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This post is all about the newborn baby must-have items
Becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to thinking about what to get before the baby arrives. From thinking about what kind and size of clothes to get, to deciding whether to get a bassinet or a crib, and what kind of feeding bottles to get. It really doesn’t matter how many times you’ve given birth; it’s always overwhelming preparing for a new arrival.
To be honest, babies do not need everything marketed as “important” to parents to get. Babies need comfort and parents who keep them safe.
This is easier said than done, but try not to stress too much about things to get your baby “right now”. A lot can wait till after the baby is here – that is why this guide is very helpful and stress-free.
This guide covers 13 must-have essentials every newborn parent should consider getting – and this comes from an experienced mother.
What are the must-have items for a Newborn?
Newborn must have essentials that generally fall into these categories:
- Feeding
- Sleeping
- Diapering
- Clothing
- Safety
- Transportation
13 Important Must-Haves Essentials for a Newborn
1. A safe crib or bassinet
You may want to consider getting a safe crib or a bassinet. Well, let me tell you what the difference is between these two.
A bassinet is compact and portable, ideal for room-sharing in the first 4-6 months. A crib is a permanent, long-term investment that can last through the toddler years.
It’s important to know about safe sleep, especially when it comes to buying a baby a sleeping mat. You know that a baby’s mat needs to be firm (it returns to its original shape quickly when pressed). The sleeping mat must be flat, like a table, and its surface must be level to prevent positional asphyxiation.
Always always use fitted sheets only and keep your baby’s sleeping area bare (no pillows, stuffed toys, positioners, or blankets). And when putting a baby to sleep, always place them on their back!
2. Infant car seat
This one was what we used for our baby, now toddler.
A car seat is maybe the most important item on this list. This is the one essential that keeps your baby safe on every journey, and don’t forget, you can’t leave the hospital without a car seat.
From an experienced parent’s point of view, a car seat in the rear-facing position is perfect and offers extra support and protection for your baby’s head, neck, and spine during a sudden stop or a crash. Also, when shopping for car seats, start by watching the safety ratings, then cost, and how easily the seat can adapt as the family grows.
Please, don’t buy or get a used car seat for the safety of your little one. You never know if it has ever been in any car crash or if it’s expired; you can’t always trust the seller, so I suggest you buy it as new.
3. Newborn clothing essentials
Yes! Your baby needs clothes, hah! And different sizes too. As an experienced mother, I suggest you buy 7 to 10 different long-sleeve pyjamas/onesies in every size for your baby. Start with size 56 EU. If you’re having a premature baby, you can start with size 50 EU.
Swaddles or sleep sacks. Not every baby loves to be swaddled up, but I recommend ditching the swaddle when your baby starts to show signs of rolling, usually between 2 and 4 months. Then comes the time to transition to a sleep sack.
Socks and mittens. Small babies lose heat easily through their bodies; keeping their tiny feet warm is crucial. Your baby needs no crats mittens to protect their skin from scratches – baby’s nails are no joke!
4. Diapers and wipes
Diapers we have used for our baby are: Moomin diapers, Pampers, Libero, and Huggies. Honestly, we liked all of them the same, but libero is the one we still use. It’s best to try different kinds of diapers, so you know what suits your little one the best. One pack of diapers can last for 3 to 5 days (8 to 12 diapers a day).
The wipes that we used were Pampers, WaterWipes, and now I use this baby wipe line from the Nordics (Denmark) named Änglamark Baby. Other parents prefer using only water, but I don’t think you can use water everywhere you go, so always have some wipes with you.
5. Changing station supplies
A changing pad doesn’t have to be expensive or over the top, just make sure it’s wipeable.
Diaper cream is important to protect the baby’s skin and prevent rashes. Some of the best ones that we used are Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, Mustela Bébé, and Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment.
When outside, make sure you have a disposable changing mat. Not every station has ones, and I for sure know you don’t want to change your baby on a used and probably dirty changing pad.
