This post is all about the newborn essentials you will actually use.
Having a baby is extremely exciting and if you are anything like me, you are doing all the research you can to make sure you are very prepared. As a mom of 4 and a daycare provider, I am giving you the complete list of newborn essentials that I swear by.
From the “Must Haves” to the “Nice to Have” to “What they need - As They Grow” and most importantly where to “Save Your Money”. It is all here.
You are going to learn about all the baby essentials from feeding, the nursery, diapering, clothes, and more.
After learning about all of these baby products, you are going to be prepared when you bring your new bundle of joy home.
This post is all about the best newborn essentials that you need and will use.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read full disclosure.
If you want to skip to a certain section, I have a Table of Contents for you.
You are able to skip ahead to any section.
The absolute best way to save money if you are planning on having more than one child is to purchase as many of the following items gender-neutral as possible. We had a girl first and then 3 boys. The gender-neutral products made it through them all.
NEWBORN FEEDING ESSENTIALS
Feeding
Must Haves
1. Bottles
Should you go with glass or plastic? What shape and flow of nipple do you need? There are so many options to choose from.
We went with these bottles and nipples, found on Amazon. These worked well for all 4 of our children.
2. Bottle Cleaning Brush
If you have to hand wash bottles, you will want a bottle cleaning brush, found on Amazon. It does such a great job of getting into all the nooks and crannies of every part of the bottle.
3. Formula
If you decide to formula feed your baby, you will need a lot of it. The best way to choose from all of the options out there is to get recommendations from your doctor, friends, family, and look on the internet.
While I mostly breastfed my 4 kids, baby 2 had some nursing - growing issues and had to switch to formula. He also had problems with spit-up.
This led us to go with this formula, found on Amazon
4. Breast Pump
If you decide to nurse and go back to work get a breast pump. I used this breast pump, found on Amazon, and it worked really well for me. Most insurance will cover you to get a double electric breast pump.
I worked outside of the home while nursing baby 1 and halfway nursing baby 2. Even though I was working as a daycare provider with babies 3 and 4 and I could just feed them whenever I still used my pump.
5. Milk Storage Bags
Milk storage bags are important for freezing breast milk. I never had any of these bags, found on Amazon, leak milk.
To store milk in the freezer, lay the bag flat to freeze and then store them like books at the library. Put them in order with the oldest ones in the front of the line.
This saves so much freezer space. We have a chest freezer and had extra space so I used a wipes box as a holder.
Keep a list somewhere of how much milk you are putting in the freezer. By doing this, you can keep track of how early you can start to cut back to make it to your nursing length goal.
Go get ‘em Mama!
6. Burb Cloths
Some babies spit up more than others, but they all spit-up. Having a stack of burp cloths, found on Amazon, on hand to help with all the spit is a must.
My 1st and 4th babies hardly spit up at all, so nice. My 2nd and 3rd babies on the other hand spit up so much that I had to buy more burp cloths.
7. Bibs
From the drool, spit-up, and eventually food, bibs are a must-have from the start. The best kind are bibs that have a snap closure instead of Velcro, like these, found on Amazon. The Velcro eventually wears out from washing them.
Feeding
Nice to Have
1. Bottle Drying Rack
Bottle drying racks, found on Amazon, will help your bottles and the rest of their parts dry properly after washing. The best part about this rack is it can go into the dishwasher to get clean.
This will take up a little bit of counter space but your sink will not be overrun with bottles.
I ended up having 2 of these. One drying rack was for the bottles, the other I used for all the pump supplies.
2. Dishwasher Basket
A dishwasher basket can be used for bottles, nipples, pump supplies, and as they grow sippy cup parts and small utensils. This basket, found on Amazon, has been in my dishwasher for the last 10 years.
3. Nursing Pillow
I would recommend this nursing pillow, found on Amazon, whether you going to nurse or use formula.
Even though your newborn baby is little, they get heavy after holding them for a while. This support is just right for snuggling and feeding your baby.
As little ones grow and can hold their bottle, they can lay down on this pillow and free you up for a couple of minutes.
