommend this Sensitive Baby Diaper Cream because it’s so gentle on newborn skin.

The blue tube of Desitin Diaper Rash Cream Rapid Relief also works great for me.

 

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY BATHING  ESSENTIALS

BODY WASH & SHAMPOO

Some babies’ skin will be more sensitive than others, so ensure you get a baby-friendly soap.

This newborn foam body wash and shampoo would be my number one recommendation for a gentle and mild newborn-friendly soap.

Also, if your newborn is suffering from a case of cradle cap this shampoo got rid of my son’s in less than three days!

I love the honest brand for sensitive skin as well. However, whichever wash and shampoo you decide to use, be sure to look at the ingredients.

Check out the honest wash here: Honest Perfectly Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Body Wash with Naturally Derived Botanicals.

LOTION

Once again, you’re going to want a very mild and non-toxic lotion to make sure your newborn’s sensitive skin stays hydrated. This Daily Hydra Lotion is amazing for newborns as well as older babies.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO FEEDING ESSENTIALS

NURSING PILLOW

If you are breastfeeding, a great nursing pillow is a must for keeping the baby in the optimal position. Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner,

BREAST PUMP& BREAST PUMPING PADS

(if you are pumping)

An efficient breast pump can help establish milk supply or alleviate engorgement. There are many pumps on the market, but one of my favorites is the medela pump in style. You can get it here.

Another absolutely great option is the wearable willow pump. you can read all about the features here.

If you’re planning to pump or want to build a freezer stash of milk make sure you have a breast pump and breast milk storage bags.

Check out this post about important things you need to know about breast pumping.

I’ve tried a couple of milk storage bags and the Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are by far my favorite.

Don’t forget nursing pads. I swear by Bamboobies Ultra-Absorbent Overnight pads. These are so soft and reusable.

I found the disposable ones so uncomfortable and loved these as an alternative.

BOTTLES & FORMULA

(if you plan to formula feed, or feed your baby breastmilk from a bottle. Recommendations vary on when to introduce a bottle, but you may need one sooner than you think.

Options include glass or BPA-free plastic bottles, breast-mimicking or classic-style nipples, gas-reducing valve technology, and disposable liners.

If you’re supplementing or planning to formula-feed, you can choose between organic, soy, and reflux-reducing formulas in addition to the conventional brands.

Be sure to find the right formula for your little one and check the bottle flow. Many bottles come with ages/stages based on milk flow.

BURP CLOTHS

This goes without saying, but there is a lot of spit-up in your future. Have at least 15–20 burp cloths washed and ready.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY SLEEP ESSENTIALS

BABY MONITOR

Make sure you can keep an eye or ear on your little one.

You can either get an Audio Baby Monitor for only listening to your baby – which is more economical, or choose a Digital Video Baby Monitor and spend a little more.

Personally, I love being able to see what my baby is up to without having to sneak into his room!

We bought this one and it works amazing.

If you want even more control, try the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor.

BASSINET OR CRIB

You need a bassinet or crib. This depends on which sleeping arrangement you have decided on but your baby will need a place to sleep. Check out different options here.

SWADDLES/ BLANKET

I am such a  terrible Swaddler😀 no matter how much i tried with a blanket, I just couldn’t figure it out.

These SwaddleMe swaddle sacks were such a lifesaver. It made swaddling such a breeze.

The HALO SleepSack is also incredibly easy to use and leaves your little one’s legs more room.

If your baby needs his/her hands up while swaddled, the Love To Dream Swaddle UP is worth a try!

Our little one was always trying to escape his normal swaddle and needed his hands by his face – so we gave this a try! As a bonus, your baby will look like the cutest little teddy bear.

Read: How to lose pregnancy weight in less than a year.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY CLOTHING ESSENTIALS  

If you listen to one piece of advice I offer in this post, make it this section on clothing! I think clothing is the number one thing a new mom gets carried away with when preparing for the arrival of her baby.

 The only clothes you need for your baby in the newborn and 0-3 month sizes are footed pajamas, onesies, kimono tees, socks, and mittens.