6. Feeding supplies
For mothers that wants to breastfeed, you need: Nursing pillows, babies are small but holding them for a long time will make them feel heavy, especially their heads, so get that feeding pillow, it will help you with positioning and holding your baby. Breast pads, because your breasts will leak – a lot! Breast pump, even though you want to only breastfeed, it’s super important to also breast pump, so you can give the father or someone who is helping you to feed the baby while you’re resting.
For mamas who want to skip breastfeeding or include formula feeding, what you need to look for is bottles. Remember, babies are different; your neighbour’s baby may love using Dr. Brown’s feeding bottles, and yours may prefer MAM’s bottles. We got MAM feeding bottles from the hospital, and our baby used them from newborn to their toddler years– that’s why I recommend MAM bottles. (Don’t forget to buy a matching bottle brush.)
7. Burp cloths and Bibs
I really don’t have much to say about these, but just know you’ll need A LOT of these. When I say A lot, I mean it!
8. Baby bathtub and bath essentials
A baby tub. It doesn’t have to be fancy; the most important thing here is that it works. When the baby is younger and can’t quite sit yet, you can get a “grow with me” baby tub that comes with a soft cushion that’ll support the baby.
Gentle baby wash. This is the baby wash I used on my newborn baby. It’s so gentle, and it cleans well. I really recommend this to every parent who is looking for a really good and gentle body wash for a newborn baby.
Towels! The best towels to use on a baby are the ones that have a hood on them, so make sure to get the hooded towel.
9. Stroller
When choosing a stroller, choose the one that you know will be suitable for your family in the long run. Your other friend may have chosen a specific stroller for their baby and told you how that has helped them, but that doesn’t always mean it will help you, too.
If I can tell you how I chose our stroller: firstly, I was shocked as a first-time parent by the cost of strollers and how many strollers are available, and everything was labelled as “the best one”. I was a bit lost, so I talked with my mommy friends about what kind of strollers to get. They all bragged about their strollers, but what stick to my mind was when they all said to get a stroller that will not feel heavy or hurt your back.
I sat by myself and thought about my environment and what kind of family we would be. We are not a city family, and we live in a country where winter lasts for about 9 months. So, I got the Tinynord stroller. It has big wheels, and it’s an all-purpose stroller. It has since been very good for our family.
10. Baby carrier or a wrap
Choose a carrier that grows with your baby. Always, when your baby gets to one specific size, you can adjust your carrier to that size. Also, get a carrier that you can also adjust to fit you. Make sure the fabrics are breathable and that it’s in the safety guidelines.
11. White noise machine
I remember when I had to “shhh” my baby to sleep and regretted not getting the white noise machine. Get the white noise machine – it will help you a lot. The voices mimic the soothing sounds of the womb, helping the baby fall asleep fast. GET IT!
12. Baby health and grooming kit
If we adults need it, then the babies need it too! What to get.
- Digital thermometer
- Nail clippers
- Nasal aspirator (very important!)
- Infant medicine dispenser
13. Baby monitor
This is more about the parents. I would recommend getting a baby monitor that lets you see how your baby is doing, and make sure it also has a night vision feature.
These are not “get now” items to get, but they’ll sure be “must have” baby items when the baby is here:
- Pacifiers: We loved to use MAM pacifiers. It’s what most doctors prefer, and it grows with your baby, and it doesn’t ruin babies’ teeth.
- Play mat: I know a lot of us love the beige aesthetic, but babies love colours, so get the one with colours.
- Rocking chair: Best for contact snaps, nighttime nursing sessions, and many more.
- Bouncer or swing: This will help you get things done. Just put your baby in a swing and get your things done (get them used to a bouncer or swing early!)
As you can see, you don’t really need every gadget promoted out there for your baby. Focus on essentials that support your little ones’ feeding, sleeping, safety, and daily care. Also, not everything needs to be expensive; choose the product that fits your budget and lifestyle.
This blog post was all about newborn must-have items
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