4. Nursing Pillow Covers
The nursing pillow listed above comes naked. Two pillow covers, found on Amazon, are nice to have since babies tend to spit up.
Feeding
As They Grow
1. Booster Seat
Go for a booster seat instead of a high chair. It saves so much space and they are portable if you are traveling.
We had a high chair to start. We have a small kitchen and it took up so much space.
Eventually, we switched to a booster seat. After we did, I was like, why didn't we do this sooner.
I have this one, found on Amazon, which is my favorite because it has a big tray, and this one, found on Amazon, since I do daycare.
2. Sippy Cups
When your baby is about 9 months old, you can start introducing a sippy cup. Your baby will not do much but chew on it to start. The best kinds of sippy cups are hard top ones. Chew through proof!
I had a few different kinds, but these sippy cups, found on Amazon, have made it through my 4 kids and all of my daycare kids.
They have a no-spill stopper in them. Kids tip things every which way. I don’t know about you, but the less mess I have to clean up the better.
3. Plates and Bowls
These plates and bowls, found on Amazon, are the right size for kids and have stood the test of time at my house. My dishwasher is run daily and I have not had to replace these in the last 9 years.
4. Cups
Having cups that fit little hands prevent most spills. Notice I did not say all! Sometimes I even spill my milk. These cups, found on Amazon, are just the right shape and size for your kiddos.
5. Spoons and Forks
Just like the sippy cups, you will want to introduce utensils before they will have the best coordination to use them. You don't want them eating everything with their hands forever.
These utensils, found on Amazon, are great and now my 10-year-old takes the spoons in her lunch to school.
6. Snack Cups
If you are on the go at all, snack cups are a must. Kids are hungry All-The-Time, or so it seems.
These snack cups, found on Amazon, bring the spilling down to a minimum. They are easy for little kids to hold on to as well.
Feeding
Save Your Money
1. Bottle Warmer
Bottles can be warmed up by heating water in a pan on the stove or a container in the microwave and then set the bottle in it. No bottle warmer necessary.
Save: $$
2. Bottle and Pacifier Sterilizer
As long as you wash your bottles and pacifiers with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher, they should be good to go.
Save: $$ - $$$
NEWBORN NURSERY ESSENTIALS
Nursery
Must Haves
1. Crib
Your baby is going to need someplace to sleep besides being snuggled in your arms. A crib is the best place for a baby to sleep.
I cannot recommend our exact crib since my wonderful father-in-law built ours. It is pretty much the same as this crib, found on Amazon.
2. Mattress
There is a wide range of crib mattresses. And with this range, you can find hefty price tags.
We used this mattress, found on Target. It made it through 4 kids using it every day for about 8 years.
3. Waterproof Mattress Pads
Pick up 2 waterproof mattress pads, found on Target. Babies spit up or blow out of their diapers. While you have one in the wash, you can have the other in the crib.
My favorite was when a poop explosion happened in the middle of the night. Having the backup made it easy to change the bed, and let me go back to bed.
Your sleep is precious with a baby around.
4. Crib Sheets
Make sure you grab 2 – 3 crib sheets, found on Amazon. You will want multiple of these for the same reasons as the multiple mattress pads.
Somehow, we ended up with 8. No, you do not need 8 crib sheets!
5. Dresser
You are going to need a place to hold all the cuteness that is baby clothes. Using a dresser is a great way to stay organized. I love this dresser, found on Amazon.
6. Hangers
There are small hangers made just for baby and kid clothes. These hangers, found on Target, make it so much easier to hang your little one’s clothes, and they do not cost that much.
Someone first offered them to me and I asked, do I need them. Yes, yes you do.
7. Night Light
When you have to get up in the middle of the night with your baby, do you want to turn the top light on? I didn’t.
I wanted to get the baby back to sleep as soon as possible so I could go back to sleep.
We have these night lights, found on Amazon, in multiple rooms of our house. They are dim enough to get a good night's sleep but light enough that you can see what you are doing.