That’s all! If family and friends would like to gift you with cute little baby outfits, ask them to kindly only buy size 3 months and up.

I had so many cute little outfits for my son that I never put him in because they just seemed so uncomfortable, the fabric seemed irritating, or diaper changes were too difficult.

If you’re doing a family photoshoot or have a special occasion to attend then that’s different. Otherwise, stick to the easy to change, practical, soft, and comfy baby clothes.

FOOTED PAJAMAS

My only clothing recommendation is to dress the baby in one-piece footed pajamas for the first weeks. (Imagine how bummed you’ll be when baby spits up on the adorable outfit that took you 10 minutes to put on .)

I highly recommend the Loved Baby footed pajamas for a few reasons:

• They are made of the softest organic cotton ever and they have built-in hand mittens. Furthermore, they have snaps from neck to foot which makes diaper changes so easy.
• Plus, they have a million colors and patterns, all of which are super cute and beautiful. So stock up on these in sizes newborn and 0-3 months and you’ll be good to go!

Your little one will need something to wear when they get home. Keep this simple and try and resist all those adorable outfits and denim jackets for newborns.

I try to keep it simple go with long and short sleeve onesies and zippered sleepers. You want to keep them comfy and warm. No need to get them all fancied up in cute outfits until they are out of the first couple squished up weeks.

ONESIES

If the weather isn’t ideal for footed pajamas, or you just want to switch things up, I recommend getting some basic short sleeve and long sleeve onesies.

KIMONO TEES 

Kimono tees, either long or short sleeve, are the perfect articles of clothing for those first days before your baby’s umbilical cord falls off.

They are loose-fitting and won’t rub against their belly button and cause irritation.

Also, because kimono tees either tie or snap, you won’t have to put anything over your baby’s head.

SOCKS

If your baby is not wearing their footed pajamas you’ll probably want to have some socks on hand to make sure their little feet don’t get too cold. You don’t need anything super fancy. Just basic cotton socks will do.

BABY MITTENS

I am just going to assume every newborn is like mine and has super sharp nail growing powers and a tendency to touch their face. If you don’t want your baby to look like he got attacked by an animal,( haha ) stock up on mittens!

No matter how short or how often I cut my son’s nails he always ended up scratching his face like crazy. Save your baby’s face and mitten up.

As a new mom, out of all the things you need to get for your newborn, I feel like this category is the most important. Having a newborn is really hard no matter how many times you’ve done it, but even harder if your new baby isn’t feeling well or is uncomfortable because of gas or congestion.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY HEALTH ESSENTIALS

SALINE SPRAY OR DROPS

Having saline drops when my son was a newborn and well into infancy was a lifesaver. All I had to do was squirt a few drops into his nostrils and he would immediately breathe easier.

NASAL ASPIRATOR/ NOSEFRIDA SNOT SUCKER

Oh that first cold, Yikes!!!.  usually the first illness a new mom experiences with thier little one but that’s a story for another day.

However, I would say that baby cold is rough, and getting the boogers out of their noses can be something to never look forward to.

That’s why it’s important to clear them with a nasal aspirator. A Nose Frida. works amazing!

You could try saline drops, but if they aren’t doing the trick, then you can use the genius contraption called the NoseFrida Snot Sucker.  I absolutely love the NoseFrida and think every family should own one.

HUMIDIFIER

This is one item I was glad I had as a new one mom. You are never really prepared emotionally for that first cold, and because they are so little, there is only so much you can do to relieve them of the discomfort.

Having a humidifier can really help keep your baby from getting congested.

It also comes in very handy if your baby is born during cooler months when you might be running the heater and the air in your home becomes too dry.

Humidifiers can help a baby get through a cold and breathe easier.

THERMOMETER

Try to find a good quality thermometer that will ensure the correct temperature.

The three main types are a Forehead Thermometer (good for quick checks), a Rectal Under The Arm / Tongue Thermometer, and an Ear Thermometer.

