Essential Items for a Newborn Baby

First things first! If you are a new mom or soon-to-be mommy, congratulations! You have probably already thought about some of these essential items for a newborn baby, but others you have not even considered. I’ll give you an idea about the things that you and your baby really need and things that you don’t need but are good to have in the first months of life.

For your peace of mind, we advise you to anticipate the purchase of many of these items in case the birth comes early, so let’s start with our must-haves for newborns.

 

Car Seat and Stroller

You will not be able to bring your baby home without a car seat. You can buy a travel system to save money than buying a separate car seat and stroller. A travel system is a stroller and car seat combo. Just make sure you read the reviews before you buy one, but if you want to play it safe based on my opinion… Here you go!

I personally used a car system with my firstborn. With my second baby though, I did buy a separate car seat Nuna Pipa Lite which is the lightest car seat on the market. I also have the Venice Child Double Stroller so my firstborn has his own seat in case he gets tired from walking when we are out and about. 

I’ve also heard great things about the Doona car seat, and Uppababy, so it’s worth mentioning and leaving it as an option in case you decide on either.

Crib or bassinet

You need a place to put your newborn when sleeping. I personally used the Mika Micky Bedside Bassinet and Snoo Smart bassinet instead of a crib because I coslept with my baby to save my sanity. There are a lot of good cribs and bassinets in the market. I highly recommend bedside bassinets though for the first few weeks of the baby at least so you can easily get the baby for feeding.

Diaper bag

I tried 4 diaper bags in the past and I tell you, get the backpack and not a diaper shoulder bag. It is so much easier to carry especially when you are holding your baby in your arms. Again, backpack diaper bag, not a shoulder bag! Thank me later! I’ll leave my top 3 back diaper bags below. I highly recommend you get a good one because you will be using it a lot.

Ruvalino Diaper Bag – Amazon

Sleepy Panda Diaper Bag – Bailey

 

BabbleRoo Diaper Bag – Amazon

Milk bottles

Whether you plan on breastfeeding or giving formula, you need bottles. Get bottles that are anti-colic because those bottles are made to reduce air bubbles and help the baby get a good latch. I personally used Philips Avent bottles. But you can choose the ones you want, as long as you read good references about the bottles. Don’t forget to buy some extra nipples, you will need them later on. 

Diapers

You can either use a disposable or cloth diaper. I personally use Pampers Swaddlers with both my kids and never had a problem with it. On the other hand, if you go green, try wegreeco Washable Reusable cloth diapers or DYPER Bamboo eco diapers, which will help prevent spills and give you the best of disposables and cloth diapers while reducing your impact on the environment. 

Baby clothes

That includes onesies, beanies, mittens, booties, and so on. Just a heads up, babies grow really fast so don’t buy a lot of newborn clothes. Both of my kids wore their newborn clothes for just 1 1/2 months then we moved up to 3-6 months clothes. I personally bought from Carter’s and Children’s Place. And oh, buy zip-up onesies or the magnetic, not button ones. You’re welcome!

Burpies or burp clothes

You can buy a bunch of these because you can use them even when they’re older. It’s mainly used to wipe baby spit-ups but it’s really multipurpose so you can use it to wipe just about anything.

Nose Frida

The “baby booger buster” and “Snut sucker”. If you don’t know what is it, it is basically a nasal aspirator. Parents swear by this so make sure to check it out. An electric nasal aspirator is also available and that’s what I personally use but most moms I know prefer the original Nose Frida. Here are the best options for each one of them.

Electric Nose Aspirator – Amazon

Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator – Amazon

 

Bottle sterilizer

Your newborn’s health is very important so I believe a sterilizer for your baby bottles is a must. There are different sterilizers in the market. I personally used the Tommee Tippee microwave steam sterilizer with my firstborn and Dr. Brown’s Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer with my second. You can also use your dishwasher to sterilize bottles or just dump the bottles in boiling water. It’s just one’s own preference.

Baby carrier

Carriers will free your hands and you will really appreciate it! You can do things while keeping your baby close to you. There are wraps, slings, and the regular buckle carrier. I used Ergobaby 360 and Boppy Comfyhug baby carrier. 