Nursery
Nice to Have
1. Chair
An incredibly comfortable chair is so nice to have in the baby's bedroom if you have space for it.
My husband and I took turns spending countless hours with our babies in this comfy chair, found on Amazon. I liked that ours had an ottoman since I nursed.
2. Night Stand
A nightstand, found on Amazon, right next to a comfortable chair is helpful. You can keep a bottle of water on it, your book, a snack, and is a great place to set your phone down.
If you have a low dresser, which is what we had, next to the chair then you wouldn't need a nightstand. It was used multiple times, daily.
3. Laundry Bin
Babies make A LOT of laundry. You will need a basket or hamper until you can get them in the wash.
I opted for this basket, found on Amazon, it slid under a bed we had. An upright hamper would be great also as it can stand easily in a closet.
4. Sound Machine
Nursery
As They Grow
1. Twin Bed
All babies will need a different bed when they outgrow or start climbing out of their crib.
We knew that we wanted to have multiple children and only wanted to buy items once if possible. We also have a small house and space is a commodity.
For this reason, we went with a twin bed instead of a toddler bed.
2. Waterproof Mattress Pad
Pick up 2 of these waterproof mattress pads, found on Amazon. Toddlers may still blow out of their diapers. They may also wet the bed during potty training time.
Having the backup made it easy to change the bed, and let me go back to bed.
Your sleep is precious with a child around.
3. Sheets
Make sure you grab 2 – 3 sets of sheets, found on Target. Just in case you need to change the sheets in the middle of the night, it is great to have extra on hand.
I can easily get by with 1 extra set per bed at my house. When it is a normal sheet wash day, I like to remake the bed right away with the extra and move on with other tasks.
4. Pillow
According to this article, Healthline “wait to introduce pillows to your little one’s sleep routine until they reach 1 ½ years old (18 months). This is for your child’s safety.
With that recommendation in mind, I bet you are wondering what kind of pillow you should first get for your kiddo.
We used pillows like these, found on Amazon, for all of our kids. They have little bodies and their neck/head area does not need that much support. They are made for 2 - 5 year olds.
Bonus: they are machine washable. I have had to wash the pillows multiple times now and they do hold up nice to it.
5. Blanket
One or more blankets may be needed when your kiddo gets into a real bed. We had received so many blankets from our wedding that we just used those for a while.
Since then, I was able to make a quilt for each of my kids' beds.Nursery
Save Your Money
1. Nursery Décor
This décor is cute and all but does your baby really love it. No, they don’t even know it is there.
I know that your baby’s room will look bare for a bit but you will not have to find a place for it to go in a few years.
I hung up a nice, soothing painting that my sister made. It is still up and loved by my daughter.
Save: $$ - $$$, the sky is the limit on this one. YIKES!
2. Changing Table
We have small bedrooms, so no room for a changing table. But it was not missed. And we did not have to find a new home for it once our babies were out of diapers.
Our babies were changed on a mat on the floor.
We bought this changing mat, found on Amazon, that could be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe.
Save: $$$
3. Crib Liner
Your baby will eventually move around when they sleep. A crib liner will prevent your baby from sticking its arms and legs through the slats of the crib. They probably won't be injured though.
There were times that I would check on my babies and they would have a limb sticking out the crib. I gently put it back in. Never were any of my children injured because of this.
Save: $$
4. Crib Skirts
Most crib sides go down pretty close to the floor, which means you cannot see what is under the crib. If you are looking to cut something off your wish list or baby registry this is it.
Save: $$
5. Character Sheets and Blankets
Even though they are so cute, skip character sheets and blankets. Kids change their minds about their favorites often.
Having a neutral blanket and sheets is something they can grow with. Try character clothes instead.
Save: $$ - $$$NEWBORN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travel
Must Haves
1. Infant Car Seat
By law, if any baby is traveling in a vehicle it needs to be in an infant car seat. You can NOT even leave the hospital with your brand-new baby unless you have one and show the nurses that you can properly strap your baby into it.