This is a great option; Braun Digital Ear Thermometer Suitable for Baby, Infants, Toddlers, and Adults.

Having the correct thermometer on hand is so important because you want to be able to monitor a fever to know when you should take your baby to the doctor immediately.

GAS PASSER

The FridaBaby Windi gas passer is such a cool product that doesn’t require your baby to ingest anything for gas relief.

The Windi gets inserted into your newborn’s bottom and helps them release gas. Since gas can be the culprit of fussiness and colic having these around can be so helpful.

You could also just get a baby grooming set like this , I did this and I found everything in there very useful.

NON -TOXIC LAUNDRY DETERGENT

After you have your new baby, it will feel like you’ve never done so much laundry in your entire life! Maybe that’s a little bit dramatic, but between spit up and blowouts, you will be going through outfits like crazy, which means lots and lots of laundry.

It’s important to make sure you have gentle, non-toxic detergent on hand when you wash your baby’s clothes.

 One very important thing to do when choosing the perfect detergent for your baby’s clothes is your research! A lot of the supposedly “gentle” laundry detergents recommended for babies are actually full of chemicals.

You can take my suggestion and get this non-toxic laundry detergent.

RECEIVING BLANKET

Receiving blankets come in very handy and i ended up using mine for everything and anything. As a blanket, spit-up cloth, diaper changing “station”, clean up towel, nursing cover, and so much more!

PACIFIER & PACIFIER CLIPS

Some parents are strictly against the use of pacifiers. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that the use of pacifiers in the first 6 months of life can help reduce the risk of SIDS.

The full article with benefits and complications can be found here.  Pacifier Clips also help your little one not lose the pacifier while out and about – saving so much cleaning of dropped pacifiers.

Now, not all baby’s take to pacifiers, so you may not need one after all if your baby doesn’t like them.

However, I still recommend having a few on hand, because if your baby does end up liking them, they will be your best friend. I don’t know how I would’ve survived without them in those early months.

BOUNCER/ SWING

Sometimes when you’re cooking or getting ready, your little one just needs a place to hang out. You love your baby, but there are times you need your hands free.

A baby Bouncer/Swing/Rock ‘n Play does not have to be expensive but can be so helpful. Many come with cute little toys for the baby to look and reach for and also have a vibrating setting.

Your little one just might love this as a nap location. The Mamaroo Baby Swing worked great for me.

I was gifted the Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Bouncer. I loved it because It has a noise machine and vibration settings for extra soothing.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO NICE TO HAVE BABY ESSENTIALS

TOYS/PLAY YARD

• Rattles and black and white images will be a couple of your little one’s first toys. However, if your baby comes home and there aren’t toys to play with right away, don’t worry! Your baby’s going to be most interested in faces – especially yours!

BABY NAIL CLIPPER

• The small size of the Baby Nail Clipper is perfect for little fingers. However, if you’re really in a pinch, the regular size will work – just be careful!

CHANGING PAD & COVER

• You can technically change your baby anywhere, but having a changing station can be extremely beneficial.
• Make sure you buy a cute changing cover – probably two, because one is guaranteed to get poop or pee on it at least once – to go with your Changing Pad. This Plush Diaper Changing Pad Cover may be the cutest one I’ve ever seen!

ROCKING CHAIR/GLIDER

• Perfect for snuggles or when your little one just won’t go back to sleep and you’re both tired! A comfy rocking chair is just what you need.

TEETHING TOY

• Some babies begin biting and chewing early on even if you don’t see teeth for months. The RaZbaby RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether is so cute and Sophie The Giraffe is a very popular product with parents.

GRASS DRYING RACK & ACCESSORIES

• We love this Boon Grass Drying Rack. It’s cute and practical. Perfect for drying bottles for your little one. Plus, the cute twigs are great for hanging bottle covers and nipples.

SOUND MACHINE

• White noise will help your little one sleep. While in the womb, he/she is used to a soft rumble of noises and often find it soothing. If you don’t buy a sound machine, there are free apps available on your phone or kindle as well. However, we LOVE this one. They travel well and are super simple!

