While there are tons of amazing baby products available, you don’t need to overspend to prepare for your first year of motherhood. Of course, everyone has their own opinions about newborn essentials. Your parents, friends, and colleagues might have some helpful suggestions for your baby list.
To keep things simple, I’ve listed some of the basic items that moms really need. Keep reading to see what you should buy before you welcome your baby home!
Top Newborn Essentials You Need:
1. Diapers and Wipes
Diapers are an essential item for every newborn! You’ll be changing a lot of diapers once you get home. So, you want to be prepared ahead of time with a few packs of diapers. Personally, I like to use disposable diapers. These are easier to get rid of and you don’t have to wash them.
If you want to go for a more eco-friendly option, stock up on cloth diapers. There are some great brands online that are easy to wash. Also, make sure you buy baby wipes. Diapers and wipes go hand in hand. If you want to clean up messes fast you are going to need a lot of these. I also like to have diaper rash cream just in case.
2. Diaper Bag
Along with diapers, don’t forget to buy a dependable diaper bag. This is a must-have item for moms! Taking your baby on errands and to other events can be tough, but with a good diaper bag, you can stay prepared no matter where you are.
A diaper bag can fit all the things your baby will need. I like to pack an extra change of clothes, diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets, and other things I know will be useful.
3. Baby Crib
Your newborn will be sleeping up to 16 hours per day. Sometimes, they might sleep even longer! Keeping this in mind, you’ll definitely want to buy a comfortable baby crib.
This newborn item can get expensive fast, but it’s worth the cost. Not only can a high-quality crib be used for years, but getting a good crib will keep your baby protected while they sleep. There are tons of cribs to choose from online and in stores. I also suggest getting a good crib mattress and a waterproof cover in case your newborn has an accident.
4. Infant Car Seat
Your baby’s safety should be your top priority. Having a crib that meets the latest safety standards is one way to protect your baby. When you bring your newborn home from the hospital, you’ll need to have an infant car seat ready to go.
Really, whenever you take your baby on a car ride make sure you have your car seat installed correctly and securely. You never know what can happen and you want your baby to be as safe as possible when you’re driving!
5. Baby Bottles
This next newborn essential will be a necessity for feeding time. Even if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want to have a few baby bottles on hand.
Baby bottles are easy to use and great for breast milk and baby formula. Plus, you can let your partner and other family members feed your baby with a bottle.
Some parents like glass bottles or plastic bottles. I suggest picking a bottle that is within your price range. Also, make sure to buy different kinds of bottles to see what kind your baby likes, as they can have their own preferences.
6. Breast Pump
You need the right tools to feed your baby, especially if you plan on breastfeeding. I like to use hands-free breast pumps that don’t have too many tubes and wires. This makes feeding time a lot easier for me.
Electronic pumps are one of the most convenient ways to breastfeed. You can find manual pumps if you prefer this. Moms should also invest in nipple cream to help with breastfeeding. Your nipples will get dry and cracked, especially within the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
7. Baby Monitor
Some people don’t use a baby monitor or think this item is unnecessary. Personally, I like to have one of these devices for peace of mind. A baby monitor lets me know that my infant is safe and sleeping well. If they need me in the nursery I’ll know right away!
Newer baby monitors even have video capabilities so you can hear and see your baby from an app on your phone. This is a great feature for parents that really want to check in on their baby 24/7.
8. Stroller
A stroller is another newborn essential you will need when you leave the house. I know it’s tempting to stay indoors, but it's good to get out and take some time for yourself.
My mental health really improved when I took my baby out on walks around the neighborhood. Having a stroller generally makes life a lot easier! You don’t have to constantly hold your baby and you can move around and finish your errands a lot faster.
9. Simple Clothes and Blankets
Baby clothes are necessary, but you don’t need to go overboard! While buying brand-new outfits can be fun, remember that your baby will grow out of their clothes fast. So, I recommend sticking to the basics and getting a few essential outfits that are easy to take on and off.
This will allow you to set a budget and bring home exactly what you need. Some baby clothes, and other related items, you should look for include:
- A few onesies
- Booties
- Washable bibs
- One or two sweaters or jackets
- Baby blankets
- A couple of hats
- Washable burp clothes
10. Baby Nasal Aspirator
Finally, moms should get a nasal aspirator. Babies get sick easily and when this happens an aspirator will be your best friend. It sucks up boogers and keeps your baby’s nose clear. This way they can breathe, eat, and sleep while they are sick. If you want your baby to sleep better and breathe better I highly recommend getting this newborn essential.
Final Thoughts on Newborn Essentials
With so many newborn products and gadgets out there, it can seem impossible to create the perfect checklist for your baby. You want to make sure that you have everything you need to take care of your baby. Still, you don’t have to buy every baby product you see to prepare for this major milestone in your life.
I included some of the newborn essentials I think moms really need. If you have other recommendations or useful items for moms you want to share, feel free to comment below.