With our first baby we went with a Graco infant car seat. It is no longer available.
We went with this infant car seat, found on Amazon, second. I did love this one and recommend it if you are planning on having more than one baby.
Yes, we had to get 2. Infant car seats, all car seats actually, have an expiration date on them.
By the time we got to baby 4, the first one expired. That was disappointing since they are not cheap.
If I had to choose an infant seat now, I would go with this infant car seat, found on Amazon. It is a buy one-time car seat. It changes into whatever car seat your child needs until they are old enough and big enough to use your vehicle's regular seat belt.
2. Stroller
The sky is the limit when it comes to all the stroller options. Some things to consider when trying to pick the right one is:
- How much it costs
- How heavy is it
- How big is it when it collapses down for storing or do you plan to always leave it open
- How long can your baby use it – some are only for infants while others are for older kiddos
- Where do you plan to use it
- Are you just walking or do you want to run with it
We ended up with 3 very different strollers:
- This Umbrella Stroller, found on Amazon
My sister-in-law gave us this stroller when her kids did not need it anymore. We have used it a handful of times on longer outings, like the zoo.
I would NOT have bought this on my own, but it has come in handy the few times we used it.
- This Travel System Stroller, found on Amazon
This is the stroller we bought with our first baby. The infant car seat that comes with it can click into it. It can be used as our baby grew.
It is lightweight and has a nice storage basket at the bottom. We put so many miles on it before, and even after, we got the double stroller.
- This Double Stroller, found on Amazon
This stroller is the Mack Daddy, and I would buy it again, and again! I just love it! Hands down, this is the stroller I recommend the most.
We test drove this stroller at our county fair. One of my daycare clients let us borrow it. Even though it is a beast, it was like pushing a cloud. AMAZING!
We ended up buying it from them since their kids did not need a stroller anymore. Since I still do daycare, this is the stroller that has gotten the most use.
3. Pack and Play (Play Yard) And Sheets
Are you going to be traveling with your baby? If so, you will need a place for them to sleep.
I have 2 pack and plays since I am a daycare provider, this compact one and this full size one. These are both found on Amazon.
I recommend these hands down. They are put up and taken down 5 days a week, for over 2 years now due to daycare use, and are still in like-new condition.
I use these sheets for the compact size pack and play, found on Amazon.
I use these sheets for the full size pack and play, found on Amazon.
Travel
Nice to Have
1. Baby Carrier
If you are wanting to free up your hands but still snuggle your baby, look into buying a baby carrier. This can be used around the house, or out and about on walks. I used this one, found on Amazon.
However, let me tell you that I wish I would have gone with the better quality, ahem pricier, option, and here is why.
As your baby grows, they get heavier and this, in turn, puts more strain on your back.
Choosing a baby carrier that has good back support like this one, found on Amazon, is the best option for you.
2. Clip-On Battery Fan
You can help keep your baby cool in those hot summer months with a clip-on fan. I did not have a fan for any of my babies.
A daycare baby showed up with this fan, found on Amazon, and it was a delight to have. If you like to go on walks you may want to consider it.
I did end up buying this fan for when we go camping.
3. Bug Net
If you live in a buggy area, you may want a bug net for your car seat/stroller.
We have this bug net, found on Amazon. I wish we could get this bug net for our yard!
We have lots of mosquitos, gnats, and no-see-ums, and I have the worst reactions to the bites. I did not want any of my babies to have to go through these bites if possible.
4. Sunscreen
It is recommended that babies under 6 months old should not wear sunscreen. To protect your baby from the sun until that time, keep them in the shade and wear protective clothing and hats.
But after that, you should be good to go. There are many to choose from but I went with this sunscreen, found on Amazon. All of my kids get sunscreen applied daily during the summer months.
Travel
As They Grow
1. Convertible Car Seat
Your baby can only stay in an infant car seat for so long, check the recommendations for your seat. They will then need to be switched to a convertible car seat.
We went with this seat, found on Amazon. It is a front-facing, harnessed seat that can be switched to a high back booster, that can be switched to a booster. It can be used for 10 years.