NURSING COVER/CAR SEAT COVER

Isn’t it cool that these can exist as one item now? If you’re a nursing mom, these covers can be so helpful and may make you feel more comfortable nursing in public. If not, the car seat cover is super cute on it own!

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NEW MOM GUIDE TO BABY OPTIONAL  ITEMS

1.Stroller:  You may not need to use this right away. I honestly don’t think you need a stroller those first few newborn weeks. Unless you plan to go out for a walk almost immediately, Otherwise, you could probably wait a few weeks before purchasing a stroller.

Look for a travel system like this one, that combines your car seat and stroller. I absolutely love that our car seat snaps right into the stroller for an easy transition from the car.

I also like being able to change the baby’s position in the car seat to either facing me or facing out.

2.Diaper Pail: I say a diaper pail is optional because you don’t technically need You can always throw diapers away in the trash outside or a regular trash bin.

However, if you don’t want your house to smell like baby poop and you don’t want to constantly have to run outside to throw away diapers then I recommend getting a diaper pail. You can always get a cheap one!

Alternative: use a garbage can that has a lid that seals and stick one of these Munchkin Arm and Hammer Nursery Fresheners at the top. These will need to be replaced after a while as well.

3.Owlet Heart Monitor: The only reason I say the Owlet Heart monitor is optional is that I didn’t have one and my son was just fine. However, I wish more than anything I had one when my son was a newborn.

I suffered from major postpartum anxiety and was constantly worried that my baby would just stop breathing or that something would be wrong.

If I had the Owlet, it would’ve given me so much peace of mind and saved me from many sleepless nights.

Even if you don’t think you’ll suffer from postpartum anxiety, having the Owlet Heart Monitor will give you a sense of security and make those first few weeks so much easier.

4.Boogie Wipes: Boogie Wipes are basically just wipes made with saline water and a bunch of good stuff like chamomile.

You don’t need them per se, but I think they’re great to have around as back up when you need something gentle to wipe your baby’s nose with.

5.Bandana Bibs: These are a must at our house! Some babies spit up – a lot. While others never do. The same goes for drooly babies.

I suggest you wait on these unless you’re doing it just because you like the style – then – by all means, add it to your must-haves!

6.Bottle Warmer : You should never put a bottle in the microwave because it can heat unevenly and create hot spots in the milk – thus making a bottle warmer an intriguing product.

Alternative: place the bottle under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water to warm it quickly and safely.

7.Bottle Steriliser : You want your baby to stay as healthy as possible and sterilizing bottles is a great way to remove germs!

Alternative: There’s an awesome article here on how to sterilize bottles. We use the boiling method.

NEW MOM GUIDE TO FUTURE PRODUCTS YOU’LL LOVE

HIGH CHAIR

• When your little one is old enough for a high chair, I highly recommend something that isn’t too plush. While they look great, cleanup will be a mess!  check it out here.

BIBS

When your little one is ready to eat solids, typically around 6 months, bibs will be a necessity. These are my two favorites. The Bumkins Waterproof Sleeved Bib to save cute outfits, and the Dex Baby Dura-bib Big Mouth with the large food catcher.

JUMPEROO

There are so many toy options with a Jumperoo! Your little one will stay busy with all the toys, spinning, and jumping. Try to stay away from walkers or jumpers with wheels as these can be dangerous for little ones. For more info, click here for an article from Mayo Clinic.

MORE BABY TOYS

As your little one grows he/she will become more interested in toys and objects around them.

 

Well, that’s it. I hope you are not feeling overwhelmed and this helped you narrow down your list of things you need for your newborn!

Stick to these essentials so you can keep your must-get list to a minimum as well as your stress. The right baby essentials can mean the difference between getting to enjoy motherhood or losing your mind during those first months after having a baby.

Be sure to add your favorite items to your Amazon Baby Registry. Just for creating the registry and ordering/receiving one item off your list, you get a free welcome baby box!

Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry

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What newborn essentials did you use during the first month?  What are some of your favorite baby items? Leave me a comment below!

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