Swaddle

Newborns were used to a tight space when they were still in mommy’s tummy so swaddling babies helps them feel secure and snug but not all babies like to be wrapped like a burrito so try it and see if your newborn will like it. My firstborn loved being swaddled when he was little and he sleeps longer too but my second one hated it. They are perfect for first-timers, as it is not easy to learn to swaddle with blankets, so take it as a mom life hack.

Bottle warmers

If you are breastfeeding straight from the tap (you know what I mean, hahaha!) or if you are giving formula with room temperature water then you probably don’t need one but if you pump and you get milk from the freezer like me, then this is one of the most essential items for a newborn baby. It will help many moms who have to go to work or who have to leave their babies in the care of others.

Bottle cleaning kit

Bottle racks, bottle sponges, and bottle detergent are more important than you might think. Separating the baby’s cleaning supplies from those of adults will help maintain the baby’s overall health. Although many see it as unnecessary, I consider it as one essential item for a newborn baby for at least the first 12 months of life. 

Baby bath kit with bathtub, towel, and bath supplies

Make sure the bathtub is comfortable because it is in the bathroom where you will spend the most fun times together. Pay special attention to your baby’s skin and make sure to use a sculpt scrub and shampoo that does not dry out their delicate skin to avoid future allergies and rashes.

Baby wipes

For wiping your newborn’s cute booty, hands, or just about anything. And no, wipes warmer is not part of this list as I don’t think it’s necessary and I didn’t really use one.  

 

Changing pad

Because you don’t want your baby’s bare butt to lay on a dirty floor or seat or something. Usually, some diaper bags come with their own changing pad, but if this is not your case, this one from Munchkin is pretty good.

Diaper cream

Must have because you never know when rashes will appear. Those diaper rashes hurt so make sure to put cream right away. There are a lot of great creams on the market, but I’ll leave you with my 3 favorite diaper creams here.

Grooming kit

Just like adults, babies’ nails need to be trimmed. I personally use and prefer electric nail files to regular clippers. Babies close, clench their little hands and some even panic, and any false move can lead to small (and painful) accidents. 

Baby lounger

One of my favorite newborn essentials! It is designed as a lounging spot for babies to relax comfortably while they are awake. We used Snuggle Me lounger and DockATot a lot when my son was much smaller. We loved it!

DockATot

Thermometer

Of course, to monitor baby’s body temperature, especially during this stage where they can’t talk yet. I prefer digital thermometers to mercury thermometers because if they break you don’t have to run to call the fire department (LOL).

Ihealth Infrared Thermometer

 

Humidifier and air purifier

Both of these improve indoor air. A humidifier adds moisture into dry air which helps in your baby’s breathing. It also helps relieve dry skin and congestion while an Air purifier cleans the air by removing pollutants like allergens and dust. My air purifier is from Himox and worth every penny, I highly recommend it.

Sanitizer

I’ve said this in my previous videos, prevention is better than cure. Always wash your hands and sanitize before touching a newborn. Infants have a weak immune system and are notoriously susceptible to bacterial and viral infections so it’s better to be safe than sorry. I am saying this as a mom and as a nurse. Protect your babies by sanitizing your hands.

Baby monitor

Must have especially when you live in a house or even an apartment. You can watch and hear your baby while you are outside the room in the kitchen or living room and you’ll know right away when your baby is awake or crying. It saves a lot of headaches for nervous moms so I think it’s worth the money. 

Baby swing

You’ll thank me again later. I personally used 4moms mamaRoo and Fisher-Price Cradle n Swing (Recalled). 

White noise machine

This one is really not an essential item but a white noise machine promotes sleep in babies. Babies may be able to fall asleep faster with white noise in the background and it also blocks household noise. If your baby has a hard time sleeping, this white noise machine by Hatch may be the solution for him to regulate his sleep quickly.

 

I recommend early and gradual purchasing of all these essential items to save on expenses and be prepared in case of early birth. I hope it has been useful and that it helps you prepare for the most beautiful stage of all. Follow me on my social media for more maternity content, family travel, and tips for moms.