2. Booster Car Seats
If you need a regular booster seat, look at this one, found on Amazon.
Our 2nd kiddo graduated to a regular booster at the same time our 3rd kiddo graduated to a front-facing car seat. We had to get one.
Travel
Save Your Money
1. Car Seat and Stroller Toys
We were gifted some of these toys, but we would not have bought them.
It is okay for your baby to look around and explore the environment that they are in. They do not need to be entertained all of the time.
Save: $ - $$NEWBORN DIAPERING ESSENTIALS
Diapering
Must Haves
1. Diapers
The first big choice is whether to use cloth or disposable diapers. I went with the disposable for my babies.
However, I had 2 daycare babies that went with cloth diapers. The snap closure and a flushable poop liner make them just as easy to use as disposable diapers. Helping out our environment is a plus too.
If you decide to go with disposable, there are a few things to consider when choosing which brand will be right for your baby. Most importantly, does your baby has sensitive skin?
I went with these diapers, found on Amazon. They are unscented. I also like the way the straps have flex to them which seem to "hug" around your baby's little waist.
We were gifted a brand, which had fragrance in it, and my baby’s skin had the worst reaction to it. She wore one diaper for 2 hours and got a terrible rash that took 2 days to clear up.
By being a daycare provider, I have experience with other brands. It seems to me that there are fewer poop explosions while using Huggies diapers.
2. Wipes
Once again, you do not know your baby’s skin sensitivity. It is best to go with unscented wipes.
I bought these wipes, found on Amazon, over and over again. You use fewer wipes per changing time. Even though my kids are done with diapers, I keep a small stash of these wipes on hand for outings.
I tried using knock-off brands, to save some money. I ended up going through them way faster since I had to use multiple wipes every time my baby pooped.
3. Diaper Rash Cream
Unfortunately, your baby will have a diaper rash at some point. Some babies get it worse than others.
There was a range of frequency and severity with all my 4 kids. I used Desitin, found on Amazon, the most. I also have experience with Aquaphor, found on Amazon.
4. Diaper Bag
You will find 2 main styles of diaper bags: backpack and tote/duffel. They both have about the same amount of room.
I started with a tote/duffel diaper bag similar to this one, found on Amazon. It was a nice bag and held so much stuff but in the end it just wasn't for me.
If I had to bend down to help out my little one, the duffel would fall off my shoulder, every time. This was especially true when I had more than one child.
I could have crossed it over my body but the added pressure to my chest was killer since I was nursing.
I switched to the this backpack style, found on Amazon, and was in love!
Diapering
Nice To Have
1. Changing Mat
Instead of a fabric/foam changing pad, try a washable changing pad.
We bought this changing mat, found on Amazon, that could be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe.
2. Fold Up Changing Mat
Usually, diaper bags come with a fold-up changing mat, like this one found on Amazon. If yours did not and you are on the go with your baby, you may want to consider one.
I was gifted an extra one and loved keeping it in my car. It was nice to carry around when I did not need to take the whole diaper bag. It was used!
3. Swim Diapers
If you want to take your baby to the pool or the lake, get swim diapers! Regular diapers swell up so bad that your little one can barely move their legs.
We had good luck with these swim diapers, found on Amazon.
Diapering
As They Grow
1. Step Stools
My guess is nothing in your house is made for your child, the sink, the toilet, the bookshelf. Make it easier for your growing toddler and get a decent step stool.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or large. We have a step stool, found on Amazon, like this. It is used multiple times daily.
2. Underwear
As your baby grows into a toddler, potty training is just around the corner. One way to make potty training successful is to get underwear with a fun print on it, something they like.
We had good luck with these boy underwear and these girl underwear, both found on Amazon.
They will get excited about wanting to wear the fun underwear. It may help move the whole potty training along faster than if they just have white underwear.
Diapering
Save Your Money
1. Diaper Organizer/Caddy
Sure, I wanted the diapers and wipes to be organized but I did not want to have to get rid of a basket/ caddy when the kids were out of diapers.
We took the diapers out of their plastic packaging and put them back in the diaper box, which we then tucked by the side of the crib. We put the container of wipes by it and called it good.
Save: $$
2. Diaper Pails
Do you need a special diaper pail? No.
A small garbage can that can fit all those grocery bags that you don't know what to do with is just fine. You are going to want to take it out frequently anyway, go with the cheaper option.
Save: $$, and don’t forget the cost of the bags for this thing: Refill bags start at $
3. Pull-Ups/Training Pants
I am sure that many people would fight me on this one but you do not need pull-ups/training pants for your toddler.
When it comes time to potty training and your child is not ready, you will just be wasting your money on these.
They cost more than diapers, and who wants to pay more for something. Stick with the diapers and then switch to underwear.
Save: $ (for a small amount) and up
4. Potty Chairs
When my kids and daycare kids were potty training, they wanted me to sit in with them. I was right there to help them if they needed me to.
They were also old enough to keep their balance on a regular-sized toilet. With the help of the step stool, they were able to get on and off by themselves.
No small potty chair is needed. Besides, I did not want another toilet to clean. 1 is enough for me!
Save: $$
5. Toilet Training Seats
I understand you want your little one to be comfortable, but a toilet training seat is not necessary.
You will be with them when they start potty training. You will be able to hold onto them if they need help.
I would love to add up how many hours I have spent sitting with a child while they go to the bathroom. Patience goes hand in hand with potty training.
Save: $$NEWBORN CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
Clothing
Must Haves
1. Clothes
Your baby needs clothes, same as you. Here is a list of the following clothing items you should have for your baby.
- Onesies
- Shirts
- Pants
- Socks
- Hats
- Pajamas/sleep sacks
- Winter hat and mittens – if it is winter
- Blankets – heavy and light – your baby loves to be warm and snuggled
Do not go crazy buying a bunch of clothes for your baby at the start. I know, I know! They are all just so cute. But people will gift you baby clothes.
Instead, wait a bit, see what you get and then see what you need! Otherwise, you will end up with bins and bins of clothes and have no idea where they all came from. Still not sure how this happened to us.
2. Hangers
There are small hangers made just for baby and kid clothes. These hangers, found on Target, make it so much easier to hang your little one’s clothes, and they do not cost that much.
Someone first offered them to me and I asked, do I need them. Yes, yes you do.
Clothing
Nice To Have
1. Bigger Clothes
If you are like me and like being prepared, have a couple clothing items on hand in the next size up.
One day your baby will fit into a shirt and then the next time you put the same shirt on him/her it will look like they are "Hulking" out of it.
Clothing
As They Grow
1. Shoes
Your baby will not need shoes really until they are close to or start walking.
If I were you, I would NOT go with expensive name-brand shoes for your little one.
They grow so fast that some shoes will not even look like they were worn. One of my boys was in a pair of shoes for 3 months and then I had to buy him a bigger size.
Clothing
Save Your Money
1. Baby Shoes
Even though your baby would look extra adorable, they do not need shoes. They cannot walk, they grow out of them so fast, and they usually just kick them off.
Save: $ and up
Organization Tip
Keep a "too small" bin in their closet. When they grow out of something put it in this instead of taking up space in their dresser, bins, and closet.
NEWBORN BATH TIME ESSENTIALS
Bath Time
Must Haves
1. Baby Wash
The best baby wash you can go with to start is an all-over wash. This will scrub them clean from head to toe. Another good thing to consider is tear-free.
We used this baby wash, found on Amazon, with all 4 kids. Get the pump option if possible. Most of the time you will need to get soap 1 handed.
2. Lotion
After bath time, give your baby a nice massage and apply lotion. Baby skin can dry out so fast.
Try out this fragrance-free lotion, found on Amazon, to save on irritating your baby’s sensitive skin. We used it with all 4 of our babies.
3. Comb/Brush
Your baby may or may not have hair to start. Either way, you will want to comb their hair/head.
A gentle comb/brush, found on Amazon, will help stimulate hair growth and not irritate your baby’s skin on its head.
4. Nail Clippers
You are going to be absolutely amazed at how fast your baby’s nails will grow. I know I was.
Having this small nail clipper, found on Amazon, will help to keep your baby’s nails short and straight.
Bath Time
Nice To Have
1. Soft Wash Cloths
Using a soft washcloth will be gentle for your baby's soft skin and clean all their cute rolls. Try these washcloths, found on Amazon.
Bath Time
As They Grow
1. A Few Toys
I say a FEW toys because they can multiple pretty easily. Kids love to play in the water.
We only have these float bubbles, these boats, and these fish, all found on Amazon.
It may give you a few minutes to let you check your email or find a good recipe for supper. Let them play mama, let them play.
Bath Time
Save Your Money
1. Baby Bath Tubs, Seats, and Cushions
We didn’t even consider bringing these bulky items into our house.
For the first few baths, our newborns took a bath right in the kitchen sink.
After that, we had them take a shower with one of us. They can be pretty slippery so lay a washcloth on your torso and they will be easier to hold onto. This was such a time saver too.
Save: $$
2. Faucet Extender
While I can see how a faucet extender can help prevent injury, you do not need one.
I have given a lot of kid baths in the last 10 years and I can only think of 1 time one of my kids hit themselves on the faucet.
Save: $$
3. Fun Soap Rinse Cup
Go into your kitchen and look in the drinking glasses cupboard. I can bet the farm that the majority of you have a plastic cup from a parade or a ball game. Donate it to the cause of rinsing all the soap from your baby during bath time.
Save: $
4. Baby Bathrobe
Baby bathrobes are extremely cute and I am not going to lie, we had one. However, it was gifted to us and I would have never bought it on our own.
After bath time, a baby wants to get warmed back up. It is easy to make this happen with a sleeper and receiving blanket.
Save: $$
NEWBORN PLAYING ESSENTIALS
Playing
Must Haves
1. Board Books
Books can play a huge part in a child’s development. Having board books on hand will help them learn and want to be good readers in the future.
Stocking up on an assortment is good for you, you won’t get bored of the same 5 books. Some of our favorite board books include Little Blue Truck series, found on Amazon. It is great for girls and boys.
At my sister’s baby shower, we asked the guests to bring a children’s book instead of a card. This gave her a small instant library with variety.
All my kids love books and we have spent countless hours with them.
2. Crinkle Books
Crinkle books, found on Amazon, will keep your baby entertained for a long time. They can be chewed on, are flexible, and make a small amount of noise to pique your baby's curiosity. My kids and daycare kids both gravitated to these.
3. Rattles
Rattles, found on Amazon, are a multi-purpose toy. They make noise and can be chewed on during teething.
It is better to get hard rattles instead of plush ones. They are easier to clean when they get spit-up on.
Every baby that I have seen in and outside of my house loves rattles.
Playing
Nice To Have
1. Bouncy Seat
If you are going to have a bouncy seat, get one that is adjustable and you can start feeding your baby food in it when they are old enough.
We loved having this bouncy seat, found on Amazon. The downfall is that your baby will not be in it even 6 months.
2. Jumper
A jumper is a great way to let your baby build some leg muscles, and tire themselves out at the same time.
All of my kids and daycare kids loved being in the jumper. We have this jumper, found on Amazon.
3. Shape Bucket and Ring Stack
This shape bucket and this ring stack, found on Amazon, are nice to teach colors, shapes, eye-hand coordination, and cause and effect – you can stack them and knock them down.
We got one with our first baby 10 years ago and all the kids in my care have gravitated to it since.
4. Cars
Whether you have a little boy or a little girl you should get some hand-held cars, found on Amazon, they can drive around. I have watched my daughter, sons, and all of my daycare kids use these cars.
Playing
As They Grow
1. Children’s Books
I will not go into all the benefits reading will have for your baby, but it is important! Having a range of books that your child has access to will encourage them to be interested and be better readers.
In our house, a couple of book series that are well-loved and gender-neutral, are Little Critter, Berenstain Bears, Pete the Cat, and Snowman at Night. These are all found on Amazon. We have a huge selection of books to choose from.
Playing
Save Your Money
There are so many toys on the market now. The only way to save your money in this category is to not buy as much or any.
We reserve buying toys/books for our children for special occasions like their birthday and Christmas. Otherwise, your house will be overrun with toys and your child will not play with some of them.
Save: $$$ the sky is the limit here
NEWBORN HEALTH AND SAFETY ESSENTIALS
Health and Safety
Must Haves
1. Thermometer
Unfortunately, your baby is going to get sick sometime and you will need to check their temperature.
We had an under-the-arm one to start, and what a pain in the butt that was. When the battery went out, I went ahead and spent the money on a forehead/ear one.
The one I bought is no longer available but this thermometer, found on Amazon, is close.
2. Fragrance-Free Laundry Soap
Your baby may have a sensitivity that you are not aware of. They are completely fresh and have never been exposed to anything. By starting with fragrance-free laundry soap you can help your baby and its sensitive skin.
We used, and still do, Tide Free and Gentle, found on Amazon. We also tried Dreft, found on Amazon, which worked but the Tide was cheaper.
3. Gate
If you have stairs, you NEED to have a gate, found on Amazon. Once your baby starts rolling, they will be everywhere. Prevent a potential injury and get a decent gate.
We went with one that attaches to the wall and it can be opened and walked through. It has been up for 10 years and opened and closed millions of times.
Health and Safety
Nice To Have
1. Nasal Aspirator
Your baby cannot blow its nose, for a long time.
Usually, your hospital will supply you with a nasal aspirator, but if they don't be sure to pick up this nasal aspirator, found on Amazon.
You do not need the fancy ones and it will only be a couple of dollars.
2. Pacifier
If you plan on offering a pacifier to your baby, you may want to have a few different kinds to start. Whichever one they like the best, go and buy a handful of them.
I started using this pacifier, found on Amazon, which worked fine. I ended up switching to this NUK pacifier, found on Amazon. It has the same shape as the bottle nipples my babies were using.
3. Pacifier Clip
If your baby does use a pacifier, get a few pacifier clips, found on Amazon.
Pacifiers seem to be tossed from the baby pretty easily, either by them spitting it out or throwing it. The clip will help it to not land on the ground, gross.
4. Monitor
Monitors are a nice way to check on your baby without actually having to go in to check on them. We had this basic monitor, found on Amazon, since our house is smaller.
My sister has this video monitor, found on Amazon, and absolutely loves it.
5. Safety Latches and Outlet Covers
Safety Latches can be a pain to install. These safety latches, found on Amazon, are a breeze to install and use. But babies are explorers and are curious. If they can get into something they will and can make a huge mess.
I let my babies have at the container drawer so I knew what they were doing while I made supper but I had everything else off-limits.
We also still have these outlet covers, found on Amazon, everywhere the daycare kids have access to.
Health and Safety
As They Grow
1. Age-Appropriate Medicine
Your baby will have aches, pains, and get sick just like you do. If you do not know what medicine your baby can have, consult your doctor. I have a few items on hand constantly.
Health and Safety
Save Your Money
1. Humidifier
Unless your doctor is telling you that your baby needs this, you can skip it.
Save: - $$ - $$$
2. Shopping Cart Cover
There are ways to keep your baby germ-free at the store besides a shopping cart cover.
All stores have disinfecting wipes for your cart these days, use them.
If you don’t feel like that will get the job done, keep your baby in their infant seat. If they can sit up, you can bring in your stroller too.
If none of these work for you, you can always order what you need too, or do a curbside pickup.
Save: $$
Congratulations on your new baby!!! I am so excited for you! I hope this was extremely helpful and that you feel more prepared.
This post was all about the best newborn essentials that you need to have to welcome your new baby into your home.
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Let me know in the comments what baby product you just cannot live without. I look forward to hearing from you.